‘Depth a challenge for Bulls’ – Marais

Editor

Bulls head coach Nollis Marais believes his side's depth could be a problem during their Super Rugby campaign.

The Pretoria side came from behind to secure a 28-24 win against the Lions in their pre-season warm-up match in Polokwane on Saturday, but Marais admits they need more players if they want to thrive.

"The Bulls need one or two players down the line to be successful. I think that our depth at the moment is going to be a challenge for us in the competition," said Marais. 

The Bulls boss is unhappy with the gap between his first-choice players and their understudies, and knows that any further injuries could make their Super Rugby campaign a burdensome one.

"To be honest, I think we are about 70% from where we would like to be. If guys like [props] Trevor (Nyakane) and Marcel (Van der Merwe) get injured, then we are on the back foot," he added.

"That is not something we can afford."

The Bulls are without the services of stalwart Handre Pollard, who is sidelined for the whole season with a knee injury, and Deon Stegmann and Lappies Labuschagne, who are both out of action for two months with ankle injuries.