Matador Carter to 'slay' the Bulls

Crusaders flyhalf Dan Carter has faced the Bulls often enough in the last decade to know what it takes to down one of the most respected teams on the planet.

When he steps into the Christchurch 'arena' on Saturday in the first round of Super Rugby play-off matches, the veteran No.10 will again bear the matador's cloak.

And as the Latin phrase suggest, the Crusaders' matador de toros (literally meaning 'killer of bulls'), is indeed an artist and an athlete, possessing great agility, grace, and co-ordination.

However, like any experienced 'bullfighter' Carter has the utmost respect for the 'animal' he is about to overpower.

He has been on the receiving end of a few play-off tramplings by the Bulls in recent years.

Their last four trips to South Africa ended in heartache for the Crusaders - including in the 2009 and 2010 semifinals, while their most recent defeat was a 30-32 nailbiter in Pretoria in April.

On the flipside, the last Bulls team that won in Christchurch was the class of 1996.

Carter, speaking to this website in an exclusive interview, said they will have to be on top of their game to overcome the men from Pretoria.

"The Bulls are a dangerous side and they are really tough to play home and away," Carter told this website.

"Obviously they have huge success playing at home, but I think they have the players and the side to be able to win whether than be at home or on the road.

"We see them as a huge threat.

"Obviously we prefer to play them at home, because we don't have to travel.

"However, we still see them as a huge threat, so we will have to be on top of our game if we are going to get the result we want this weekend."

That compliment was returned by Bulls captain Pierre Spies, who said his team will be tested in all departments.

"Quarterfinals are about how you handle pressure," the Bulls captain said.

"It is obviously a challenge to play the Crusaders at home, but we are looking past that."

By Jan de Koning