Coach Phiwe Nomlomo says the Vodacom Bulls will take valuable lessons from Saturday’s 41-7 Currie Cup defeat to the Pumas at Loftus Versfeld.
The Bulls went into the clash as favourites after big wins over Western Province and the Sharks, but had to deal with disruptions in the build-up, with several players joining the URC squad and late changes to the match 23.
Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi was ruled out just before kick-off and replaced by debutant Riyaad Bam, who scored the Bulls’ only try, while PA van Niekerk was promoted from the bench to start in midfield.
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Nomlomo pointed to the Pumas’ experience and cohesion as the difference on the day.
“Things are changing a wee bit – the guy who comes out of school with loads of talent is getting pushed through a bit earlier,” he said. “It’s not an excuse. If you play against a 28-year-old and you’re a 20-year-old, you must still show up and do what’s required.
“The difference today was the physicality and the speed at which things can happen. We will learn from this, and it’s a pleasure to learn from a team like the Pumas, who convincingly beat you.
“Sometimes when you’re in the race, you might get a false sense of security. Today taught us a lot, and that is a good thing for us.”
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix
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