Nollis Marais was placed on special leave following the teams’ 41-40 defeat to the Toyota Free State Cheetahs on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld.

The Cheetahs winger Makazole Mapimpi scored his hat-trick in the 85th minute to see the defending champions move back to the top of the standings.

Following that defeat, Marais, said the problems at the Bulls is not an attitude thing.

“It’s not an attitude thing, it’s a system thing and guys also making individual errors.

“We’ve got some young guys getting into the swing of things in the Currie Cup. So far we’ve had fifteen debuts.

“It no so much a system thing, but the individual errors we’re making is putting us under a lot of pressure.”

Barend van Graan, CEO of the Blue Bulls Company, explained that this action is merely the next step in the turnaround strategy.

“We are working hard to ensure the sustainable and long-term success of the Bulls and Blue Bulls, as we continue striving towards achieving success and restoring trust and faith in our brand.”

He added that the Mitchell’s appointed at head coach will allow for their structures to develop.

“I believe this step furthermore grants us the opportunity to cross pollinate within our structures, ensuring what coaches have learnt whilst being involved at senior rugby levels is transferred throughout the entire system and structure, thus benefiting at all levels."

Mitchell’s first game in charge will be against the Pumas on Friday evening in Nelspruit.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport