Brumbies’ White credits Jake with team’s success

BRUMBIES halfback Nic White credited former coach Jake White for laying a foundation for the success the Canberra-based franchise is enjoying in recent seasons.

The Brumbies meet the Stormers at Newlands in an important Super Rugby game on Saturday, with defeat likely to put a huge dent in either side’s playoff ambitions.

Scrumhalf White will join coach White at French club Montpellier next season, continuing the relationship that started when Jake became Brumbies coach in 2012.

In two seasons Jake White lifted the Brumbies from 13th on the standings to seventh and then to runners-up before he departed.

In 2014 the Brumbies, under the duel coaching responsibilities of Laurie Fisher and current head coach Stephen Larkham, made the last four.

“Jake took over the club when we were struggling and had a lot of young players,” said Nic White.

“He gave us good guidance and we’ve evolved over the past four years. Jake set the platform well in those two years and since then Bernie (Larkham) has helped us evolve as a team and individuals. It’s been a good evolution in terms of coaches. The base of our game is still what Jake put in place and all we’ve done is add to that.”

Larkham, who worked under White for two seasons, also dished out praise for the 2007 World Cup-winning coach.

“Laurie is a very good technical coach and Jake is more of a man-manager and has an overall feel for the aura of the team,” said Larkham.

Reflecting on the challenge of the Stormers, Nic White said that, “The Stormers are tough at home and they have a new edge to their game as well.

“They have always been strong in the setpieces and been very physical, but they’ve added an attacking flair recently. That’s led by Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe, who both have an ‘ X-factor’.”