Marcell: Bulls already in knockout mode

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Marcell Coetzee believes the Vodacom Bulls’ pressure-filled URC campaign has prepared them perfectly for the playoffs.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Munster at Loftus, the Bulls skipper said his side has effectively been in playoff mode for weeks.

“Throughout the season, we were under pressure,” Coetzee said. “That kind of forced us to be in a knockout mindset every week. We kind of found our mojo through those challenges.”

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The Bulls head into the playoffs with valuable big-match experience after reaching three URC finals in four seasons, while having proven big-match winners in Handré Pollard and Willie le Roux.

“If you think of Handré and Willie, those are guys who have won World Cups,” Coetzee said. “It’s just that experience and calm they bring to the group.”

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Despite scoring a tournament-leading 82 tries during the league stage, the Bulls have battled with consistency throughout the season – something Coetzee admits they must fix quickly.

“With playoff rugby, it’s different,” he said. “Playoff rugby is a lot more like Test rugby in mentality.

“There’ll be opportunities to throw the ball around, but there will also be opportunities to slow it down and build pressure.”

Photo: Vodacom Bulls

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