Vodacom Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee addressed the media during a press conference on Tuesday, ahead of the Vodacom Bulls vs Hollywoodbets Sharks United Rugby Championship (URC) derby at Loftus Versveld on Saturday at 17:00 (SA Time).
Coetzee highlighted that the Sharks have become more formidable and motivated under head coach JP Pietersen. He noted they now play a better tactical, "all-round game" rather than relying solely on individual brilliance.
"It’s going to be a crunch game. We know what they are capable of, and with JP at the helm, they seem to be playing with a lot more belief."
Coetzee is bracing for a "very physical derby" as the Sharks welcome back heavyweight Springboks like Ox Nche and Siya Kolisi.
He described the Bulls' recent 31-24 friendly win over the Boland Cavaliers as a "wake-up call" that helped the team get "battle-hardened" after a URC break.
"It was very beneficial, Boland really made it tough for us on the day; they gave us a hit-out. That is a side that is really going to be a factor heading into the SA Cup.”
“It was really important for us just to get battle hardened before the weekend, especially with the Sharks having played the Lions. We just wanted to cover all our bases and be 100 percent prepared going into this game.”
"Every guy wants to give his best in a game like this. You’re playing against Springboks all over the park. It’s about the moments, whoever uses their opportunities and handles the pressure better normally gets through."
The return of experienced players Jan Serfontein and Nicholas Janse van Rensburg from injury was highlighted by Coetzee as a significant boost for the squad's depth.
"We are always happy when somebody who was injured and doing rehab comes back. Jan and Nicholas bring a wealth of experience from playing overseas. They have served this union with distinction in the past, so it’s great to have those guys around you again."
He said the Bulls are desperate to reverse their recent poor form at home after losing three consecutive matches at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
"It’s our big challenge. We want to get the spectators excited again to come to Loftus by playing a good brand of rugby and imposing our DNA. If you look at the past, last season, the Sharks and the Stormers also beat us here. It’s definitely a factor we have identified to see how we can be better at building and handling the pressure and exerting our dominance.”
“The big thing is the excitement. In the group, there is an excitement to play this weekend. It’s a derby game against the Sharks… it doesn’t get any bigger. That will ultimately drive us.”