'We're a dangerous team' - Marcell Coetzee bullish on Bulls' URC title chances

As three-time losing finalists, the Bulls have had their fair share of heartbreak in the URC over the years, but while no one gave them much of a shot earlier this season, they've quietly grown into legitimate contenders.

"We turned around this season very nicely," Coetzee said ahead of next weekend's quarter-final clash against Munster at Loftus.

"We were always aware that you just need a ticket to those playoffs, and then anything can happen. Every game now is precious.

"We have an opportunity. We know how difficult it is to reach the Grand Final in the URC with the quality of the teams in this competition, and the challenges of touring and different playing conditions. But this team has also learnt a lot out of the finals we've lost, and how that hurt us.

"What I've learnt about this group is that when they all pull together in the same direction, we are a very dangerous team."

Coetzee, who returned to Pretoria from Ulster in 2021, was among a small group of senior players in a largely young squad at the time. Several of those younger players have since developed into senior figures in the team.

The Bulls also experienced transition off the field with the arrival of new head coach Johan Ackermann, while a number of squad members are leaving at the end of the season to take up overseas opportunities, including Springbok stars Ruan Nortje, Wilco Louw and Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Coetzee admitted it feels like a "changing of the guard" at the club as they head into the playoffs, but the players also sense a real opportunity to come together and achieve something special in the postseason.

"There is a strong motivation to make these playoffs really special for those players who are leaving us, and to pay tribute to what they have brought to Bulls rugby history," Coetzee said.

"It's a credit to the players who are leaving that they want to leave on a strong note as well.

"When the purpose is bigger than the individual, then we're in a good place."

Reflecting on his journey with the Bulls over the last five years, Coetzee said he felt immense pride at helping to usher in a new crop of talented players.

"This has always been a very talented group which has already achieved a lot. But you cannot force experience. That comes with time.

"I just feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of that journey with this team. I've made friends for life here. We've had ups and downs, but that's part of it.

"I've walked a long journey with Ruan (Nortje) and we've been roommates. Then you have players like Wilco Louw, Kurt-Lee Arendse and David Kriel. David is one of my closest friends. It still doesn't feel real that he's leaving.

"I never thought this opportunity would come my way. I was always a Bulls fan as a kid and my biggest dream was to play for this team. Then to do so, and to also be given the honour of captain - you can't put into words how special that is."

READ MORE: Rassie Erasmus pleased as Boks lay foundations for bumper season