Confidence boost in France sets stage for Bulls’ URC push in Scotland

Now is the moment for the Bulls to build real momentum after snapping their losing streak and reigniting their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign under Johan Ackermann.

Their gritty victory over Pau in France in the Champions Cup this past weekend could prove to be a turning point. Under immense pressure for long periods, the Bulls absorbed wave after wave of attack before holding on to secure a crucial win and a place in the knockout stages.

It was the kind of result that can do wonders for belief, especially for a side that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks.

However, the task now is to quickly shift focus back to the URC, where a tricky away clash against Edinburgh awaits in the Scottish capital. While the home side have been vulnerable at times this season, they remain a dangerous opponent on their home turf and will be eager to make a statement of their own.

The Bulls will need to show the same fight, grit and defensive resolve that carried them through in Pau if they are to come away with a positive result. The URC presents its own unique challenges, particularly on the road, and there will be little margin for error against a side that thrives on physicality and intensity and a host of Scottish international players.

A win in Edinburgh would be significant.

Not only would it keep the Bulls in contention in the URC standings, but it would also set them up nicely for the return Jukskei derby against the Lions at Ellis Park later this month. Having already lost three matches against South African opposition, the Bulls know they can ill afford many more slip-ups if they hope to salvage their season.

While the collective effort in France was admirable, more will be required from the team’s senior players.

Experienced campaigners such as flyhalf Handré Pollard and fullback Willie le Roux once again failed to fully impose themselves against Pau. If the Bulls are to sustain this revival, their leaders will need to step up, take control of key moments, and guide the team with authority.

They have the players to produce far better performances than what the case was the last couple of matches.

The signs from Pau were encouraging, but consistency remains the real test for Ackermann’s side. Now is the time for the Bulls to turn that fight and resilience into tangible URC results.