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Pretoria – The Chiefs say they will not allow neither the "feared Loftus spectators" nor the Bulls to intimidate them when they take on the South African side in Saturday’s Super 14 final.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster has refused to waste what he calls a "golden opportunity".
"To qualify for a Super 14 final for the first time is undoubtedly a major highlight. This is what we’ve been working toward for the entire season. My instruction to the players was to stick with to pattern of play that has worked for us so far during the season," Foster said.
While Foster thinks Loftus and its spectators are certainly unique, he is encouraged by the fact that the New Zealand side played in Pretoria six weeks ago.
"The round robin fixture in Pretoria counts in our favour because the players know what to expect,” he added.
However, Chiefs captain Mils Muliana is more concerned about how to neutralise Bulls' flyhalf, Morné Steyn.
"How do you prevent Morné Steyn from drop kicking? That’s a good question. If anyone could give me a few tips I would greatly appreciate it.
"Twelve points is a lot. With that you could win or lose a match. I don’t think there’s any way you could stop an attempted drop kick from the halfway mark," he added.
Both Muliana and Foster added, although Steyn is a major threat to them, they won’t be focusing on individual Bulls players.
The Chiefs management feel it is important that their players adjust to the notorious Highveld air for the next few days.
"The players will have to get used to the way the ball moves through the air. It almost seems like the ball stays in the air for longer. This week we’ll only be doing some light exercising. Actually, at this late stage, there isn’t much we can change about our pattern of play," said Foster.
"The players must get enough sleep and adjust to their new time zone. They must also start thinking like winners."
Pretoria – The Chiefs say they will not allow neither the "feared Loftus spectators" nor the Bulls to intimidate them when they take on the South African side in Saturday’s Super 14 final.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster has refused to waste what he calls a "golden opportunity".
"To qualify for a Super 14 final for the first time is undoubtedly a major highlight. This is what we’ve been working toward for the entire season. My instruction to the players was to stick with to pattern of play that has worked for us so far during the season," Foster said.
While Foster thinks Loftus and its spectators are certainly unique, he is encouraged by the fact that the New Zealand side played in Pretoria six weeks ago.
"The round robin fixture in Pretoria counts in our favour because the players know what to expect,” he added.
However, Chiefs captain Mils Muliana is more concerned about how to neutralise Bulls' flyhalf, Morné Steyn.
"How do you prevent Morné Steyn from drop kicking? That’s a good question. If anyone could give me a few tips I would greatly appreciate it.
"Twelve points is a lot. With that you could win or lose a match. I don’t think there’s any way you could stop an attempted drop kick from the halfway mark," he added.
Both Muliana and Foster added, although Steyn is a major threat to them, they won’t be focusing on individual Bulls players.
The Chiefs management feel it is important that their players adjust to the notorious Highveld air for the next few days.
"The players will have to get used to the way the ball moves through the air. It almost seems like the ball stays in the air for longer. This week we’ll only be doing some light exercising. Actually, at this late stage, there isn’t much we can change about our pattern of play," said Foster.
"The players must get enough sleep and adjust to their new time zone. They must also start thinking like winners."
