Pretoria - Blue Bulls prop Werner Kruger believes they have the squad to make a strong run towards domestic success this season.
The Blue Bulls boast one of the most successful records in the Currie Cup, with 23 titles (four shared). Only Western Province have more accolades with the Cape Town-based union boasting 34 titles (four shared).
However, it’s been six seasons since the Bulls have lifted the Currie Cup trophy, having last won the domestic tournament in 2009 when they beat the Free State Cheetahs in the final in Pretoria.
Kruger believes the Bulls have the talent to end their title drought.
“You can’t compete in a competition if you don’t feel like you’re going to win it. We definitely want to win it,” Kruger told MyPlayers.co.za.
“We are a young squad, but we have a lot of exciting talent and a good blend of experience.
“Some of the younger guys have Currie Cup experience under their belt. For others, it will be their first tournament. So we just need to put the proper structures in place and execute them.”
Kruger added that the senior players have an important role to play.
“We need to bring calmness to the field,” said Kruger. “We need to step in, especially in pressure situations, and remind the guys not to rush and force things.
“During training, we also offer insight and advice based on our previous experience at this level.”
The Bulls begin a new era under head coach Nollis Marias, who has achieved success with Tuks during the Varsity Cup and the Blue Bulls Under-21s in previous years.
Kruger believes Marais has been effective since his appointment.
“We’ve been training hard and well over the past four weeks. Things have been going well under coach Nollis so far,” said Kruger.
“We are excited to achieve the right results during the Currie Cup with a new squad and a new coach.”
The Bulls start their Currie Cup campaign away to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday (14:15 kick-off).
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