Bulls to give their all in URC final
· Citizen
The Bulls hope that the fourth time will be the charm when they run onto the field at Croke Park for another URC final on Friday (kick-off 8.30pm).
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They face Leinster at the Dublin venue again, after being thrashed there in the final 32-7 last year.
But the Bulls believe this is the year for them, riding a wave of momentum after eight consecutive wins in the United Rugby Championship, and already fighting back from 21-3 to secure a memorable 22-21 away win over Glasgow Warriors in Edinburgh in the semi-final.
‘Play a proper game’
Still, head coach Johan Ackermann said on the eve of the game that his final message to players would be not to let the occasion overwhelm them.
“Because ultimately, what you’ve done through the season, it got you here,” the Bulls coach said.
“And I think if we can do those things well, and improve on areas that we were not so good against Glasgow and so on, I think that will probably be the main focus.
“We all know we have to start well, so that will probably be a big point as well.
“I trust the players will go out and give their best. If they give that, I can live with the result. If we go out and play a proper game and the better team wins, so be it.”
He added that while scrum dominance had driven much of their success this season, and were expected to play a massive role in a close, ground-out final where penalties kicked by Bok ace Handré Pollard could be the difference, the Bulls had to be strong in all departments of the game.
Leinster not impacted by Porter’s absence – Cullen
Leinster coach Leo Cullen said the absence of Ireland loosehead prop Andrew Porter due to injury would not impact the team’s performance.
Porter is replaced by Jerry Cahir, who only has 15 caps, and 20-year-old Alex Usanov sits on the bench. They are at least backed by the experienced Tadhg Furlong and Rónan Kelleher as they front up to Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Francois Klopper and Wilco Louw.
“Andrew has missed a big chunk of the season already, so guys have plenty of exposure throughout the season,” Cullen said.
“We would always have huge faith in the group that we have. It’s one guy down, next guy up. I don’t try to get too bogged down by that.
“I don’t think anyone thinks they’re going to let the team down on Friday, because they’re bloody great characters.”
The Leinster coach said the Bulls would offer a “serious challenge”.
“We want to be really respectful to the opposition, but we also need to be very focused on ourselves and what makes Leinster great.”