A game that is more than just Super
When the Bulls host the Crusaders at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night, you could be forgiven for thinking it is a Test match between the Springboks and All Blacks. After all, the Bulls will have around 14 Boks in their match-day 23, while the Kiwis have no fewer than 16 All Blacks in their own squad.Bulls captain Pierre Spies said: "This is what Super rugby is all about. It's going to be an exciting game."Two teams with a lot of national players. They have a team with a number of experienced All Blacks, which makes, on paper, for a very nice clash."[Playing the Crusaders] brings a lot of motivation on its own. It's great to play against a very good side, but we want to achieve as well. We also have a very good side this weekend. They are going to be trying to put pressure on us and we will be doing the same to them."The same level of intensity that is usually synonymous with a clash between the Boks and All Blacks should be expected when the two rivals meet.The Crusaders lead the Super rugby title count after having lifted the trophy seven times. The Bulls, together with the Auckland Blues, are the next most successful Super rugby side, having won three titles.The Crusaders carry the tag of the pride of New Zealand, while the Bulls are regarded as one of the top teams in South Africa.Add to this the fact that the last time the Bulls lost to the Crusaders at Loftus was in 2008 - which also happens to be the year the New Zealand side last won the competition - and we might have a thriller on our hands this weekend."We are expecting exactly what we always expect from them," Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock said."We just need to play Crusader rugby the way we normally play it. Hopefully it will be enough."..
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