Matfield: Bringing his A-game
Bulls captain Victor Matfield has indicated that the Highlanders will not be taken lightly when the defending champions host New Zealand's under-achievers in Pretoria on Saturday.
Refreshed from last week's bye, the Springbok lock will lead the undefeated Bulls for the 50th time in his 99th Super Rugby match this weekend.
Whilst the Bulls were kicking back at home, the Highlanders suffered a severe 33-0 mauling from the Stormers in Cape Town. After impressing against the Cheetahs in the previous round, Saturday's whitewash condemned the Kiwis to their third defeat in four weeks.
The Bulls have scored three consecutive fifties - including last year's final against the Chiefs - followed by 48 points against the Waratahs, and another could be on their way for this team without any obvious weaknesses.
But Matfield is throwing caution against the wind.
"They did play badly against the Stormers," said the Bulls skipper.
"They have a strong set phase and with Tom Donnelly in the line-outs, can be very difficult opponents.
"They created enough chances against the Stormers and we realise that our A-game will be needed to beat them."
Although the Highlanders broke the Bulls' opening five-game winning streak last year, winning 36-12 at home, the men in light blue were last defeated at their Loftus Versfeld fortress 23 months ago by the Hurricanes.
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