There is a sense of unease among most Bulls supporters, while some make no secret of their serious concerns about the current state of affairs at Loftus Versfeld.

While some positive supporters point out that Jake White’s men are still in fourth place on the log in the United Rugby Championship (URC) – despite the fact that the three teams above them have all played two games more – there are a large number of fans who make no secret of the fact that they see danger lights flashing.

Saturday’s humiliating 10-49 thrashing in France, during which French club Castres scored six tries to the visitors’ one, was the Bulls’ third consecutive defeat in the European Investec Champions Cup tournament.

It was clear beforehand that the Bulls were not taking this tournament seriously when White sent a group of second and third choice players to France for the match, while the team’s stars stayed at home.

It is well known that South African teams are concentrating more on the United Rugby Championship (URC) than on the European Investec Champions Cup tournament for various reasons. This include financial and related aspects such as the fact that semi-finals and finals cannot be played in South Africa until SA Rugby becomes a full partner in the competition.

Despite the possible merits in the Bulls’ approach to the two European competitions in which they are involved, there are also concerns about the team’s lack of form, after they initially started well with five wins in their first six matches of the current URC season.

Then the wheels started to come off and they last won a match in either of the two European competitions more than two months ago, on November 30 last year, when they beat Irish team Connact 28-14 in a URC game at Loftus Versfeld.

Lack of focus and accompanying poor finishing that cost the team a lot of momentum, insufficient leadership on the field, very mediocre play in an important position such as fly half and lack of finesse in the midfield are just some of the team’s biggest shortcomings. In addition, the struggles with aspects that were considered strengths of their game plan in the past – such as their lineout play – are also a major cause for concern.

It may be too early to speculate about possible behind-the-scenes tension at Loftus Versfeld. However, the fact remains that the team’s standards on the field will need to be urgently raised if they want to remain among the top teams in the URC by the end of the season.

It is known that Bulls fans vote with their feet and White’s men can therefore expect a cold shoulder from the loyal spectators at Loftus Versfeld when the team plays against French club Stade Francais this coming weekend in a match that is of only academic importance to the home team.

Perhaps such a scenario would be a good wake-up call for all stakeholders at Loftus Versfeld – from the players to the coaching staff and top management. Maybe it’s time to rethink all the side-shows and start focusing on the team’s performance.

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