Naka likens Brumbies to Bulls

According to the supersport.com website, coach Naka Drotské, speaking from the team base in Sydney said he was expecting a structured approach from the home side, and a game plan that mirrored what has made the Bulls so successful in these playoff games.

Territorial play, possession and controlling the game are all factors that will be vital for the Cheetahs as they hope to continue their dream season and win their first playoff match in history this weekend.

"They (the Brumbies) play a game very similar to the Bulls," Drotské said.

"We have watched Jake's teams for many years, from when he was Springbok coach to this area and they like to get into certain areas on the field and then use the setpieces and their pack to dominate.

"Add to that a good boot and it shows how they use territory to their advantage.

"We need to make sure our discipline is good and that we dont give away penalties in the wrong areas of the field to make it easy for them.

"They are a lot more predictable than sides like the Reds or Blues and you know what to expect from them."

Drotské said he agreed with former Springbok and current Brumbies coach Jake White's assessment that the Cheetahs are actually a conservative team and not the free-flowing team that some have described them as.

"Ja, we are conservative," Drotské laughs,

"But we know when to attack and when to use the kicking game.

"We have also scored some great tries this year.

"To be honest I don't really bother with stuff like that in a week like this.

"We know how the Brumbies will play and we know how to prepare for their game plan."

While the Bulls have never been beaten by the Cheetahs, they have had more success against the Australian sides, winning all four their games this year.

The difference according to Drotske is experience.

"The Bulls have always had experience at this stage of the competition with players such as Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.

"By contrast the Brumbies are like us and this is a very new area for them to be in, to be in a playoff."