The last time the Crusaders claimed a win against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld was also the last time the New Zealand side clinched their last Super Rugby title, in 2008.
Seven years later, the Bulls remain wary of the star-studded side which could bring to an end the Bulls' three-match winning streak.
The Crusaders are in good nick and have been enjoying a good run against South African sides over the past two weeks after having defeated both the Lions and the Cheetahs ahead of their visit to Loftus Versfeld this weekend.
"With them it's always a case where the later the competition gets, the better they become. They had massive wins against the Cheetahs and Lions where they proved, especially in the second half, just what they can do," Bulls defence coach Pine Pienaar said yesterday.
"It [the last defeat in 2008] is something we talked about [yesterday].
"For us it doesn't matter if we play them home or away, they are definitely a side that can turn on the heat. I think they like coming up to Loftus and playing an expansive game. In 2010 and 2012 it was very narrow wins for us where things could have gone either way."
While admitting that it will be the entire Crusaders team, which has no less than 16 All Blacks in the squad, they will need to be wary of, Pienaar did single out the wrecking ball, super-sized winger Nemani Nadolo as one they will need to keep a close eye on.
The 27-year-old Fijian does parade a "mere" 130kg, 1.95m colossal frame which aides the devastating power he possesses, and not forgetting that he also has speed to burn.
"He's an exceptional player. It's not just Nadolo who's special, but they have a number of players who give him opportunities to finish," said Pienaar.
The match between the Bulls and Crusaders on Saturday will kick off at 7.10pm.
Bulls are ready for Crusaders' heat
The last time the Crusaders claimed a win against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld was also the last time the New Zealand side clinched their last Super Rugby title, in 2008.
Seven years later, the Bulls remain wary of the star-studded side which could bring to an end the Bulls' three-match winning streak.
The Crusaders are in good nick and have been enjoying a good run against South African sides over the past two weeks after having defeated both the Lions and the Cheetahs ahead of their visit to Loftus Versfeld this weekend.
"With them it's always a case where the later the competition gets, the better they become. They had massive wins against the Cheetahs and Lions where they proved, especially in the second half, just what they can do," Bulls defence coach Pine Pienaar said yesterday.
"It [the last defeat in 2008] is something we talked about [yesterday].
"For us it doesn't matter if we play them home or away, they are definitely a side that can turn on the heat. I think they like coming up to Loftus and playing an expansive game. In 2010 and 2012 it was very narrow wins for us where things could have gone either way."
While admitting that it will be the entire Crusaders team, which has no less than 16 All Blacks in the squad, they will need to be wary of, Pienaar did single out the wrecking ball, super-sized winger Nemani Nadolo as one they will need to keep a close eye on.
The 27-year-old Fijian does parade a "mere" 130kg, 1.95m colossal frame which aides the devastating power he possesses, and not forgetting that he also has speed to burn.
"He's an exceptional player. It's not just Nadolo who's special, but they have a number of players who give him opportunities to finish," said Pienaar.
The match between the Bulls and Crusaders on Saturday will kick off at 7.10pm.
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