Coetzee hails Bulls’ mojo

THE Bulls’ United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Munster on Saturday represents the ultimate litmus test of their championship credentials.

- JOHN GOLIATH

Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee during the clash with the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. PHOTO: Gallo

Having gone deep in this tournament in previous campaigns, only to fall agonisingly short at the final hurdle, there is a distinct sense in Pretoria that this year's squad possesses the necessary maturity and quality to finally go all the way.

The Bulls have played in three of the last four URC finals, losing all three in matches against the Stormers.

Glasgow Warriors and Leinster.

But a major catalyst for that growing belief is the sheer volume of big-match temperament players now embedded within the Bulls' roster. Unlike previous iterations of the squad that occasionally cracked under the heavy weight of expectation, the current group blends long-standing continuity with seasoned, world-class winners.

"That gives you a lot of confidence, going into play-offs," Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee noted, reflecting on key Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks in their side.