Bulls not thinking about play-offs just yet

The Pretoria side put in one of their best performances this season when they scored five tries to beat the Western Force 42-20 at the nib Stadium on Friday.

After a weekend which saw the Stormers, Lions and Sharks all lose their respective matches, the bonus-point win for the Bulls has strengthened their bid for a place this year's quarterfinals.

However, Marais does not want to look too far ahead. 

"We are focussing on each game as it comes," said Marais after the win.

"It's a long season and there is a lot of things that we put in place. It's a young side and we want to be better every weekend – That's our focus. 

"Our focus will now be on the Brumbies next week and then the week after that, the Waratahs.

He added: "I will take this one tonight and then tomorrow I will start working on the Brumbies. 

"We know they [Brumbies] are an excellent side. If you don't play well against them, you'll get 50 points against you in Canberra. We are just focussing on what we have to do to get better."

Marais has been trying to bring a new attacking edge to the Bulls' game this season and believes some of the hard work they have been putting in came off against the Force.

"The big thing for me is for the guys to play with confidence. 

"There are so many things that we are trying to put in place and I think the guys are using it quite well. We are looking for space now and seeing it and using it much better than in previous matches.

Marais was also pleased with his midfield pairing of Jesse Kriel and Jan Serfontein, who were at the heart of the Bulls attacking game. 

"I think they are quite good, but there are so many centres that are good.

"Every week you play against guys that are brilliant… I am just glad they [Kriel and Serfontein] are playing good rugby," he added.

@rugby365com