Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee says they have been in knockout mode for basically half the season.
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The Munster rugby team have had their trials and tribulations off the field this season, but the desire for a happy ending on the field could make them all the more dangerous going into their URC quarterfinal against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.
In March, it was revealed that the Irish province had suffered losses of around one million Euros and that a staff restructuring would take place. In April, Munster announced the appointment of New Zealander Roger Randall as Attack coach, but had to reverse it because of a public outcry regarding a 1997 rape allegation against Randall in Durban, when he was playing for the Chiefs in Super Rugby.
But Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee feels Munster will turn the negativity into a positive.
“Munster have had their challenges off the field, but I know that will fuel them coming to Loftus,” Coetzee said. They want to create hope and purpose for their side. So I think we have to match that desperation.”
Munster will also be buoyed by how they finished in their last visit to Loftus Versfeld, in March, when they lost 34-17 following a late flourish of points.
“That’s all history,” Coetzee said. “They are a side that always stays in the fight until the last minute. Munster have got ways to break you down and disrupt your rhythm. We just have to counter that. We've got a set plan that we want to implement on the day. It’s all about finding that rhythm and them not disrupting it.
“In that last game, they scored good tries in the second half. Maybe the accuracy from our side wasn't that spot on. That's something we have to fix going into this game.”
The Bulls will name their side for the clash on Friday.