JJ Harmse

Pretoria – The number of tries and the manner in which they have scored are the best example of the Bulls’ progress this year.

However, coach Frans Ludeke believes the team will need to improve even more in this area to keep setting the pace at the top of the log as other teams are also getting better.

Ludeke says there is no reason for the Bulls to underestimate the Hurricanes on Friday night.

“They are wounded. That is why I expect them to come with a big onslaught. They will not want to finish the tour without a victory,” said the Bulls coach.

As expected, Ludeke has made only one change to his starting line-up for the match at Loftus Versfeld, with Deon Stegmann back as fetching flank. He has been picked in place of Derick Kuün, who drops down to the substitute’s bench.

Ludeke will start again with five forwards and two backs on the bench, but the situation has been forced on him.

Heini Adams, who ran out for the Vodacom Cup team to get game time last week, broke a rib and is therefore not available for selection.

Adams will also miss the Bulls’ tour and will not join his team-mates on the plane to Perth on Tuesday.

Bees Roux may well be on that plane after being selected as a substitute for Friday's game. He was prevented from doing bench duty against the Highlanders because of a cut to the head caused by the scrum machine last week.

“If he gets through the scrumming session, we will leave him on the bench. If not, Rossouw de Klerk will fill in for him again,” explained Ludeke.

The match will be a milestone for Victor Matfield. Not only will he captain the Bulls for the 51st time, but he will also be playing his 100th Super rugby game.

Eight of those were for the Cats and that is why Matfield does not want to make a big deal of it.

“Rather say it is 92 for the Bulls. I’d like to play 100 for the Bulls, but those goals are not important. The important thing is how the team grows and progresses to be able to win more trophies,” said Matfield.

He added that it was important for them to beat the Hurricanes.

“It’s a home game and therefore important that we should keep winning,” he said.

“We’re not looking ahead, but if you want to make the semifinal and play it at home, you have to win your home games.”