Bulls captain Hanro Liebenberg urges discipline against Lions

Liebenberg takes over the captaincy from the injured Marcell Coetzee and will lead the Pretoria side into the United Rugby Championship derby on his 31st birthday.

The flank believes the Bulls must strike a balance between physical aggression and composure, particularly against a Lions team known for its attacking approach and ability to create linebreaks.

"We want to be on that edge and be ready to go and have that aggressive nature, but there is also a line," Liebenberg said.

"If you're going to cross that line against the Lions and give away penalties, they're going to punish you."

The Bulls are seeking their first home victory of the URC campaign after suffering a narrow 26-22 defeat to Munster in Limerick last weekend.

Despite the defeat, Liebenberg is confident the Bulls can build on their performance against Munster if they maintain the same work rate and improve their finishing.

"The work and the effort we put into last week's match, if we can have that the same this weekend, I think we'll be in a good place and just take the opportunities a bit better," he said.

However, the Bulls will need to avoid handing the Lions easy ways into the game. Liebenberg expects their opponents to move the ball freely, attack space and put the hosts under pressure, making discipline particularly important.

"If we're going to put ourselves under pressure by giving away penalties, we're going to make it a long afternoon," he said.

The derby also marks another milestone in Liebenberg's return to South African rugby after seven years with Leicester Tigers, where he made 152 appearances before returning to Pretoria.

Having represented the SA Under-20 side in 2015 before moving to England at the age of 22, he says his return to the Bulls has renewed his enjoyment of the game.

"It's almost brought that love of the game back to me a bit," Liebenberg said.

"I was away for seven years, a bit out of touch, out of feel with South African rugby. But since being here, I've loved every minute.

"We have a great group of boys, a great coaching team, and it makes it easy to come back and fit in again."

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