Jan-Hendrik Wessels said the Vodacom Bulls are not playing in the 2024/25 Investec Champions Cup just to participate and they worked hard to fix small errors that cost them the win in their last three matches.
The Bulls will face Castres Olympique on Saturday at 22:00 (SA Time) in Round 3 of the Investec Champions Cup. They are currently placed fifth in Pool 3 with a six points difference between them and Stade Francais Paris at the bottom of the log.
"We’re not in the competition just to participate, and we want to test ourselves against the best French and Premiership teams. We go out to win matches. We want to win games," Wessels said.
"We did not have great results in the last three games we played. We want to change that and get good momentum going into the rest of the season. I don't think we go into a match trying not to win it. I don't think there's another goal for us."
"It will be a big statement to make if we can win this game and turn things around in the Champions Cup."
Wessels said that the Vodacom Bulls is close to turning the season around and it was small things they need to fix.
“There’s been moments in games where we’ve tended to be in control and not convert it into points, or not being on the same page or folding under pressure."
"I don't think there's a specific thing that we need to change or there's a problem or it's really like a big thing that's really a problem."
"I think we just slipped up in the last few games. I think it's obvious we didn't get hammered."
"We pride ourselves on winning games and being better. We want to improve on that and are working hard to fix the small errors we have."
Wessels said Castres is a top French team and the Bulls are looking forward to measuring themselves against the French.
"They won one of their two Champions Cup matches this season so far, so we know we're up against a proper side and good competition. We especially know that they're very good at home, so we know that we're going to face a big battle on Saturday."
"They have good stats. They have a good kicking game. They have a big pack, scrum and maul. We are going to stand up and pride ourselves in a good result."
"We want to pride ourselves on our defence this weekend and really get tested and see if we can get the measurement right that we're putting up for ourselves."