Keagan Johannes and Boeta Chamberlain are relishing the opportunity to lead Vodacom Bulls to a decisive victory in the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Bulls face French side Castres at the Stade Pierre-Fabre and face the possibility of an early exit from the competition after back-to-back defeats in the pool stages due to Jake White’s charges.
“It’s not about pressure, it’s just a much bigger opportunity for both of us to show what we can do for the Bulls,” Johannes said at the Bulls conference in France on Wednesday. “To showcase our talent and put more pressure on the players who have been playing in the last few weeks.”
Chamberlain echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preparation over nerves. “It’s more important to get out there to enjoy events and express yourself. “It will depend on how well we prepare, and that will ease the pressure.”
With difficult conditions expected in southern France, the pair acknowledged the importance of sticking to the basics. “The basics are going to be very important, especially because of the weather,” Johannes said. “I don’t think any of us will have any trouble adapting. It’s something we’ve never seen before.”
Chamberlain added: “We need to keep things as simple as possible and not overthink things. If you stick to the basics and do the simple things right, it will pay off in the end.”
The Bulls go into the clash knowing they need a win to stay in contention for a place in the round of 16. Despite the pressure, the squad remained calm.
Read more: Bulls want to make ‘big statement’ in France
“Everyone is present and everyone understands the plan as to what needs to be done this weekend,” Johannes said. So if we can execute on this as best as we can, we’ll be fine.”
“We need to be more street smart. We’re playing against a team that has a home crowd that supports them and a lot of noise and (officiating) calls probably going their way.
“We need to stay calm and focus on what we have to do and what our plan is. There’s always an opportunity on the field to express yourself and bring that bit of X factor, but at the Bulls it’s always about a team effort.”
Chamberlain emphasized the need to keep things simple. “We tried to keep things as simple as possible this week with lineouts and strikes in the scrum to make it easier for everyone to fire on Saturday.”
And the versatile playmakers believe in their ability to deliver for the team when it matters. Johannes is a great fit for a scrumhalf or flyhalf and a reliable marksman in front of goal.
Chamberlain, who joined the Bulls from the Sharks in June 2024, has provided the team’s cover at flyhalf and fullback, particularly off the bench.
“There’s a lot of talent out there that can create something from nothing, so it’s important to try to put them in the right place at the right time,” Chamberlain said. “And play to our strengths… that’s just what we do on Saturday.”
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
