It is a new season, with another batch of new law 'applications' that require teams to make dramatic adjustments. However, the Bulls have an open mindset ahead of their first pre-season encounter.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke told this website that the breakdown will be one of the main focal points when the three-time champions tackle the Eastern Province Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

While winning remains important - as the coach said: "You always play to get a result [a win]." - it is more important that the team allows the processes to get them there.

"Any competitive sportsman plays for a result, because that is what drives and motivates you," Ludeke told this website.

But they are looking beyond the scoreboard at a much bigger picture.

"The process is also very important ... there are aspects that we worked on," he said, adding that they want to be "more accurate" at the breakdown.

"There are new rule [interpretations] and the applications [of the laws] at the breakdown will be vital at the weekend.

"It will be the first time we will get a feel for it [new applications]."

The Bulls mentor said they had some good conversations with referee Stuart Berry.

"We are going into it with an open mind, to ensure we can make adjustments where needed," he said of his team's approach to the game at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium.

Ludeke said referees and law makers are talking about "opening up" the contact area, to clear up space.

"They want to ensure a better balance between continuity and contest - not [as in the past] where the attacking team was getting the advantage," he said.

"[They want] to ensure the defending team can contest the ball and also attack from broken play. It will definitely be more of a contest.

"You will no longer get away with just one or two guys at the breakdown. If your opponents have numbers at the breakdown they can counter and drive you off the ball, because you have to remain on your feet."

Ludeke said only time will tell how the new interpretations and applications will affect the game and teams' tactics.

"That is why this weekend is so important ... to fine tune those issues and ensure we are accurate at the breakdowns."

He pointed out that there are up to 180 breakdown situations in a game and for that reason you have to ensure you are accurate.

By Jan de Koning