Cardiff scrumhalf Johan Mulder is relishing the opportunity to face his former team, the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday, and show off what he’s learnt abroad.
The South African playmaker returns to familiar territory when Matt Sherratt’s men face the Herd at Loftus Versfeld in round 17 of the Vodacom URC.
Mulder, who briefly played for the Bulls in the 2021 Currie Cup, arrives in the Republic as Cardiff hunt a top-eight finish with just two rounds remaining in the league phase.
Cardiff are fifth on the URC log following impressive back-to-back bonus-point wins over Ospreys and Munster. The Welsh outfit’s playoff aspirations remain precarious, however, with several teams still in contention for quarter-final berths.
“We would like to build on those performances,” Mulder told the club’s website. “If we play like we know we can, we can win. But even two bonus points could be enough for us to finish in the top eight teams.”
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A member of Tuks’ 2021 Varsity Cup-winning campaign, Mulder also represented the Lions and Griquas before signing with Cardiff last season.
For Mulder, the Loftus showdown represents both a challenge and opportunity.
“It’s going to be very physical. When you play against the Bulls at Loftus, you know what awaits you,” he said.
The Affies old boy credits Cardiff’s coaching staff for his development since arriving in Wales.
“I didn’t get much of a chance in the starting lineup at the beginning of the season, but I learnt a lot. Our coaching team helped me to have greater control and make better decisions,” Mulder said.
“I think I’ve developed a lot as the season has progressed and you can see it in my game.”
Cardiff conclude their tour next Friday against the Stormers in Cape Town.
Photo: @Cardiff_Rugby/Twitter
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