Bolstered by Springbok experience, hooker Johan Grobbelaar is fired up for the Vodacom Bulls’ Champions Cup opener against Saracens in London on Saturday.
“The biggest thing that I learned with the Boks is studying opposition and preparing for games,” said Grobbelaar, who made the third of his Test appearances in South Africa’s 45-12 victory against Wales at the Principality Stadium in November. “Looking at things in a different way, to see how they are thinking and what they are doing.
“When you move into the Springbok environment you get to speak to and work with a lot of senior players that have played all over the world, everyone brings something different to the team, so there are a lot of things to pick up.”
The 5-1 Bulls have had a great start to their 2024-25 URC campaign, with three victories on the road in six matches. Despite this run of form, Grobbelaar respects the quality of Saracens, fourth in the Premiership, and the conditions in North London.
“They are going to have the home ground advantage and for most of us it’s going to be the first time on their artificial pitch,” added Grobbelaar. “We need to be smart to adjust to the surface under our feet at the scrum.”
Three-time Champions Cup and six-time English Premiership winners, Saracens last appearance in the Champions Cup final was their victory over Leinster in 2019.
“Saracens have a good reputation of winning trophies, it makes us even more excited and keen for the game. We should use that to our advantage.
“They are a well-balanced team with a good kicking game, and they are physical, good at the breakdown and great at the set piece. We are looking forward to the challenge.”
