VIDEO: Bulls to be wary of gutsy Italians

VIDEO: The Bulls must be wary of the never-say-die attitude of the Italians come Saturday’s United Rugby Championship quarterfinal, says flank Nizaam Carr.

Complacency will be the death of the Bulls and they have first-hand experience of the gutsiness of the Italians from their previous encounter a few weeks ago when Benetton fought back dramatically in their 35-56 loss at Loftus Versfeld.

"If we become complacent then things can really go the other way. We need to stick to the job at hand," the Springbok and Bulls loose forward told a media briefing this week.

"Benetton thrives off the loose play and if we can match that, it’ll be a really good day for us. They have a never-say-die attitude and are going to keep coming no matter the scoreboard, and we’ve experienced that. We need to be wary of that.

"That is also coming from the mindset of their national team. Even when they are under pressure – and I’ve spoken to a lot of guys that I played with in England – they just never die. They have a never-say-die attitude," Carr said.

"They are a side that you have to respect otherwise it's going to be really long day if you don't cover all your bases.

"They are going to keep coming, no matter what the scoreboard says. We were leading by far, and they still managed to score tries. If we become complacent, things can go the other way.

"They’ve been doing well – maybe not consistently getting those wins, but they are definitely a side that has improved a lot, in terms of Italy rugby.

"They are a side that you have to respect. You have to pitch up otherwise it’s going to be a really long day if you don’t cover all your bases," Carr explained.

Since linking up with the Bulls after the financial collapse of English club Wasps which went under administration late in 2022, the burly flank has been the go-to for Jake White’s side whenever his services were needed.

He captained the Bulls in the Champions Cup quarterfinal clash with Northampton Saints in April and is seen as one of the leaders in the squad.

Carr just extended his contract with the Bulls until June 2027.

"The Bulls are more than just a rugby club; this has become my family," he stated in a Bulls release.

"I look at our squad and instantly I look forward to growing with them. I see their work ethic every day and you can see that they have that hunger and desire to do well. Ultimately, I want to be a part of that because it excites me and keeps me on my toes to be the best I can be going forward.

"I am really looking forward to the journey ahead for me and my family and the family of brothers on the field," he added,

"The next three years are about bringing home some silverware, that is the only way we can count our success, by bringing the cups to Loftus.

"I am one of the older guys around and I share the same ambition as the young guys do, that is to do well and give our supporters something to be proud of."