Bulls under pressure as Ruan Nortje demands accuracy ahead of Cardiff clash

The Bulls remain eighth on the log - the final playoff spot - but are level on points with ninth-placed Connacht and just one point ahead of the Ospreys, with six rounds remaining.

Speaking ahead of Friday night's home clash against fifth-placed Cardiff at Loftus Versfeld, Nortje said a tough review highlighted key shortcomings.

"We know we have only ourselves to blame," he said. "In that first 20 minutes we had opportunity after opportunity, but we couldn't execute. When they got their chances, they nailed them."

Nortje pointed to a lack of clinical finishing and struggles in the kicking battle as decisive.

"They were much more clinical than us and got one over us in the kicking game," he said. "In the scraps they probably won about 80% of it, and in today's game that's massive."

The Bulls' lineout - usually a strength - also faltered, with three throws lost from 13.

"Our standards weren't good enough," Nortje said. "Our quality in our jumping, lifting and throwing just wasn't on par. As players, we have to take responsibility."

The defeat ended a three-match winning run and increased the importance of upcoming home games against Cardiff and Munster.

"They're a quality side with good coaches and strong systems," Nortje said of Cardiff. "We know we'll have to be much better."

Cardiff's kicking game is expected to be a key contest.

"They're one of the teams that kick the most in the competition, so that will be a massive battle," he said.

The Bulls could be without Sebastian de Klerk (foot) and Harold Vorster (concussion), while Embrose Papier remains a doubt after missing the Stormers match for the birth of his child.

"We'll see later in the week if he'll be available," Nortje said.

"It's up to us now to show that we can handle the pressure."