Williams: Bulls won’t ‘go into shell’ for Bayonne Challenge Cup playoff

SHOULD the Bulls adopt a more conservative approach in Saturday’s Challenge Cup last-16 playoff against Bayonne?

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

That is the major issue that the Pretoria side will have to grapple with at the Stade Jean Dauger (1.30pm start).

On the one hand, a “knockout rugby” style often dictates that teams must be wary of conceding their arm in case of making an unnecessary mistake that could cost them the game.

But what about the type of rugby that got you to the playoff? Shouldn’t that be the blueprint for success all the way?

Well, for someone like Bulls fullback Devon Williams, you would think that game plan against Bayonne on Saturday.

The 32-year-old has been in excellent form for the Bulls this season, making vital incursions with ball-inhand in the attack and doing solid defence in a relatively left boot.

But having developed consistently in a rugby career that has taken him from his home in the Free State near Stellenbosch to Western Province, the Pumas and now Bulls, Williams has a measured approach to the game.