Vodacom Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee has stated that the team views their upcoming URC match against the Lions as a "reset button" and is eager to "rectify" their previous loss to them earlier in the season. Coetzee considers this clash a "must-win" match for their campaign and playoff aspirations.
“It’s about which team pitches up on the day and uses the opportunity. But they had our number the previous game, and it’s something we’re looking to rectify.”
However, following two consecutive wins on their overseas tour, Coetzee noted that the team's morale and confidence are high.
“The two wins were really awesome for the group’s morale. The confidence is very high, and the guys are just happy. We had to get back into that winning habit.
Coetzee emphasised the importance of a strong defensive performance and acknowledged the tough nature of a South African derby. Coetzee highlighted a massive step up in their defence during the tour and the need to maintain that against the Lions, a team that "will punish you" if mistakes are made.
“Our defence really took a massive step up on tour. We managed to rectify the previous games’ mistakes, those soft moments that really cost us.”
“We’ve got a tough derby waiting for us now at Ellis Park, so it doesn’t get any easier. The main focus now for the group is just to recover from the tour, and then we’ll put all our energy into a quality Lions side this weekend.”
Coetzee said that the Lions have “grown immensely” over the past few seasons.
“They’re a tight group, and you can see how mature they are in the way they approach things and situations on the pitch.
“It’s going to have to be a full 80-minute performance. Starters and bench, it has to be buy-in from everyone. Especially against a side like the Lions, because they will punish you.
He described the local derby as an occasion where recent form matters less, and the team that is most clinical and accurate on the day will win.