Bulls need to 'enjoy themselves' to break shackles

Vodacom Bulls coach Pote Human believes his charges must ignore the pressure on their shoulders ahead of their tour and “enjoy themselves” if they want to reverse their poor record in the competition abroad.

The Bulls haven’t won a game in three years abroad and will need some victories on the road if they are to keep in touch with the playoff hopes they set for themselves at the start of the season.

Given their history overseas, that isn’t an easy task and the Bulls will need to overcome their self-induced hangover after the loss to the Crusaders when they take on the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday morning (SA Time).

Human was part of Heyneke Meyer’s coaching team that picked up wins on the road on their way to the 2007 title and wants his team to use the same approach when they head into battle.

“I really hope they can overcome the travel bogey overseas and in a way they have. Everyone said we can’t play away from Loftus and this year we lost to the Stormers away with one point and beat the Lions and Sharks,” he explained.

“Yes we’re further from home now, but we have had a good trip and a good week and we know the importance of this game. If we want to compete in the competition we need to win.

“It will be difficult because the players are better than what they showed last week. They didn’t pitch twice against New Zealand sides and this is a mental thing we have to rectify this weekend.”

Human said his experience in 2007 gives him hope for this side.

“We came over here and got a couple of wins. Players need to realise it is the same field, same ball, nothing different except you are far from home. They need to go out and enjoy themselves and play positive rugby.”

Human added that he believed captain Handre Pollard would be better this week after announcing his move to Montpellier as the pressure was off him now.

“It’s difficult to say if it affected him, because Polly is a good player and he probably had a bit of pressure to settle his contract and finalise it. He is very positive and said to the team he is committed until he leaves. I believe he will be his normal self this Friday.”