Jake: Bok form a URC title boost for Bulls

09/10/2024 08:08 AM

Jake White has extolled the value of having a Vodacom Bulls squad loaded with All Blacks-conquering Springboks and bolstered by seasoned recruits for the 2024-25 URC, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.

Speaking during a URC media round table on Tuesday, White expressed his optimism about the Bulls' recent signings, squad development, and the momentum from the Herd’s Currie Cup campaign.

He is excited about the future as the Pretoria outfit balances preparations for the upcoming URC season and the Currie Cup semi-final against the Sharks XV at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

"I'm very happy, with not only the Currie Cup doing well but also some good additions to our squad," White said. "It's very exciting times for the Bulls; two finals in three years, with the new additions we've got and having momentum going into the Currie Cup playoffs is a nice position to be in."

Reflecting on what went wrong in last season's URC, where the Bulls reached the final but fell short against the Glasgow Warriors, White feels no major overhaul is needed. Instead, the team will build on their foundation, especially with the added experience of their new recruits.

"I don't think we need to change anything, it'll happen over time," White noted. "Our squad is very young and inexperienced, and we've exceeded expectations in the first three seasons. With the additions we have now, like Cobus Wiese, Nama Xaba, and Sintu Manjezi, who are a bit older, it's a nice time to kick on and learn not just from last year but the last three seasons."

ALSO: Bulls ready for semi-final crack

White also highlighted the boost the Bulls will receive from their contingent of Bok players, who recently helped South Africa claim back-to-back wins against the All Blacks. This marks a significant moment for the team, with as many as nine players in the current Bok set-up.

"I can't remember when last we had relatively inexperienced players like Elrigh Louw, Ruan Nortje, and even Canan Moodie, playing against the All Blacks at Test level and then winning two Tests in a row," White said. "That kind of confidence and learning will help us in playoff games going into the URC.

“In a short space of time we've got nine players in the Springbok squad and that'll make us so much stronger, because we can almost pick a Springbok in every position and that's a great place to be if you want to win this competition."

Recruitment has been key to White's strategy, and he's pleased with the balance of youth and experience in the squad.

"You look for the right kind of player who fits into your club and who the club wants to develop," he explained. "We've added much more seasoned campaigners; Aphiwe Dyantyi, a seasoned Springbok winger, and Cobus Wiese, a seasoned Premiership player. This year is probably the closest we've been to the ideal combinations we're looking for."

The Bulls received a scheduling boost with the postponement of their opening URC match against the DHL Stormers, which was originally set for next week. This allows the team to fully focus on their Currie Cup campaign, where they're vying for a spot in the final.

"It has been a massive relief that we can put that Stormers game on next year," White said. "Now it means we can concentrate on making the [Currie Cup] final and prepare each team as well as we can."

Photo: Anton Geyser/AG Media

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