They will be eager to turn around a losing streak, after losses to both the Stormers and Lyon last month, even if they won’t have access to their Springboks, who will be rested. 

The Pretoria-based side is currently 3rd in the Pool A standings, and Bristol is 5th.

Bulls forward Mpilo Gumede said he knows this weekend’s game against the Bears will not be a walk in the park.

“They are a big club and everything will be against us – the weather, the fans, so we know what’s coming. We know they like to throw the ball around and we are prepared for that,” he said.

The Bulls are the leading South African side in the competition, but Gumede said the team is in a good place mentally, despite their last round loss to the Stormers.

“We learnt a lot from both games.  Everyone is positive and we understand what we have to do,” he said.

Before the closely contested losses against Lyon and the Stormers the Bulls recorded three solid victories against the Sharks, Saracens and Connacht.  And even though the weather in England can be a game-changer the Bulls are not losing any sleep over the conditions.

“Our game play doesn’t change much.  It allows us to play and adapt to the conditions.”

The weather in Bristol is expected to be cold and rainy on Saturday. The match will kick off at 17:15.

OFM Sport