Embrose Papier has called on his teammates to take more responsibility after the Vodacom Bulls pulled out of a 10-match slump in preparation for their Vodacom United Rugby Championship run-in.

A bonus-point Currie Cup victory over Griquas in Pretoria saw the Vodacom Bulls end a run of 10 consecutive losses on the eve of an important run of Vodacom URC games leading up to the playoffs.

Last season’s finalists face Zebre on Saturday as part of a double-header at Ellis Park, before hosting Leinster in the final round of the tournament.

Currently in seventh place, the Vodacom Bulls need to win both games to stand a chance of progressing to the Vodacom URC playoffs, with just five points separating them from the 11th-placed Lions.

“It’s very important [for us as players to acknowledge our responsibility]. The Bulls are a big union,” Papier said.

“Every player here is out to minimise, perhaps even avoid mistakes. You don’t want a situation where you’re responsible for dragging the Bulls’ name through the mud.

“We try our best, we’re really working very hard. Our sense of responsibility is huge currently. We realise we need to be accountable and we do that by going out every Saturday and playing to the best of our abilities.

“We need to work harder.”

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When asked how the Vodacom Bulls managed their confidence during their losing streak, Papier it helps to turn to the people you trust most.

“It’s interesting when things aren’t going well on the field…But I have close friends and family that support me. I try to keep them close because they are the people who will be frank and tell me truths about a situation. There’s a lot of value in that.

“I try to stay positive and work hard. That’s what keeps me going.”

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