Bulls bracing for Exeter, says Nortje

Bulls captain Ruan Nortje says his troops are bracing for a massive challenge at the weekend when they host Exeter Chiefs at Loftus Versveld in Pretoria.

Jakes White’s charges were punished in the second round of the Champions Cup when they first faced the Chiefs, losing 44-14 at Sandy Park.

Nortje is well aware of the threat posed by Exeter and is grateful that his team has winning momentum behind them going into the contest after downing the Dragons last weekend in the URC.

“That game was massive for us,” Nortje said on Tuesday. “We were under a lot of pressure, me personally, as well as the team and the management. We are very happy with the character that we showed.

“It wasn’t perfect, but we were much better in that game, especially when it came to our discipline. That was a massive point for us. People who weren’t there won’t understand, but the wind made it very cagey. It was very tough conditions, especially in the first half when we were playing against the wind.

“It was massive for our confidence,” Nortje said. “We know how important that is when it comes to rugby. When you lose two or three in a row, then it feels like you are the worst team in the world. But an away win, especially, brings in so much confidence. We know how tough it is to win away from home.

“We were very happy with Friday’s win, especially taking us into these next three weeks. It’s going to be very tough for us. So that win was important to reassure the guys that they are good enough to be here.”

Turning his attention towards Exeter, Nortje was quick to highlights their strengths.

“Exeter were the 2020 champions of both the Premiership and Champions Cup. We know what’s coming. It’s a world-class team. They want to outwork you, go through phase after phase and take you on up front. In all facets of the game, they want to kill you.

“So for us, it’s important to maintain our focus and keep the penalty count as low as possible. It’s going to be a physical battle, so we will have to step up in all departments.”