Marutlulle to put Lions U20 under the microscope ahead of cup final

This year’s final will see a Jukskei Derby as The Bulls U20 host the Lions U20 on Saturday. The Bulls secured a home final after they finished top of the regular season standings and beating the Hollywoodbets Sharks Gen in their semifinal last weekend. 

A fortnight ago, the Bulls rounded off a sensational round-robin campaign in the SA Rugby U20 Cup by beating the Lions at UJ Stadium. 

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Marutlulle says what the Stormers Bolts managed to get right in the opening minutes they will try to do over the entire duration of the final.

"We pick apart that game, also pick apart what they did in the season, but there's a clear DNA from the Lions and we look at points as well, what did the Stormless Bolts do really well against the Lions and we'll make sure that we've put our brains together to see can we also find the same areas that the Stormless Bolts found in the beginning of the game and can we probably just make sure that we probably do it over a longer 80 minutes," said Marutlulle

READ: Cobus Reinach praises Stormers’ next generation

This year’s final will see the two teams that finished first and second in the overall round-robin standings go head-to-head. It will also serve as a curtain-raiser for the United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter between the Vodacom Bulls and Scarlets. Marutlulle says both teams have shown a desire to go all the way and has praised the coaching expertise on both sides. 

The 38-year-old says his team has been the most prepared side in the competition this year, owing to the time the squad has spent together and the experience within the Bulls technical team. He has also praised the Vodacom Bulls management for its investment in the youth structures.

Marutlulle will also be hoping to end his tenure with the Bulls franchise on a high after spending 10 years in Pretoria – two as a player and eight as a coach. He says the final will be a celebration of the time he has spent at the franchise. Marutlulle's next challenge will see him move to Johannesburg to take charge of the University of Johannesburg first team.