The much-travelled Sintu Manjezi says the Bulls have plenty of experience playing in foreign countries, and are going to roll up their sleeves and get on with the job of beating Castres on Saturday night (10pm kick-off).
For a while now, South African players in the United Rugby Championship and the Champions Cup have been bombarded with questions about the controversial travel factor, because it has been highlighted negatively in some quarters.
But the experienced lock-flank Manjezi said the Bulls are on a “zero complaints” trip to the team that are currently eighth in the French Top 14.
“This is how the tournament is scheduled, and to do well in it, you have to be prepared to play home and away whenever it is required,” the former Cheetahs utility forward said this week.
“We have zero complaints, and are looking forward to the opportunity to get back to winning ways on Saturday.”
Manjezi rejoined the Bulls last year after playing 23 times for the Glasgow Warriors, so he is well-placed to comment on conditions in France.
Before rejoining the Bulls, the 29-year-old also had stints with the Southern Kings, Cheetahs and Griquas, so he has plenty of experience on the road.
“We got to France nice and nearly, and the only thing that we have to get used to is the drop in temperature,” he said.
“When we left Pretoria, it was 33 degrees. Today, it was 11 degrees when we trained.
‘But because we got here on Monday morning, we have been training all week in cooler conditions, and that is the best way to acclimatise. We are already used to the cold.”
Manjezi added that nearly all of the squad have some experience of playing in Europe in the United Rugby Championship.
“I have shared my experience of playing in France with Glasgow, but a guy who has been very useful is (utility back) Henry Immelman,” Manjezi said.
“Henry played a lot for Montpellier (77 caps), and he has explained exactly what environment to expect at Castres.”
He said a talking point has been the fierce atmosphere at the smallest stadium in the Top 14.
The Stade Pierre-Fabre holds just 12 500 fans, but the smallness of the stadium allows the fans to drum up a huge racket.
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“We know about playing in wet and windy conditions, and our preparations have been about dealing with that to get the result,” Manjezi added.
He is looking forward to a rare start for the Bulls after a frustrating run of injuries.
“When I came back to the Bulls from Scotland, I went straight into the Currie Cup and had quite a good campaign,” he said.
“I was involved quite a bit... Then I struggled with a few injuries. So, I’m looking forward to getting a chance this weekend and proving myself. Let’s see where it goes from there.”
The versatile Manjezi can play most positions in the second and back rows, and has been moved around a lot.
But he said that he is not worried about becoming a jack of all trades and a master of none.
He can call the lineouts, and is also an effective blindside flank.
“Honestly, it is about being able to contribute where required,” he said.
“That is where I will play. I am not going to limit myself by saying this is who I am and where I want to play.
“My attributes cover several positions, and that is an asset I can be proud of.”