Marcell Coetzee is no stranger to big games, but this weekend’s clash against Glasgow Warriors carries a different kind of weight. With last season’s URC final loss to the Scots still fresh in Bulls’ memory, the seasoned flanker is locked in for redemption – physically and mentally.
Coming off a Man of the Match performance against Munster, Coetzee was a wrecking ball at Thomond Park, inspiring his teammates with a relentless work rate and physicality that helped the Bulls claim a historic win. With a record breaking 31 tackles. The most ever in the URC.
Speaking to Renaldo Bothma in a midweek interview, Coetzee reflected on the team’s mindset: “We lost the week before, so it took a mental lift to get the team up again. But it starts with yourself. You have to prepare right and serve the team.”
And serve he did. Coetzee was everywhere – hitting rucks, making dominant tackles, and carrying with venom. The leadership he brings off the ball has become just as important as the plays he makes on it.
He credits the Bulls’ touring block in Europe for tightening the bonds in the squad.
“There’s real growth in this team,” he said. “We’re enjoying each other’s company, and that helps. Before the Munster game, we looked at each other and said – this isn’t about individuals. It’s about the team. Everyone bought in.”
Mindset and Momentum
Now the attention turns to Glasgow – the same side that beat the Bulls in last year’s final. With Franco Smith still pulling the strings at Warriors, Coetzee knows what’s coming: pace, pressure, precision.
“They expose teams who start slow,” Coetzee warned. “That’ll be a big focus for us – making sure we start fast and don’t give them quick ball.”
Asked how the Bulls might slow Glasgow’s high-tempo style, especially on their home 4G pitch, Coetzee nodded to the importance of the breakdown.
“They go hard at the breakdown. If we can disrupt their rhythm there, we can slow them down. We’ve got to be accurate and physical at the contact point.”
And there’s a major carrot dangling in front of the Bulls.
“Something big is waiting for us if we pull this through – a home semi-final, maybe even a final. That’s worth fighting for.”
