Captain Nama Xaba says the Vodacom Bulls are nowhere near their best form yet as they gear up for round two of the 2025 Currie Cup.

CURRIE CUP: Boland brilliant, Bulls brutal, Lions buzzing

The Pretoria outfit opened their 2025 campaign with an emphatic 48-23 win over Western Province in Cape Town, picking up all five log points on the road. But Xaba, who returned to his former home ground to lead the Bulls for the first time in the competition, insists they are only getting started.

“There’s still so much we need to improve on from that game,” said Xaba.

“I think we started well, but in the back 40 is where we gave them chances to get back into the game. Our kick-off receipts weren’t so good either, so we can’t get carried away. It’s just one of the seven games we have to play in the round-robin.”

Xaba praised the character shown by the squad’s emerging talent, many of whom made their Currie Cup debuts last week.

“There was a real hunger from the guys to put their hands up and showcase their skill set,” he said.

“Young players just need the platform to show how good they are.”

Looking ahead, Xaba refused to speculate on title favourites, instead keeping his focus firmly on the upcoming clash with the defending champions from Durban.

“I was really impressed with Boland. The way they played the game was really good to see,” he said. “But from our perspective, the greatest challenge for us at the moment is this weekend against the Sharks.”

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images

FIRST HOME GAME 🐂

🆚 Hollywoodbets Sharks
🗓️ 2 August
⏰ KICK-OFF: 17:10
📍LOFTUS

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— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) July 28, 2025