Bulls aim to make ‘nice and hot Loftus’ their Champions Cup fortress

The Bulls aim to make Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria's scorching pitch, their Champions Cup fortress this season. With a forecast of a sunny 32°C for their opening match against Stade Français, flanker Elrigh Louw acknowledges the team's initial adjustment period in training. Returning from recent tours in Italy and Ireland, the Bulls suffered consecutive home defeats in last year's Champions Cup, falling to Union Bordeaux Bègles (46-33) and Bristol Bears (61-49).

However, a narrow 25-21 win over Pau in France secured their spot in the knockout stages. The Bulls focus on discipline as their path to the last-16 led to a travel-heavy journey to face Glasgow Warriors in Scotland. Their schedule includes matches against Montpellier in December and Bath and Northampton Saints in January, all before the playoffs.

Louw emphasizes the importance of discipline, noting Stade Français' reliance on scrums, mauls, and set pieces. The flanker acknowledges the heat as a challenge, but insists the Bulls will take it in stride and maintain their mindset of winning all home games and making a statement overseas.