Utility back Johan Goosen believes the Vodacom Bulls are primed to beat the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday and book a place in the Currie Cup final.
The Cheetahs finished the round-robin stages of the competition in top spot on the log following a narrow victory over the Bulls on the Highveld last week.
But, The Herd did enough to secure fourth place and place in the semi-finals – against the Free Staters – after scoring four tries and claiming a losing bonus point.
The Bulls are shooting for a strong finish to a disappointing season that included a run of 10 defeats in all competitions and three losses against the DHL Stormers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
Speaking during a Bulls media conference on Tuesday, Goosen is confident about exacting revenge and laying the platform for potential trophy glory.
“It’ll be massive for us as a group; we’ve been through a tough season, tough times but we’re still alive and we can still win something this season,” he told reporters.
“I think it will be massive for the group and for the union; we are a proud union so it will be good for us to win the Currie Cup.
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“We have won away games when nobody gave us a chance. There is a good spirit among the men and we are hungry for success at the end of what has been a tough season for us. I think it’s important to block out the outside noise.
“If we play to our potential on Saturday, we can win.”
The Cheetahs held out for a 31-27 win over a 14-man Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, after the home side lost No 8 Elrigh Louw to a first-half red card.
It wasn’t the home farewell for stalwarts Morne Steyn and Bismarck du Plessis that the Pretoria outfit wanted, but Goosen remains upbeat about a champagne end to the campaign.
“The lads really wanted to do it for Morras and Bissie, but I think the game turned when Elrigh got a red card. After that we just tried to stay in the game,” he added.
“It is always better to win, but we now have a good idea of what we can expect from the Cheetahs.
“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. All you’re looking for is a ticket to play in the semi-finals. Then anything can happen.”
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images
