Bulls try to remain grounded after flying start to Currie Cup campaign

Despite their rollicking start to the Currie Cup season, with two bonus-point wins, 112 points scored and only 23 conceded, the Bulls are wary of getting too far ahead of themselves at this early stage of the campaign.

Last year’s Currie Cup performance remains a stark reminder of the pitfalls of failing to maintain high standards throughout the tournament, after a similarly bright start ultimately yielded no silverware.

It is a lesson not lost on Bulls assistant coach Kennedy Tsimba.

“This is just the first couple of steps in a campaign that has been looking promising, but we do know that each week brings its different challenges,” Tsimba said, at a media conference on Monday afternoon.

“It’s about not getting ahead of yourself and understanding that there are teams that are going to give us different questions that we need to deal with.

“But I think the lesson we did learn from last year is that yes, you can play well, but it’s about being able to perform at the right time — when you need to peak. As a team, we’ve got to navigate how we peak and be able to deal with the competition as it gets to the business end.”

Tsimba expects the nuggety Pumas to ask the Bulls some uncomfortable questions in Sunday’s home fixture. The side from Mpumalanga opened with a win over Griquas but fell to the Cheetahs this past weekend.

“They are an interesting team that will definitely bring a different challenge. There is a whole range of skills that are going to be on show,” he said.

“Whatever questions they ask of us, we’ve got to be able to execute the answers. And I think we’re confident enough to handle that.

“But we know Jimmy Stonehouse and his team are on a real high. They’ve done well in the SA Cup and we are going to have to obviously put our best foot forward.

“I think that is what this Currie Cup is about — just when you think you’re riding a high wave, a team comes along that can lower your seat a little bit. We are aware of their threat and planning accordingly throughout the week.”

The Bulls opened their season with a 48-23 win away to Western Province, before thrashing the Sharks 64-0 at Loftus on Saturday. They sit top of the Currie Cup table with the maximum 10 points heading into week three.