Share

Coach Marais sets Bulls playoff target

Pretoria - Bulls coach Nollis Marais has set his sights on a playoff place in this year's Super Rugby competition.

The three times champions haven't won the title since 2010. While Marais acknowledges they don't have the experience or big names players usually associated with such success, he does believe his side's possess the necessary talent and hunger to claim the title.

The Bulls narrowly missed out on the playoffs last year, but Marais is adament they must make up for it this time round.

"No, no, no ... making the play-offs is non-negotiable," Marais told iol.co.za.

"We want to win Super Rugby. We now have depth in the squad and we have a very good side that can go all the way. But we have to make playoffs, that’s our main aim."

The Bulls will play most of their games at the beginning of the competition away from home with two mouthwatering encounters against the Stormers and Cheetahs away to kick-off their campaign before they travel to the land of the long white cloud and come home to what Marais has termed "the month from hell".

"Out of my first seven games, I only have one at home. The Stormers, we want to go down there and beat them after they beat us 33-9 in the opening game last year and we are really looking forward to going down there," Marais said.

"We have a bit of a score to settle with the Cheetahs in Bloem as well. We’ll play the Sunwolves at home before travelling to New Zealand and then we come home when the month from hell starts with the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Crusaders and the Lions. We are looking forward to it and seeing how the players get through it. Our aim has always been to win it (Super Rugby)."

The Bulls' first match of the season will be against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday, February 25.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1116 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1282 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1976 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE