Kirsten: Bulls set for ‘fight until the death’ in Bayonne tie

WITH a partisan home crowd in the stands, the Bulls are prepared for a ‘hostile environment’ in Saturday’s Challenge Cup Last-16 clash against Bayonne in France (1.30pm start).

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

That was the view of flank Jannes Kirsten, who has had his fair share of games in France while spending a few years at English club Exeter Chiefs.

While the 31-year-old hasn’t faced Bayonne previously or visited the Stade Jean Dauger venue, Kirsten expects an intimidating welcome against the French club.

Bayonne are also in good form in the French Top 14, after beating Lyon 28-14 last weekend, and they are fourth on the log after 20 matches, with 12 wins.

They have some hardened veteran’s in their line-up, including former Springbok loose forward Uzair Cassiem and England centre Manu Tuilagi, who will look to impose themselves on the South Africans from the outset.

But if the Whites team can absorb that thunderous start without conceding too many points, they have the ability and firepower to emerge victorious and advance to next week’s quarter-finals.

“I think it will be a hostile environment, because you get passionate support there, and the stadiums are usually full,” Kirsten said from France this week.