Buoyed by his Springbok experience, hooker Johan Grobbelaar is fired up for the Vodacom Bulls’ Champions Cup opener against Saracens in London on Saturday.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned with the Boks is to study the opposition and prepare for the game,” said Grobbelaar, who made his third Test appearance in South Africa’s 45-12 win over Wales at the Principality Stadium in November. “Look at things in a different way, see how they think and what they are doing.
“Moving into a Springbok environment gets you talking and working with a lot of senior players who have played all over the world. There is a lot to learn as everyone brings something different to the team.”
The 5-1 Bulls are off to a great start to the 2024-25 URC campaign with three wins in six games. Despite this form, Grobbelaar respects the quality of Saracens, who are fourth in the Premier League, and their conditions in north London.
“They will have the home ground advantage and for most of us it will be our first time on an artificial pitch,” Grobbelaar added. “In a scrum you have to be smart to adapt to the surface under your feet.”
Saracens, who have won the Champions Cup three times and the English Premiership six times, last appeared in the Champions Cup final in 2019 against Leinster.
“Saracens have a good reputation for winning trophies, which makes the game more exciting and exciting for us. We must use it to our advantage.
“They are a well-balanced team with a good kicking game, very physical, good at breaking down and good at set-pieces. We are looking forward to the challenge.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix
