The coaching team at Cardiff Rugby set their players the target of taking the maximum 10 points from their last two games but are setting no such goals for their final two games of the regular BKT United Rugby Championship season in South Africa.
The Bulls and the Stormers stand in the way of the Arms Park outfit reaching the play-offs for the first time in their history. But with their two hosts both still very much in the hunt for the top eight, the two games are going to be huge battles.
“We’re facing two of the hardest games of the season, but it’s exciting for us to be in this position. We set the target of getting 10 points from the last two games and we got them,” said defence coach Gethin Jenkins.
“But we won’t be any similar calls for these last two games in South Africa. We have put ourselves in a good position but there are six of seven other teams also chasing a top eight finish – and that includes the Ospreys and Scarlets.
“We know we are going to face a huge physical battle against the Bulls. They are going to come after us and will want to test us physically.”
Head coach Matt Sherratt has made six changes to the side that beat Munster last time out as they attempt to hold onto fifth place in the table at Loftus Versfeld. He has refreshed the pack with five of the changes coming up front.
Corey Domachowski and Evan Lloyd come into the starting front row alongside Kieron Assiratti, while Rory Thornton partners Josh McNally in the second row. James Botham switches to openside in the back row, where Alun Lawrence features at No 8 and Alex Mann on the blindside.
Tinus de Beer gets a rare start on home turf at No 10 as he forms a Pretoria-born half-back pairing with Johan Mulder.
“It’s great to go into this final two weeks in South Africa with so much to play for and we are determined to cement our place in the URC play-offs for the first time,” said Sherratt.
“That would be a huge achievement given the journey we are on and qualification for the Champions Cup is the reward. We will be doing everything possible to stay in that top eight, but we are well aware of how tough the next two weeks will be.
“It all starts against the Bulls, who are a quality side and will be hugely motivated to secure a top seeding. They have a big, powerful set-piece and pack and some really dangerous players behind.
“But we have prepared well, we are looking forward to the challenge and experience of two weeks in South Africa and we will not go down wondering.”