Vodacom Bulls captain Trevor Nyakane says they can start making Loftus Versfeld a feared ground again when they take on the Highlanders on Saturday.
The Bulls have endured a tough start to the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season, losing all four of their opening fixtures against the Sharks and Stormers away, and Blues and Jaguares at home.
Pote Human’s side is now under pressure to get their first win of the season against the Highlanders, who have had an equally tough start with just one win out of four.
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Ahead of the game, Nyakane says he has the feeling teams are a bit more comfortable when playing at Loftus and that this weekend can be the start of bringing the fear factor back to the stadium.
‘We know that the Highlanders enjoy their quick ball and outflanking teams. They like fast rugby and keeping ball in play. We know that’s what they are going to be bringing here at Loftus.
‘With that being said, we also know what we need to do to counter that and make it a bit more uncomfortable for them.
‘In reality, when you look at it, even when I was still at the Cheetahs, you would fear to come play at Loftus. It was a very tough place to come play and we need to try and bring that back. I feel like teams are a bit more comfortable now and they feel like they do stand a chance.
‘So, we need to rectify that and let teams know that when they come to Loftus, it is not going to be a walk in the park or easy four points.’
Following Saturday’s game, the Bulls will embark on their four-match tour to Australia and New Zealand, where they will face the Reds, Waratahs, Hurricanes and Chiefs.
Nyakane says the tour will let the team escape the noise from their poor start to the season and grow closer as a group.
‘I have been on a few tours, some were great and some weren’t. A tour like this with the way things are going now, if you pick up a win or two overseas, it boosts the whole morale of the squad. With that we start getting closer, we are going to be out there by ourselves and need to stick together.
‘A win overseas can bring the whole squad together and bring that belief that if we can do it so far away from home, there is no reason that we can’t do it when we are back.
‘It is going be very important to go over with a victory and go pick up a few points overseas. It brings back the belief that we are still in this. Once you get that right, a team can go far.’
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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
