In a highly anticipated clash set to take place in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga this week, the Bulls will be facing off against the defending champions, the Pumas and as the sides prepare for battle, Bulls flanker Cyle Brink Brink issued a stark reminder to his teammates of their opening round clash at Loftus Versfeld.

The Pumas laid waste to the hosts after a dominant first-half performance, scoring four tries, and then ran in five more over the course of the second half for the final score of 63-15 for the men from Mpumalanga.

ALSO READ: State of the Currie Cup: Battle lines are drawn

Speaking in a Bulls media conference yesterday, Brink remarked: “They are a forward-dominated side, so they like to use their forwards quite close to the ruck. They like to scrum; they like to maul. If you can neutralise that threat and keep your composure, keep control of the game, then I think we will be in a pretty good place.

“We can’t let the game become loose.”

Last week, the Bulls fought tooth and nail against the Lions at Ellis Park for a bonus-point 33-32 win, to remain in contention for the playoffs. The Pumas were denied any consolation log points after going down 22-14 to Western Province.

Reflecting on the victory over the Lions, Brink felt that a lack of discipline and missed tackles allowed their opponents to stage a comeback, adding: “I believe it shouldn’t have been that tight, especially with the start that we had. A bit of ill-discipline and a couple of slipped tackles let them back into the game.

“As a team we need to learn and grow, and when we are in that position, we must put the opposition away.”