Bulls reaction: “Huge pride. It was an outstanding effort.”

• 25 Sep 2022

Get reaction from Head Coach Mike Blair as he spoke with media following Edinburgh Rugby's 33-31 defeat to Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria.

On Edinburgh’s slow start

“It was definitely a disappointing start, the first quarter of the game. I didn’t think we were quite there mentally.

“We gave the Bulls a couple of easy ins into the game by not being switched on enough. On the positive side, the way we came back from that and the guts, courage and skill we brought to the game was absolutely outstanding

“There was too much of a cushion at the start but we got ourselves back into the position to win the game.”

On Edinburgh’s pride and fight

“Huge pride. It was an outstanding effort. The way we defended our line a couple of times, and the effort and work rate off the ball was outstanding.

“It is getting that consistency when we get that all the time and we are switched in mentally at every moment because at this level if you drop off a couple of times that is when you concede points.”

On the last play of the game

“We were looking at that game exactly the same as if that kick went over or didn’t. The pride we spoke about was there throughout the game.

“Henry is not a front line kicker but he stood up and wanted to do that. It was a difficult kick, he didn’t make it and of course he is distraught about it.

“He had an excellent game apart from that. The game was lost in that last ten minutes and not with that kick.”

On injuries

“Blair Kinghorn – he picked up an overnight illness. He was just being sick. We don’t expect him to be out of training for long.

“Jaco has a head knock and we have to wait and assess. We will wait and see as he goes through his HIA and return to pay protocols and Luke [Crosbie] is the same.”

On maintaining a balanced attack

“We try and talk about balance in the game, having the ability to put the team under pressure with ball in hand and also with our kicking game and our defence as well.

“I felt we did that okay but could have done it a little better around our kicking game.”

On goal-kicking

“It is difficult. We are missing some front line kickers. Jaco would have been there, Blair Kinghorn would have been there, [Emiliano] Boffelli is away with Argentina.

“I love the way Mark Bennett stood up last week and this week and said he would do it. He had a cracking first kick from the touchline then he took a knock right at the end there

“Henry is not a frontline goalkicker but he put his hand up, was good to go but wasn’t quite there.”

On playing in the Pretoria heat

“It was pretty hot today. I was struggling going up the stairs with the heat so the way the guys dug in to play in 30 degree heat this time of year is tough but last time we were here it was hot, humid and difficult in Johannesburg as well.

“The boys love it here in South Africa and as a group we spend time together. I am disappointed not to come away with the win but proud of the effort the boys put in today.”