Munster coach Clayton McMillan says his side head to Pretoria believing they can upset the Bulls in Saturday’s Vodacom URC quarter-final at Loftus Versfeld.
The Irish province narrowly lost 34-31 on their last visit to Pretoria and also claimed a memorable 27-22 victory at Loftus during the 2023-24 season – results McMillan believes prove Munster can compete with Johan Ackermann’s side on their home turf.
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“It was a game we walked away from knowing that if we were slightly better, we may have been in a position to win it,” said McMillan of their most recent defeat at Loftus.
“It won’t be easy going over there, but it is a place the team enjoyed visiting.”
Munster arrive in South Africa full of confidence after strong preparation sessions ahead of the knockout clash.
“There is an excitement coming into finals week,” McMillan said.
“We had good training sessions last week and this week.
“We got a lot out of those three days, and we can go there and just fine-tune.”
The former Chiefs coach made it clear that style points count for little once the playoffs begin.
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In his view, knockout rugby is all about composure in the decisive moments.
“All you can do is prepare to the best of your ability, and then it will come down to a few key moments over the weekend,” he said.
“As long as we are on the right side of those moments, we will give ourselves a good chance.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
