RESPECT: The Bulls' pledge that is driving them forward

It’s not often the hard men get together and have a serious chat.

But that’s precisely what may well make a major difference for the Vodacom Bulls on their tough journey through their current tour that comprises not only EPCR Challenge Cup knockout games, but two crucial Vodacom United Rugby Championship matches as well.

While it is often overused in a team context, the word “respect” is something that is taken very seriously by those in a team environment, and especially among the forwards.

That’s why it was enlightening to hear the Bulls forwards got together and made a pledge to each other to play through the toughest part of the season for each other.

It may sound like something that every team does, but the decision to reiterate their belief in their season may well be a crucial factor for the Bulls as the games only get tougher going forward.

It worked for them to drown out the noise in France when they beat Bayonne last weekend and will most likely be employed again when they kick off against Edinburgh in the Scottish capital this weekend.

THE PLEDGE

One of the younger Boks in the side, Jan Hendrik Wessels spoke about it in his media interview this week, talking about how the gritty last-minute win against Leinster - and the powerful scrum that brought the Bulls back from the brink - sparked a conversation that will take the Bulls forward for the rest of their campaign.

“I think we just spoke about it after that Leinster game. We really want to show some respect to one another, and really want to fight for one another,” Wessels said about the talks among the forwards.

“Even if it’s difficult, even if the crowd is against us, if we’re travelling – just find a way to win. So, I think the tour is doing us well at the moment. We had some slip-ups this year, so we just want to stick to our strong points and just want to find a way, if possible. We're just starting to play for each other.

“It’s not early days, but there are still three games to go in the Challenge Cup, and four league games in the URC.

“So, we are on tour and want to try our best to perform well in both tournaments.

“There is no talk about winning a tournament yet. It’s just preparing well in the week, and sticking to what we’ve been doing and what’s been working for us.”

FOCUSED AGAINST BAYONNE

That togetherness was apparent against Bayonne where everything seemed to be against them, and the Bulls simply put their heads down, focused and moved forward.

Wessels has grown in stature since his surprising selection for the Springboks.

At the time, many may have felt he was too young to already be thrust into test rugby - especially as a tight forward and - in Rassie Erasmus’s words “a swinger” who plays between loosehead and hooker in a test environment.

But since he was put in the Bok squad, Wessels has returned stronger, more determined and has grown immensely.

His part in that monster scrum that turned the game after the hooter against Leinster is one testament to this.

And the determination that is going through the side at the moment shows that while they have some tough challenges ahead, there is a bond that is carrying them through.

The Bulls know if they beat Edinburgh they prolong their tour - because their next two vital URC games against Munster and Glasgow - both sides who beat them at Loftus last season - are just as vital for the rest of the season.

And a win against Edinburgh means a four-week tour becomes five, as the semifinal follows after the Glasgow game.

It is a tricky juggling act for coach Jake White, but while things go well, the tour won’t seem that long after all.

SWINGER ROLE

For Wessels, playing the swinger role has its advantages and disadvantages. And the youngster isn’t going to step into it by choosing a preference.

For now, all he wants to do is get on the field, and wherever he is picked the better. If that means a bench role for now, he is just as happy.

“Rugby's changing, and I believe the eight players on the bench are just as crucial as the starters," Wessels smiled.

"Whether I'm wearing jersey 1 or 17, or 2 or 16, my goal is the same - to give my best for the team. I focus on both positions, so I don't have a preference. It's about growing as a player and helping the team in any way I can."

"I train in both positions throughout the week. It's not always a planned thing, but it's a possibility, and I prepare for it. My goal is to be ready for whatever the coaches need from me."

GAME TIME MAKES IT EASIER

It makes it easier whenever he does play, because as much as game scenarios are simulated in practice sessions, nothing beats the real thing.

“If you get time under the belt in games, it’s obviously helping a lot with the lineouts.” he explained.

“We’ve got good locks coming through, and the guys make it really easy in picking the right options.

“It’s easy to slip a lift and then you’ll look at the hooker, and maybe it’s his fault. But the guys pitching up on a Saturday and working hard to perfect everything is making my job a lot easier.

“There is planning during the week, so because I can play both positions, I need to learn the lineout, the detail that comes with every game.

“I scrum on both sides in the week, so there is well-rounded prep going into it. So, on my side, I just want to do everything I can during the week to be at my utmost prepared at both positions.”

The Bulls will name their side for the clash on Friday.