Frans Ludeke has dismissed the significance of the Bull's recent dominance over the Stormers ahead of the Super 14 final.
Recent dominance will mean nothing on Saturday, says Bulls coach
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has dismissed the significance of his side's recent dominance over the Stormers ahead of the Super 14 final.
The two sides will face off at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, with the Bulls being favourites after topping the regular-season table and winning the competition twice in the last three seasons.
The head-to-head record also favours the Pretoria franchise, who have won five out of the last six contests with the Stormers, the only exception being when Ludeke fielded a second-string side two weeks ago.
However, Ludeke believes that such statistics are meaningless and the contest will come down to whoever acquits themselves better on the day.
"It's only stats, what is going to count on Saturday is who defends the best and who attacks the best and more importantly, which side uses their opportunities," he said. "Nothing else counts.
Changes
"We have closed the door on last year and this year has its own magic and chemistry.
"The rules have changed, the games have taken on a different shape and there are different focal points in all the matches we have played.
"It's a new game, there are new situations and we only have 80 minutes on Saturday to make the best of it."
He added: "I think the two best teams in the competition are playing in the final.
"It's two South African teams, the guys know each other and it's a derby but that will not be important for us.
"We are focusing on other things like making sure that our plan is good enough to work in the game for us."
Opportunity
The Stormers will be competing in their first Super rugby final, but head coach Allister Coetzee insists his players will not be overawed by the occasion.
Coetzee realises the Cape Town outfit have the odds stacked against them but says his side are relishing the opportunity to cause an upset.
"We are excited to play in the final of this competition and we want to embrace this occasion," he said. "We want to throw the kitchen sink at it.
"There's everything to play for but we're under no illusion that we're playing against a hell of a good side, but we've left no stone unturned to be well prepared.
"If you want to make your mark for yourself in South African rugby then you don't get a better opponent than the Bulls.
"We have to embrace this opportunity. It's a fantastic climax to a great opportunity."
