Handre Pollard backs Bulls before URC Final

Bulls fly-half Handré Pollard says the South African side never lost belief despite being written off earlier in the season.

The Bulls will face Leinster in the URC Grand Final at Croke Park on Friday, June 19, after a strong late-season surge.

Bulls Reach URC Grand Final Against Leinster

The Bulls have completed a major turnaround to reach the United Rugby Championship final. Earlier in the season, the Pretoria-based side were struggling in both the URC and Champions Cup, with questions being asked about their form and direction.

Johan Ackermann’s arrival as head coach had initially brought optimism, but a difficult start placed pressure on the club. The Springboks coaching staff were also brought in to assess aspects of the Bulls’ operation during that period.

Handré Pollard Reflects On Bulls Turnaround

Pollard said few people expected the Bulls to reach the final when the team was going through a difficult spell in December and January. However, he said the squad continued to believe in its work and eventually found clarity in the way it wanted to play.

“Let’s be honest, I think in December, January, nobody really saw us in the final,” said Pollard.

“We believed it and we were working hard, but we also had a really tough time over that time of the season, but we really came together well.

“We were clear in the way we wanted to play the game and that showed in the last three, four months of the season. So, listen, it’s very special.

“A lot of the guys have been there before. Of course, we’ve had a lot of disappointment in this competition and finals, but it’s a real positive.

"The guys have been there before, they know what to expect. Where we came from this season to be where we are is special, and we want to take our confidence into the final.”

The Bulls have since produced an eight-game winning streak, carrying them into the final against Leinster.