RUGBY White out to strike a blow
GRIZZLED Bulls coach Jake White has picked his strongest side for tonight's clash with Leinster — moreover, he is going into the game with ‘double' goals.
With the secondplaced Bulls four points adrift of Leinster in the table and with a better points difference, he wants the top spot.
It is also clear the Springboks RWC 2007 winning coach (below) wants to raise a flag for South Africa, given the intense rivalry at URC, Champions Cup and Test level.
“This game tonight will be a great benchmark for the Bulls to see where we are as a group,” says White.
“It is an away game playing against a really good team, the bulk of their guys play international rugby for Ireland and they have just won back-toback
Six Nations, while at the World Cup they beat the Springboks, who went on to win the competition.
“One thing they are probably leaders at is understanding how to compete in both the BKT URC and the Champions Cup.
Weather
“They are the ones that set the benchmark in the league and if you can beat them you have got yourself a chance to win the competition.”
The South African franchises are getting better at ‘URC rugby' season on season, insists White
“You've got the weather, the playing surfaces, the grounds,” he says. “Also because it's such a long competition and because you play home and away, it becomes very difficult.
“We are sometimes spoiled back home. We play in big enclosed stadiums where the wind isn't a factor, whereas when you come into this competition, you visit some very unique grounds.
“What players and coaches are learning is that it's a different challenge every week. It's a different outing at all the teams you go to.”