Coach Jake White insists the Bulls must contain Lions playmaker Sanele Nohamba in Saturday’s Jukskei Derby rematch in Jozi at 5pm.
Recalling his yster performance in the Bulls’ last-gasp 30-28 win in the United Rugby Championship in Pretoria two weeks ago, White emphasises the need to force Nohamba into defensive roles.
🚨 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) February 16, 2024
YOUR Vodacom Bulls team to take on the Emirates Lions at the Park in round 2 of the Jukskei Derby 🏆#BackTheBulls@vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/VcOTUxrdH7
White says: “I read somewhere after the game that he didn’t make a single tackle against us. It’s not his fault, we just never ran in his direction. We will have to put him under pressure.”
And, Bulls centre Stedman Gans warns of the Lions' all-around threat, adding: “With Nohamba they have a good kicking game. They can put you under pressure in many different ways, like they did to us.”
Johan Goosen has always had an absolute rocket of a right boot 🚀
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) February 14, 2024
Celebrating the @Vodacom #URC Origins Rounds we appreciate the incredible journey of Johan Goosen 💪 pic.twitter.com/uzxqiB3F5g
Tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, meanwhile, expresses the Lions’ determination to showcase more of their potential in this weekend’s Ellis Park clash.
Ntlabakanye reckons: “We’re not there yet but we’re slowly building… hopefully you can see more of those glimpses this weekend.”
This is going to be a battle and a half... Who's your #2️⃣?
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) February 13, 2024
🆚 @BlueBullsRugby
🏆: @URCOfficial_RSA
🗓: Sat, 17 Feb
⏰: 15:00
🚗![CDATA[]]>📍: https://t.co/n3FomFT8RB
🎟️: https://t.co/dyyqIto7es
🏟 : Emirates Airline Park#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/ufoAsX9FSq
Weekend’s URC fixtures
Friday: Zebre v Edinburgh, Scarlets v Munster (both 9.35pm).
Saturday: Lions v Bulls (3pm), Leinster v Benetton, Sharks v Stormers (both 5.055pm), Cardiff v Connacht (7.15pm), Glasgow v Dragons (9.35pm).
Sunday: Ospreys v Ulster (5pm).
dailyvoice@inl.co.za