Former Exeter Chiefs out-half Gareth Steenson believes Ulster have the attacking quality to trouble the Bulls, but fears their defensive frailties could be cruelly exposed at altitude.
The Bulls have put 113 points on their last two visitors to Loftus Versfeld. Ulster, arriving in Pretoria with a defence that missed 27 tackles against Zebre last weekend, are next in line.
Gareth Steenson knows what awaits Richie Murphy’s side against their Springbok-laden opponents, having experienced the demands of playing in Pretoria during his time with Exeter Chiefs.
“The altitude, the heat, everything that goes with it,” said Steenson, speaking from Cape Town, where he is working with the Ireland women’s squad.
“It’s going to be tough from a conditions point of view.”
Situated approximately 1,350 metres above sea level, Loftus is among the URC’s most unforgiving venues, with Saturday’s early-afternoon kick-off expected to bring temperatures approaching 30 degrees.
“They were literally bullied from minute one,” he said, highlighting the Bulls’ scrum dominance and formidable attacking options.
Under Johan Ackermann, the South Africans have developed an increasingly expansive game, using their powerful forwards to generate momentum before exploiting space out wide.
World Cup winner Handré Pollard orchestrates proceedings at out-half, Willie le Roux remains an accomplished attacking organiser at 37, while 20-year-old winger Cheswill Jooste scored a hat-trick against Stade Français. Springbok Canan Moodie provides another considerable threat.
Pollard and Le Roux are also capable of exploiting space behind an advancing defensive line, with the ball travelling further at altitude. Ulster’s backfield positioning and defensive communication will face a searching examination.
Their performance against Zebre offered little reassurance. Despite winning 40-21, Ulster missed 27 tackles and managed just one dominant tackle.
“The biggest worry, not so much the dominant tackle, was the amount of missed tackles,” said Steenson.
He believes Ulster are still adjusting to their defensive system, occasionally advancing too aggressively and leaving gaps opponents can exploit.
“It’s just not fully clicking for them,” he admitted.
Steenson believes matching the Bulls physically is essential, particularly against a pack featuring the outstanding Cameron Hanekom.
The number eight has scored three tries in two appearances since returning from a lengthy injury absence and his anticipated confrontation with Ulster’s Juarno Augustus promises to be among Saturday’s most compelling individual battles.
Augustus made 25 carries against Zebre, providing the kind of physical presence Ulster will desperately need in Pretoria.
“They’ve got to go with a physical team to give themselves the best opportunity,” said Steenson.
Murphy’s selection options remain complicated by injuries. Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, James Hume and Eduardo Bello are among 10 confirmed absentees, while Zac Ward has also missed the trip after suffering an ankle injury against Zebre.
Stuart McCloskey and Nick Timoney have travelled despite sustaining muscle injuries in training last week, with both hoping to be available.
Nine Ulster players were named in Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad for November, including first-time senior call-ups Jamie Benson and James McNabney. Robert Baloucoune is the only one of the nine not travelling in South Africa.
With next weekend’s encounter against the Stormers also looming, Murphy must balance the demands of a punishing tour with the opportunity to field his strongest available side in Pretoria.
There is considerably more encouragement in Ulster’s attacking performances.
They scored six tries against Zebre, their lineout was flawless with 15 successful throws from 15, and Augustus provided a powerful carrying platform.
Jacob Stockdale has scored three tries in his last two appearances, while Michael Lowry continues to offer invention in broken play.
Steenson believes they can trouble a Bulls defence that has not always matched the standards of its attack.
“I do think they’ll go, I think they’ll score points,” he said. “I think physically it’s going to be a big ask.”
Ulster demonstrated their ability to trouble the South Africans with a convincing 28-7 victory in Belfast last October, although Loftus presents a different proposition.
They have lost both previous visits to Pretoria, conceding 81 points across those encounters.
Nevertheless, Steenson rejects the suggestion that Ulster should travel with little expectation of securing a result.
“I wouldn’t call it a shot to nothing,” he insisted. “If you start talking like that, you’re beaten before you start.
“There’s definitely ways to hurt the Bulls.”
He also believes the experience of spending two weeks together in South Africa could benefit Murphy’s developing squad.
For now, however, Ulster’s priority is finding the physical authority and defensive organisation to withstand a Bulls side capable of turning missed tackles and defensive uncertainty into points with devastating efficiency.
