It is advise that is likely to fall on deaf ears, as Bulls coach Frans Ludeke is unlikely to change tactics at this stage of the season, but the men from Pretoria have been urged to adopt a "positive attacking" game plan in the Super 14 semifinal against the Crusaders on Saturday.

It will be the second time in three years that the Bulls host the seven-time and defending champion Crusaders in Pretoria - following the Bulls' 27-12 win at Loftus Versfeld in 2007.

Plumtree, speaking after his team's heart-breaking 26-27 loss to the Bulls in Durban at the weekend - a result that saw the Sharks miss out on the play-offs for the first time in three years - said he backs the Bulls to go all the way again.

However, Plumtree felt it would best suit the Bulls to employ a more expansive game plan, rather than the defensive-orientated tactics that got the to the top of the table and into the play-offs.

He also felt the Loftus factor might be overplayed.

"You can't rely on a big crowd and home ground advantage to get you to the final," Plumtree told the media.

"If you end up playing a few Kiwi teams they will test you from a defensive perspective, because that's the way the Kiwis play.

"So the Bulls have to make sure they do their own attacking. Hopefully, they won't get defensive in the way they attack and really get out there and play."

The Sharks' Kiwi mentor - a former Wellington Lions coach in New Zealand's national provincial competition - conceded that the Bulls' kicking game was a key factor in getting them into the play-offs and will again play a role on Saturday.

"Territory is important in a semifinal, but the Bulls are going to have to get out there," said Plumtree.

"You need a really positive mindset, and actually this year they can win it, especially playing at Loftus."

Plumtree also paid credit to his team for coming within a point of beating the Bulls and having already secured the four-try bonus point the victory would have seen them sneak into the play-offs - and of course deny the Bulls home ground advantage.

"It was a great advert for the South African game," said Plumtree.

"Two really good teams, just one point in it in the end and it could have gone our way.

"But it just wasn't to be, and perhaps summed up the last month's frustrations for us. However, I'm proud of the way the boys responded to adversity, they knew what was needed and went out and gave it a go. They had to attack from every opportunity and could have come out winners."

365