Vodacom Bulls head coach Phiwe Nomlomo has delivered a forthright appraisal following his side’s unexpected 28-20 defeat to the Boland Cavaliers yesterday, pinpointing discipline and refereeing inconsistencies as pivotal factors in the loss.
While the Bulls showcased a “really outstanding” defensive effort for much of the Carling Currie Cup match, lapses in discipline proved costly. “We let ourselves down with our discipline today massively,” Nomlomo admitted. “That was probably one of the biggest differences between us and them.”
Adding to the team’s frustration was the officiating, which Nomlomo described as a source of confusion and disruption. With a northern hemisphere referee, Robbie Jenkinson of Ireland, overseeing the game, differing interpretations around the park unsettled the Bulls. “One team was being looked at a bit differently to the other,” he said. “The players were confused with some of the calls.”
Further compounding their troubles was the Bulls’ struggle to convert chances into points, a recurring problem this season. “We get an entry and we are inside the opposition 22 and we just don’t finish,” Nomlomo remarked with evident frustration.
Injury concerns loom large, with both flyhalves ruled out during the match, forcing the team to rethink its options ahead of a crucial home fixture. “We’re going to have to see what we look like going into next week in terms of what we have from a medical and contact perspective,” he explained.
Despite the setback, Nomlomo remains steadfast in his belief in the team’s process and potential. “Our process is quite strong,” he said. “It’s not unique where we are, but we’re going to have to rise. Our fate is still in our hands, which is a beautiful place to be.”
The Bulls also expressed their appreciation for the “really well supported” Boland crowd, describing the atmosphere as a warm welcome in unfamiliar territory. “Boland served us well. It’s a really, really good place and we look forward to coming back here in the future,” Nomlomo noted.
Nomlomo was also keen to highlight the resilience shown by his players despite the challenges faced, pointing out that the team refused to fold in the face of adversity. “Our guys fought really hard until the final whistle,” he said. “This group has character, and the way they defended under pressure tells you a lot about their mindset.”
Looking ahead to their next fixture, against Griquas, Nomlomo stressed how vital it would be for the Bulls to improve not only their discipline but also their composure when opportunities arise. “We have the ability to match any team on our day,” he said. “But to achieve the results we want, we must be sharper, more clinical, and manage the game better, especially when we’re in attacking positions.”
With a crucial home match coming up, the Bulls have little time to reflect on the loss before turning their attention to recovery and preparation. Nomlomo remains confident that, with the right adjustments, his team can bounce back stronger. “We will go back to work, learn from this, and come back better. Our supporters deserve nothing less than that.”
