Coetzee Bulls

Marcell Coetzee. Photo by Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images

Bulls building ‘something special’ – Coetzee

Marcell Coetzee has made a timely return to the Bulls, who face the Stormers for a place in the URC semi-finals this weekend.

Coetzee Bulls

Marcell Coetzee. Photo by Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images

Marcell Coetzee has made a timely return to the Bulls, who face the Stormers for a place in the URC semi-finals this weekend.

The Bulls travel to Cape Town looking to end a five-game losing streak across the URC and Currie Cup.

Coetzee has been in Japan for a short stint and is glad to be back home.

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Coetzee keen to get to work

Coetzee is keen to get working with current Bulls captain Ruan Nortje again.

“I’m excited to get back to Pretoria. That’s my home now, and I love the city and its people, the passion among the supporters. It’s a place where I want to be for a long time, that’s why I signed until 2027,” said Coetzee, speaking exclusively to Brenden Nel.

“We’re busy building something special. It would always have been difficult for a new captain, and there were circumstances beyond his control, but the guys have turned this hip around under Ruan.

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“He has been a very good captain and has led them well. The last two games against Zebre and Leinster show you what can be achieved under pressure. The Bulls have a strong culture and he brought them together in tough times.

“There’s nothing like bad times to test a bond between players and the way they pulled together to make the playoffs was exceptional. Ruan and I spoke almost every week about where the team was and how he can get better as a leader. That’s the relationship we have, and we’re big mates off the field. We support each other and I can’t wait to get back into that culture again.”

Coetzee knows how hard it’s been for his teammates getting to grips with the change to European Cup competitions.

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“It was always going to be tough in the first year. I don’t think people realise how tough that tournament is. I played in it for three years and can tell you it is one of the toughest competitions I’ve ever been in. It’s tough to think you will dominate in year one.

“I think what is definitely apparent is the importance of home ground advantage for the knockout rounds. You need to get the points in the pool phases to make sure you have the best chance.

“There will always be a debate about finances and it is difficult to compete with the bigger clubs in the world. But at the end of the day it is about producing a side with enough depth and experience to give yourself a chance at success.

ALSO READ: Bulls push reset, ready for Stormers clash

“If you take Leinster, they’ve been in virtually every final with experienced players that play for them and Ireland. Every team has the opportunity to develop that sort of experience, to put that infrastructure in place, but for South Africans it will always be a bit more difficult with the financial incentives overseas for players.

Bulls chasing big win

“I’m sure all the teams have learnt lessons and will identify areas that they will be better and sharper next season. But the bottom line is we need to host those knockout games in South Africa. Why? Because It’s always ‘lekkerder’ in South Africa.”

Marcell Coetzee Bulls
The Bulls have confirmed that they have secured the services of Springbok flank Marcell Coetzee until 2027. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix

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