Discipline key for Bulls

The defending Super 14 champions have one of the best disciplinary records of the competition, with only the blip against the Blues, where they received two yellow cards in a game they were never close to their best. And while one of those cards – Flip van der Merwe’s card for a high tackle – is debatable, the rest of the season has been a much disciplined affair for the Bulls players.

Contrast that to the Reds, who have six yellow cards in this year’s competition – the most of any team - and while they may be returning home from a very successful tour of South Africa, their discipline will come into question this weekend when they clash with the log leaders.

Considering the Bulls are also the side with the least amount of penalties in the competition thus far – 66 in 8 games at an average of just above 8 a game, and have scored the most tries (33) in the competition of any team, it is fair to say the Reds will be tested this weekend.

But the Brisbane side are no slouches of their own, and have shown bigger sides like the Crusaders and Chiefs that they can shock the high-flyers when it matters most.

Still, there is a concern in the Reds camp over discipline, especially as Morne Steyn is the competition’s leading boot with 149 points.

“Discipline is a massive downside for us at the moment and it’s something we are looking to address,” Reds captain Will Genia told a press conference in Brisbane on Tuesday.

“We do know if we give away penalties it will play to their strengths - whether (Steyn) is going to kick three points or kick to the corner so they can use their driving maul.”

Genia has also taken note of the superb performance put in by Bulls scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, with the one-on-one battle between the two halfbacks set to dazzle on Saturday.

“He is one of the best halfbacks going round, so if we can limit his opportunities it will go a long way to winning the game,” Genia said. “But it’s hard to single out one bloke because they do have so many good players.”

And just to add some spice to the contest, Genia laid it on thick in complementing the Bulls game plan, and saying what a big challenge it was for the Reds to face the defending champs.

“They are definitely the best side in the comp. They do the simple things so well…and they are massive men. Their forwards give them good go forward and their backs are good enough to play off the back of them,” Genia added.

“If they all click it will be a tough game for us. They are a side who can play any sort of rugby. They can play up-front and they have a good nine and ten who can make decisions on whether to go wide or keep going through the middle.

“It will be a massive test for us, but it’s a challenge we are looking forward to. We’re just going to try to impose our game on them early and do it effectively. Hopefully that will give us the best possible chance of winning.”