Nizaam Carr urges Bulls to cut out 'silly errors' for Leinster clash

Leinster, currently topping the URC standings, are on a 12-match winning streak this season. However, they arrive in South Africa this week missing 16 Ireland internationals, who have been rested following the Six Nations with an eye on the Champions Cup playoffs.

The third-placed Bulls, on the other hand, are coming off a two-week break, but have gained invaluable match fitness from a tough run of five consecutive games against South African rivals in February and March.

Carr, a five-Test Springbok, acknowledged that local derbies are traditionally known for their intense physicality but stressed that the Bulls must apply that same mindset when facing foreign opposition.

"It's key for us that we stick to that mindset, it's not something that we want to just bring for certain games," Carr said.

However, physical dominance alone hasn't always been enough for the Bulls at Loftus this season, as they've suffered defeats at home to Northampton (in the Champions Cup), Sharks, and Stormers. Carr pointed out that the team needs to address other aspects of their game in order to secure a victory over Leinster.

"We have been dominating in most facets of our play, but it's just maybe a lapse of concentration. Our discipline might not be great, or a silly error here or there costs us. I think at this level, any error you make, another team will really punish you," he explained.

"This puts us under pressure, and if the opposition is leading, we need to chase the game and score points. Playing with that mindset of 'we need this' or 'we need to do this' can distract us from focusing on the basics, like running the right line or just catching and passing the ball. There are so many things going on in your mind, and that's when those simple errors happen, especially towards the end of the game."

Carr elaborated with an example, saying, "When going up for a high ball, you're contesting against guys, everyone's really improving that skill. You might knock the ball on, they attack from there and score in the corner because your defence is not properly set, and you have a tightie on the edge of the play."

"So if we can just tighten up and sharpen up on those things, the smaller detail stuff, I think we will be sharp."

Looking ahead to the match, Carr reflected on the challenge of facing Leinster, particularly in light of their weakened squad. The last time Leinster sent a reduced team to Pretoria, in April 2023, they suffered a crushing 62-7 defeat, their worst loss in the 24-year history of the competition. However, the Bulls have also beaten a full-strength Leinster side twice in the URC semifinals, in Dublin during the inaugural 2021-22 season and at Loftus last year.

"We will respect whoever they send," Carr said when asked about the possibility of facing a "B-team" on Saturday. "But obviously, on the field, it's a different story."

Carr also acknowledged the recent disappointment of the Bulls' loss to the Stormers, expressing a desire to make up for it by putting on a strong performance for the fans in Pretoria.

"It has been a bit tough lately, coming off that loss against the Stormers, so we want to go out there and make each other and the people of Pretoria proud," he added.

Carr has made just five appearances for the Bulls in the URC this season, including two starts against the Sharks and Stormers when Cameron Hanekom was injured. With Hanekom set to return to action, the 33-year-old understands that his playing time might be more limited going forward.

"You always want to be involved, but that's not always the case because we've got some really quality loose forwards at the Bulls," Carr said.

"For me, whenever I'm needed, I will be there for the team. I don't mind playing 80, 50, or 20 minutes. Even if I come on for just one minute and I get the opportunity to chase one ball down the line; if I can do just one chase and be the best I can be, then I will do that for the team."

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