Vodacom Bulls lock Ruan Nortje said on Tuesday that the team must focus on several critical tactical and mental improvements for their upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Cardiff on Friday at 19:00 (SA Time).
Nortje said the review of the Stormers match made it clear why the Bulls lost.
“The Stormers were so much more clinical than us. In those first 20 minutes, we had opportunity after opportunity, but we could not execute. The review was tough to watch.
“But when the Stormers got opportunities, they nailed it. They also got one over us in the kicking game, they were brilliant. They won the scraps 80% of the time."
"In today’s game, that is where much of the game lies. The Stormers were very good in that department.”
“We know we have only ourselves to blame for this situation we are in at the moment, so it is up to us to show that we can handle the pressure. We feel we are more than capable of doing that.”
Identifying the lineout and scrum as areas that "misfired," Nortje emphasised that these must be "spot-on" against Cardiff.
“As we said in our review, our standards weren’t good enough. Our quality in the jumping, lifting and throwing just wasn’t on par.”
“We as players have to take that on ourselves, our preparation, our standards, our fundamentals. We know we have to be much better.”
Nortje also said that the Bulls failed to execute during numerous scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes of their game against the DHL Stormers. He demands a "clinical response" to ensure these chances are converted into points.
Recognising that Cardiff kicks more than most teams in the competition, Nortje stated that the kicking game and "winning the scraps" (the aerial contest) will be a massive focus.
Nortje admitted the Bulls lacked the mental edge and "desperation" shown by the Stormers and must regain that high-intensity mindset to handle the pressure of their current log position.
He acknowledged Cardiff as a quality side with strong defensive structures and systems, meaning the Bulls must be better prepared to break them down.
“We know that Cardiff is a quality side; they are fifth on the log for a reason. They have good coaches, good systems in place, and good defensive structures. We know we are going to have to be up for it and much better than we were last weekend.”