Bulls skipper: URC is getting there
Hanro Liebenberg believes the URC is closing the gap on England’s Premiership.
After a seven-year stint with the Leicester Tigers, the loose forward is well placed to run a rule over the standard of both competitions.
“I think it’s very similar,” said Liebenberg, who will captain the Bulls against the Scarlets at Loftus on Saturday.
“I’ve only played a few games in the URC so far. The Premiership is very competitive, and it’s become more so over the last few seasons, and I think the URC is getting there.
“The smaller teams are getting a lot more competitive and that’s pushing the other teams too. Give it one or two more years and those small teams might not be the small teams anymore. They’ll push for the top spots as well.”
TEAM: Maart starts for revamped Bulls
Liebenberg is enjoying the captaincy, alternating with Marcell Coetzee, noting that the quality and depth of the Bulls squad helps a great deal.
“I’m very confident. We have a really good squad and the luxury of rotating players. That’s not saying the others aren’t as good. The next guy who comes in steps straight into the other guy’s boots and has to do the job.”
The 31-year-old says that no matter the changes, his job remains constant.
“To play the best rugby I can. You still have players like Willie le Roux and Curwin Bosch, you’ve got Marcell on the bench, and you have Springboks in the team, so very experienced players around me. I don’t think anything changes for me.
“I’ll speak when it’s needed, but mostly I just have to lead by example. Our discipline was a problem last week and we spoke about it going into this week, so hopefully we can fix that and I won’t have to say much. We’ve all played rugby long enough to know it’s not acceptable to give away easy penalties.”
ALSO: Ackers lauds skilful Sebastian, Luan
Liebenberg explained that this came down to making good decisions, especially around the breakdown, adding that a lack of clear thinking cost the team against Ulster last week.
“If our decision-making around the breakdown is better, we’ll be in a better place. We’re all adults and have to make our own decisions. I’ll step in when needed, but as long as the intent and mindset are right, you can deal with those penalties.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
Crédito: Link de origem