It was a first defeat of the season for the Bulls in Belfast, but the manner of the loss was concerning as they barely threw a punch and once again looked porous in defence having conceded 99 points in three games this campaign.
Such was the performance that it drew criticism from Bulls union president Willem Strauss.
“We’re hurting from last week, but there’s a big desire to bounce back,” lock Reinhardt Ludwig said. “Playing Connacht will be a massive test of character for us, but for us it’s focusing on what we can control. We’re expecting a really tough game.
“Our defence isn’t where it needs to be. We slipped three tries shortly after half time (against Ulster), but we know why. We had soft moments conceding those tries, but we’ll sort it out.”
Ludwig, who will captain the side this week after hooker Johan Grobbelaar dropped to the bench, is relishing that challenge.
“I’m very hard on myself so there is a lot of personal pressure,” he said. “I don’t want to disappoint the team or the coach, but I’m not alone. I’ve got leaders all around me with the likes of Dawid Kriel, Jan Serfontein and Willie le Roux all there to help.”
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has made 11 changes to his starting XV, with Springbok flyhalf returning to South Africa for the birth of his child. He is replaced by Keagan Johannes.
The experienced Le Roux is back at fullback, with Canan Moodie moving from centre to wing.
