Cornal Hendricks says the Blue Bulls hope to improve their finishing against the Pumas. Picture: BacpagePix
The Blue Bulls may have scored nine tries last weekend, but they know that they can’t afford to waste any opportunities in Friday’s Currie Cup clash against the Pumas in Mbombela (5.15pm start).
The Pretoria side were 24-7 up at half-time at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday, and completed a 55-21 victory against the hapless Welkom outfit.
But captain on the day, Cornal Hendricks, said on Tuesday that coach Phiwe Nomlomo’s team had identified a few shortcomings that they will need to improve on to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches. They currently top the log with 26 points from five wins and a draw, three points ahead of the Lions.
Jimmy Stonehouse’s Pumas outfit are notoriously tough customers at Mbombela Stadium, and will be keen to get going once more after receiving a 55-12 thrashing at the hands of the Lions at Ellis Park last weekend.
“We go out every week to be our best, and there were points that we left out there. There were a few tries that we didn’t score, where we were just a bit impatient, especially in the 22,” Hendricks said on Tuesday.
“Sometimes we get a bit overexcited against teams like the Griffons, and with all due respect, we need to make the game more structured against teams like the Griffons, as the Griffons like it when the game gets loose – they can then use their individual brilliance, use their steppers like (Gurshwin) Wehr.
“But we tried our best and gave it a good go, even though there were a few mistakes and we could’ve been more specific, especially in our own half.
“The Pumas are a really good team. They are never easy to face at home, and there are things and mistakes we have worked on and looked at on Monday.
“We want to rectify that and make as few mistakes as possible, because the Pumas will definitely punish you.”
Hendricks was among the Bulls try-scorers against the Griffons. He was joined by fellow veteran centre Lionel Mapoe in midfield.
The former Springbok duo made valuable contributions, and hope to guide the youngsters to the Currie Cup title.
“We are now on the senior side but it’s always lekker for me and Lionel to be on the same field as the young talent coming through, because we can still do that and measure ourselves with the guys. We also want to share our experience with the boys,” the 36-year-old said.
“We got clear instructions from the coaches on what they want, and we as leaders are there to filter the messages down to the team – what we want out of the weekend’s games.
“We are still trying a few combinations before heading into the business end of the competitions. We want to get better at all the things we are doing in training.
“There are quality players in the whole squad and I must say, it’s quite a good challenge for all of us to do our best every single week.
“We are still trying a few combinations – a couple of guys who have been injured coming into the squad now to get some game time.
“It’s a good sign for the team to have a lot of competition and bring the guys onto the same page. We want to push each other to be better, at the end of the day.”