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'Fortress Loftus' the Bulls' pride

Cape Town - The Bulls are the only Super Rugby side that is undefeated at home in 2016 - a record they hope will remain intact after this weekend's clash against the Lions at Loftus. 

Joe Pietersen's missed sitter of a penalty in the final minute back on March 18 was the closest any side has come to knocking over the Bulls at Loftus this season - that 16-16 draw still one the got away for the Sharks. 

But according to captain Adriaan Strauss, making Loftus a fortress is something that the Bulls have been working towards since the start of the season.

"It is a sense of pride," Strauss said this week.

"Coach Nollis (Marais) had a good chat about it at the beginning of the season and it’s something that he’s very passionate about … the supporters and Loftus and making it a proud stadium.

"The only problem with that is that every single weekend is a massive challenge that you play here ... this weekend is not going to be any different, playing against a quality side.

"They’ve (Lions) got a point to prove but so do we … it’s going to be a good one this weekend."

The Bulls won't have many tougher tests at home, and Strauss and Marais both acknowledged that the Lions are potentially the best team in the country right now.

"The Lions will definitely test us a bit out wide," Strauss offered.

"They play into space a bit more and use the whole width of the field. I don’t think we must get ourselves into that situation where we need to test our defence that much.

"We’re going to have to be better this weekend and get more territory and ball possession."

It is a match that is set to have a major say in the South African Group playoff race. 

Kick-off is at 17:10.

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