If Rod Kafer's comments are anything to go by, the Bulls can expect the Brumbies to step up a gear when they meet in Canberra on Saturday after the Australians' last-gasp 19-17 win over the Cats at Ellis Park at the weekend.
Kafer, who snatched the victory from the jaws of defeat with a dramatic drop goal, explained after the game that the win had set them up nicely for the remaining run home. "In terms of travel, that is the hardest part of the Super 12 now out of the way," the centre said.
He believes the Brumbies' win was one of the bravest he had been involved with in his six years with the team. They have won only three out of 12 matches in South Africa - a fact highlighting how difficult it is to win in this rugby-mad country, often against huge physical packs.
"It is extremely difficult to win over here and to win on the Highveld against such a strong team was very hard for us," Kafer said.
"The Cats were very resolute in defence and very aggressive at the breakdowns, so from our point of view, we had to work extremely hard for our points. It took us 60 minutes before we really developed any continuity, but in some games against quality opposition that is what happens.
"Sixty minutes on the back foot is difficult, but we started to get our game together during the last 20 minutes and got the advantage. This is when matches are won or lost and we call the last 20 the championship minutes.
"To the credit of our guys, we lost a close one last week 17-16 to the Sharks that we probably should have closed out, yet we closed out a tight game this week. When you are playing away from home, it's these matches that determine your season."
Referring to his drop goal, Kafer joked that legendary South African drop goal king Naas Botha had been his inspiration. Kafer quipped: "Being on the Highveld and the area where Naas Botha used to be master at this kind of thing, I just thought I'd try my luck".
"It was just a lucky thing. We had pre-called it and it was a pretty ugly sort of kick and I am sure Naas hit them a lot sweeter than I did," he said. "Winning by a point is a lot better than losing by a point, so we feel for the Cats - we know what it is like."