Bulls backline coach Chris Rossouw has indicated that the players aren’t seeking for excuses after their loss to Lyon on Saturday.
In their first trip to France, the Bulls encountered difficult conditions.
However, Rossouw did not believe the conditions were as poor as they were made out to be, focusing instead on his team’s lack of discipline.
Snow coated the Stade Gerland stadium when the Bulls played Lyon. Photo: Willem Strauss.
Rossouw stated, “This was our first encounter in France.”
“We faced a French team playing at home, and the game was completely different.
“Conditions and travel can be used as an excuse. In spite of the fact that it was really chilly and snow began to fall towards the conclusion, the conditions were not that severe in the end.
“Ignoring that, we conceded too many penalties that placed us under strain and made too many technical mistakes.
“In the first half, we conceded 11 penalties, and in the second half, we reduced that number to five.” We performed admirably in the second half – kudos to the team – but placed ourselves under tremendous pressure early on, which was reflected on the scoreline.”
Despite the outcome, Lyon are eliminated from the Champions Cup, while the Bulls go to the round of 16.
THE POSITIVES
Rossouw was encouraged by the Bulls’ performance in the second half and believes they are going in the right direction as we near the finish of the season.
“It was a disappointing experience, but also a positive one in the sense that we were competitive in both halves,” Rossouw remarked.
“We had similar patches against the Sharks and Stormers as well. Only time will allow us to gain better control over these games.
“Winning is incredibly difficult in France. To succeed in this environment, you must be clinical, courageous, and seize opportunities. We had the possibility. Additionally, we must adjust to playing on artificial turf.”
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