The Blue Bulls are quite happy with their own scrum, especially with the consistent interpretation of the referees after a circular from the South African Rugby Union four weeks ago.

And they are confident that no side will have an unfair advantage in the big north-south semifinal derby against Western Province at Newlands on Saturday.

"We've had a good discussion with Mark Lawrence [referee for the semifinal] about the scrum. We trust that there will be a fair contest and that no side will get an unfair advantage," said Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

The Blue Bulls conceded a pushover try the last time they visited Newlands and the WP loosehead prop Wicus Blaauw, who ruled the roost that day, has since been regularly punished for unfair scrummaging under the SA Rugby directive.

Ludeke pointed out that it was not coincidence that the Blue Bulls scrum started functioning better after the circular - and his satisfaction with this facet was proved by the short time spent with the team's scrum doctor Balie Swart on Tuesday.

"He only looked at a few adjustments," said Ludeke.

Blue Bulls captain Victor Matfield said the Blue Bulls were looking forward to the clash.

"It's always special to play against Western Province, and we haven't played there in a semifinal in recent years.

"We realise it will be a difficult match, as all away games are, but we believe in our players and feel we will be able to cross what will be a difficult bridge.

"We'll have to execute well, and I'm confident if we can achieve that things will go well for us," the Springbok lock said.

Matfield pointed out that WP will probably play slightly differently at home than at Loftus where they would probably try to conserve their energy because of the altitude's effects. He also suggested that WP were playing a little more tactically.

"But I have the fullest confidence in our tactical players and our kickers. We have our style of play and I don't think we'll be unduly affected by the weather or the condition of the field," Matfield pointed out.

Ludeke was also convinced that WP have changed their game plan somewhat and that they will initially play a tactical game and try to pin the Blue Bulls in their own territory.

"Province will definitely make some adjustments from their approach against the Lions last weekend [a match WP lost], but we know our strengths and will concentrate on that to hopefully make the Final."

Experienced campaigner that he is with many cup finals under his belt, Matfield said that the Currie Cup remains something one works for every year.

"It is now a matter of game for game, 80 minutes every time to celebrate with joy afterwards or come off in disappointment."

Matfield added that the favourite tag given to the Blue Bulls did not mean a thing.

"I don't know why they say we're favourites. For us it is about Saturday's 80 minutes, everything else is history or conjecture."

365

RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook
LATEST FEATURES
More heartache for WP? (c) backpagepix Can Western Province beat the Blue Bulls on Saturday? Jacob Nienaber does not think so...
Cameron wants World Cup (c) AFP Cameron van der Burgh is determined to defend his FINA/Arena World Cup swimming title.
And if it's a draw? What happens if there is a draw in the Currie Cup semifinals on the weekend? Find out here!