Everitt: 'No reason' why Bulls can't make play-offs

REACTION: Sean Everitt is confident that the Bulls will not be daunted by the challenge of reaching the Currie Cup semifinal phase as the season reaches its business end.

The Bulls enhanced their play-offs chances with a crucial 33-32 win over the Lions on Saturday at Ellis Park.

The men from Pretoria secured five log points and moved to sixth on the Currie Cup table, just four points adrift of fourth-placed Western Province (31 points).

Speaking to reporters after the match in Johannesburg, Bulls assistant coach Sean Everitt emphasised the importance of building on their winning momentum in their fight to keep their season alive.

“It's all in our hands," Everitt said when asked about the Bulls' play-off status.

“What we set ourselves out to do is to get 25 points out of the remainder of the five games, so we have three to go and we already have 10 points.

“It is important for us to improve on this performance and to get five points in Nelspruit [against the Pumas] next week – which is not going to be easy.

“After that, we have Griffons and Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld, so the 15 points [before the two home games] are going to be vital for us to have a shot in the playoffs and it obviously depends on what happens elsewhere

“But the way I see it if we can continue along our winning path there is no reason why we should not be in the knock-out phase.”

Troubling second-half

The Bulls dominated the first quarter of the Round 11 clash, scoring four tries in less than 21 minutes.

However, ill-discipline along with a yellow card to hooker Johan Grobbelaar made sure the Lions clawed their way back and the Bulls only manage to take a slender 26-20 lead into the break.

The Lions almost clinched a win, but a Gianni Lombard drop goal attempt drifted wide of the posts and the Bulls hung on for the win.

“It was really exciting in the end for the spectators, for us as coaches it was intense," Everitt admitted.

“The Lions did really well to come back into the game. I was hoping we will continue with the momentum from the first half when we had the ball in hand in their 22 we were really good.

“Unfortunately the penalties and turnovers we conceded put us under the pump.

"However that is how rugby goes.

"Credit has to go to the Lions. We knew they are a proud team."