Bulls coach Jake White is confident that his team is now more prepared than ever to contend for the URC title. Having experienced two narrow defeats in finals against the DHL Stormers and Glasgow Warriors in the past three years, White feels that the current squad is in its best shape yet as they gear up for the new campaign, starting with a match against Edinburgh Rugby at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Reflecting on their past performances, White acknowledged that his team has exceeded expectations by reaching two URC finals despite fielding a young and inexperienced squad. “We’ve made some good additions to our team, and for the first time in a long while, we have eight or nine players in the Springbok set-up,” he stated.
Players like Ruan Nortje, Elrigh Louw, and Canan Moodie have gained invaluable experience after winning consecutive Tests against the All Blacks, and White believes this will be instrumental in crucial playoff matches. “In just three URC campaigns, we now have nine players in the national squad, which strengthens us significantly,” he added.
The Bulls have bolstered their roster with seasoned players such as Cobus Wiese (Sale), Sintu Manjezi (Glasgow), flanker Nama Xaba (DHL Stormers), and prop Alulutho Tshakweni (Cheetahs), alongside former Sharks backs Boeta Chamberlain and Aphiwe Dyantyi. White emphasized the importance of recruiting players who fit the club’s developmental vision.
The balance between youth and experience is crucial. This year, I believe we are closer to the ideal combination than ever before,” White explained. With a mix of young talent like Cameron Hanekom and experienced players, the Bulls are poised for a stronger season.
After a strong playoff run last season, which included wins over Benetton Rugby and Leinster Rugby, the Bulls fell short in the final, losing 21-16 to Glasgow. White reflected on the team’s journey, acknowledging that they underestimated the demands of consecutive high-stakes matches.
“Playing against teams with multiple international players took a toll on us in the final,” he noted. “We need to ensure we have the depth and experience to sustain our performance through the entire season.”
Looking ahead, White is hopeful that the current squad can endure the rigors of the competition and maintain their competitive edge throughout the campaign. With renewed confidence and a balanced team, the Bulls are ready to make a serious push for the URC title this season.
