Do Not Expect Brotherly Love In Johannesburg On Saturday

 

Vodacom Bulls utility back David Kriel said Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby at Emirates Airline Park is the Vodacom Bulls vs Emirates Lions and not a battle with his brother.

Kriel said the Vodacom Bulls know what to expect from the Emirates Lions on Saturday.

"We know the Lions love to run the ball. I have a brother who stays with me that's at the Lions and he's been telling me a couple of times, well, especially not when they play against us, but against other teams, they say that they back themselves in running. But we can see week in, and week out that they're good with running the ball."

"We have to be sharp on defence, keep our numbers on our feet and just match them physically or out-physical them even. So yeah, it's going to be a challenge, but it's one that we're very excited about."

"You also don’t want to lose your structure. We will stick to our game plan and hopefully come out on top.”

Kriel said the Bulls have worked on their patience on the attack to improve their finishing.

“I think the big problem was that we didn’t show enough composure in the opposition 22 when we maybe needed to keep hold of the ball for one more phase."

“We’ve worked tremendously hard on having more patience on the ball and finishing the opportunity because you can’t win if you don’t score points.”

Kriel is expected to make his return from a shoulder injury sustained in mid-December against the Lions and said the competition for a jersey is a thought but healthy one.

"It is a healthy competition between the players at the Bulls. Everyone here is a quality rugby player and everyone wants to play. So naturally there comes competition with it."

"It's not a bad type of competition. It's a very healthy one. Even though some guys in the same positions are competing for the one jersey that's there the weekend, both of them or even if we're four in the same position, everyone helps each other so that the one who's selected for the weekend is best prepared and is ready to play his best game."

Kriel was also looking forward to facing his brother Richard on Saturday.

“Since last season, when we played against each other twice, there’s been a lot more chirping at home."

“I won’t go looking for Richard on the field, but if he runs at me – or vice versa – then it will be a lekker challenge.”

“Our dad still can’t decide which team he wants to support. He made a jersey that has the Lions on one half and the Bulls on the other! I think he’s a draadsitter."