Warriors coach Smith is a trump card

The man who poses the biggest threat to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow won’t even be on the field.

He’ll be sitting in the stands, most probably in the visiting team’s coaching box. And his name is Franco Smith.

For those who don’t know, Smith is the head coach of the Glasgow Warriors, the current United Rugby Championship log leaders, and the side who could make a huge dent in the Bulls’ hopes of finishing the regular season in the top four and a place at home in the quarterfinals in a few weeks’ time.

As things stand going into this weekend’s round of matches,

Glasgow are first with 58 points from 12 wins out of 15 matches, while the Bulls are fourth with 51 points from 10 wins in their 15 matches.

While the Bulls have their fate in their own hands – three wins, or even two, with other results going their way – to secure a top four finish, a defeat to Smith’s Warriors will seriously pile on the pressure for White and his charges.

The Bulls’ last two games are against equally tricky opponents, Benetton, who are currently eighth and also in the hunt for a play-off spot, and the Sharks, in Durban.

Smith, who was named URC Coach-of-the-Season last time out in his first stint in charge of the Glasgow team, will know the Bulls’ traditional strengths and style well, having played for them and coached against them over the years. He also coached Benetton in the old Pro12, a forerunner to the URC.

In last year’s meeting between the Warriors and Bulls at Scotstoun it was Smith’s team who triumphed 35-21, so there will be plenty of confidence in the Warriors team. They are also well on their way to topping the log – they’re four points better off than second-placed Leinster (54).

Bulls mentor Jake White though will be just as confident seeing his side are at home and kicking off at the unfamiliar time of 2pm on the highveld.

In their last outings in the URC on 27 April, the Bulls hammered Ospreys 61-24 at home, while Glasgow beat Zebre 40-9 away.