The Bulls are delighted to have secured the comfort of home for the Vodacom URC playoffs, but Canan Moodie knows they’re in for a “fight” against Benetton on Saturday.
Jake White’s men beat the Sharks 26-14 in Durban last week that clinched them the SA Shield for the first time and second spot on the overall standings heading into the knockout stages of the URC.
Akker van der Merwe scored a brace of tries in the bonus-point win for the Bulls, and the Pretoria outfit will host Benetton in the final eight this week – and a possible home semi-final – at Loftus Versfeld.
Speaking in a Bulls conference on Monday, Moodie acknowledged the benefits of potentially playing two do-or-die clashes on the Highveld while cautioning against looking past the challenge posed by the visitors.
“There’s obviously going to be pressure for us, we’re second on the log and we’ve got a home quarter-final, and hopefully a home semi-final,” the outside back told reporters.
“Being in a playoff is enough pressure on its own, but we’re not too focused on all the other things.
“It’s nice being at home, it’s nice playing in front of your home crowd and not having to travel, but we know the job’s far from done.
“We’re not going to take Benetton lightly; like we were two years ago, they’re having to take the long road and need to fight in every game.
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“We’ve created this scenario for ourselves; we’ve worked hard the whole season and played well. We’re getting a lot of confidence getting to play in front of a packed Loftus crowd – you get to sleep in your own bed and follow your same routine.
“That gives the guys a lot of comfort and confidence to play the best they can on the weekend.”
Moodie has scored 10 tries in 14 appearances for the Bulls in all competitions this season, and the Springbok world champion allays concerns around his fitness.
The 21-year-old was one of three Bulls stars hurt in the coastal derby triumph at Kings Park, and already has been taking precautions to “go one hundred” every week.
“Just a bit of bumps and bruises and part of the game, I’ve been wrapping it and making sure I can get on the field and contribute to the team,” Moodie said.
“Nothing too hectic, just a precaution with the strapping and making sure I can function fully and go one hundred when I need to.
“For me, at this stage of the season is where the best players come out and play their best rugby when it counts most. Not neglecting the other games but playoffs is where things get a little tighter and margins get smaller.
“So hopefully I keep playing the best rugby I can and continue that form to contribute to the team and go all the way.”
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