Bulls Captain Hanro Liebenberg Warns Squad Not to Cross the Line in Jukskei Derby

• Bulls skipper Hanro Liebenberg stressed the importance of emotional discipline ahead of Saturday's URC clash against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld
• Liebenberg stepped into the captaincy role after Marcell Coetzee suffered an injury, adding extra pressure to the high-stakes Jukskei derby
• The 30-year-old flanker reflected on his return to South African rugby after seven years and 152 matches with Leicester Tigers in England

PRETORIA — Bulls captain Hanro Liebenberg has issued a firm warning to his squad ahead of Saturday 10 October's URC Jukskei derby against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld, calling on players to keep their emotions in check and avoid conceding needless penalties.

Liebenberg, 30, assumed the captaincy after regular skipper Marcell Coetzee was ruled out through injury. Despite the added responsibility, the flank was clear that discipline on the field is a collective obligation, not just one that rests with the captain.

"I think we're all adults. We've all got to take care of our emotions on the field," Liebenberg said, according to SA Rugby Magazine.

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"At the end of the day, there's a captain, but everyone's got to control themselves and look after themselves."

Bulls must stay on the right side of aggression

Liebenberg acknowledged that intensity and aggression are necessary ingredients in a derby, but warned that crossing the line could prove costly against a Lions side known for its expansive style of play.

"Yes, we want to be on that edge and be ready to go and have that aggressive nature, but there is also a line. I think if you're going to cross that line against the Lions and give away penalties, they're going to punish you," he said.

"We see the way they play. They want to throw the ball around and make linebreaks and put you under pressure that way. And if we're going to put ourselves under pressure by giving away penalties, we're going to make it a long afternoon."

Liebenberg draws positives from Munster defeat

The Bulls may have lost 26-22 to Munster in Limerick last weekend, but Hanro Liebenberg believes the performance provided plenty of encouragement ahead of the Lions clash.

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The Bulls skipper feels the team’s effort was strong enough to suggest they can compete with the Lions, provided they make better use of their chances.

“Rugby is a funny game,” Liebenberg said. “Sometimes you’re the better team and you lose, sometimes you’re the better team and you win.”

Liebenberg is also enjoying his return to South African rugby after spending seven years and making 152 appearances for Leicester Tigers in England.

The flanker said being back in Pretoria has helped rekindle his enjoyment of the game, while the Bulls’ environment has made settling back in easier.

“I’ve loved every minute,” he said. “We have a great group of boys, a great coaching team, and it makes it easy to come back and fit in again.”

Bulls face difficult week before Lions clash

Briefly News previously reported that Johan Ackermann admitted the Bulls had endured a challenging week ahead of their Jukskei derby against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld.

The Bulls returned from Ireland after a long trip and a defeat to Munster, with illness also affecting their preparations. Ackermann said the combination had made the build-up particularly demanding.

Source: Briefly News