'Playing at home, we’ve got a DNA that works for us,' says Bulls captain Coetzee

Marcell Coetzee of the Vodacom Bulls of the speaks to the media. Pic: ©INPHO/Steve Haag Sports/Christiaan Kotze

Publicly, the Bulls are shrugging over the fact that Munster will travel to Loftus Versfeld without fly-half Jack Crowley and back rower Tadhg Beirne for the United Rugby Championship (URC) quarterfinal.

The Ireland out-half will miss the play-off due to a leg injury. Beirne is still struggling with a knee injury. Despite the Bulls playing the situation down, the men from Pretoria must privately be delighted they won’t face two of the best players in the world.

“I don’t think [that Crowley and Beirne being out] changes that much,” Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee said Tuesday.

“They’ve got a system that works for them. They’ve been playing knock-off rugby for the last few weeks, so I think they’re pretty settled, whichever squad they bring.

“For us, it’s just being mentally prepared for what’s coming. We’ve got some ideas that we want to implement on the day, so it’s all about rising to the occasion and enjoying the moment now.” 

Of course, what Coetzee says about being prepared is true, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t a few high fives when the Munster injury news reached the Bulls camp. Big matches need big players, and for Munster and Ireland, Crowley and Beirne are two of the biggest.

Crowley’s tactical nous, presence, finely balanced approach between kicking and running and his big match temperament are not easily replaced, especially in what will be a hostile environment.

Beirne’s sheer physicality will always be an asset, especially against a side like the Bulls, while his work rate and set piece skills are world-class.

In JJ Hanrahan, Munster have a quality, experienced deputy out half, but it does leave them a little thin on the bench. The same can be said of the likely Beirne replacements such as the Edogbo brothers. There is quality cover.

But even with Crowley and Beirne in the ranks this would’ve been a tough assignment, but without them, it has become exponentially more difficult for Munster. The Bulls, after a poor start to the season, have won nine of their last 10 URC matches. They are brimming with confidence and have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Coach Johan Ackermann has found his feet in Pretoria after a shaky first few months in the job. As the coach has settled in, so too has the Bulls’ style and confidence.

They last lost a URC game on March 13 against the Stormers. Since then it’s been an impressive run.

“Through the season we were under pressure, and it kind of forced us to be in a knockoff rugby mindset every week,” Coetzee said of their start which saw them lose five of their first eight games of the season.

“I think we got used to that pressure now. We kind of found our mojo through those challenges, and I think we just want to take that to the playoff stage now.

“A lot of teams have been battling it out. It’s the most unpredictable URC I’ve been a part of throughout my career. I want to compliment the playing group. We just stuck to our system. We backed each other. We believed in each other, and we’re going to need that more this weekend, especially with a Munster side that's going to come down here motivated. 

“They also have their challenges off the field, but I know that will fuel them as well coming through Loftus, and they want to create hope and purpose for their side as well. We have to match that desperation.” 

Munster almost pulled off a great upset when they were in Pretoria in March.

Coming off a 45-0 loss to the Sharks, Munster weren’t given much of a chance. They trailed 14-7 at halftime and went further down in the third quarter, only to rally with four second half tries to scare the home team before succumbing 34-31.

“Munster have a very good kicking game plan. The halfbacks control that very well,” Coetzee said. “They can put you under pressure at set piece. At the breakdown they really make it difficult. We want to play with tempo, and they disrupted us in that second half the last time we played.

“Despite their injury problems, they’re still a great side. They’ve got a system that works for them, and any Munster side you play are to be dangerous.

“We will give them that respect and make sure we match their intensity. We acknowledge what they’re going to bring, but at the same time, we’ve got our plans that we also want to implement. Playing at home, we’ve got a DNA that works for us.”