Jake White believes this Vodacom Bulls side is better placed than any of its predecessors to finally get over the line in a URC final.
The former Bulls coach, who guided the Pretoria-based outfit to three title deciders in the competition, says the current squad is stronger, more experienced and far better equipped than the side that fell short against Leinster in last season’s final.
Speaking on RTÉ Rugby‘s podcast ahead of Friday night’s showdown at Croke Park, White pointed to the return of several key Springboks as a major reason for his confidence.
“Last year we played without five of the players who will start this week, and three of those players are Kurt-Lee Arendse, Gerhard Steenekamp and Handré Pollard, who would make the starting 23 on any given Test day.
“And then you’ve got Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom. We know how good they are. They’re both internationals and didn’t play last year.
“I’ve got no doubt the Bulls are better equipped [this year], because they’re a year wiser, a year older – and they’ve been there.”
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White knows better than most how difficult the task facing Johan Ackermann’s side will be.
He described Leinster as the gold standard and praised their consistency in reaching the latter stages of major competitions.
“There is no doubt Leinster are the benchmark for any provincial side,” said White.
“They are always up there in the European Cup and always up there in the playoffs.
“It’s like football, you want to be the Barcelona. You want to be the top club in the world and you don’t want to be just another club.”
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Despite Leinster’s quality, White believes the Bulls must embrace the opportunity in front of them.
“It’s crazy. Ex-players always talk about ‘if only I had one more chance to play one more time’.
“I’m hoping the Bulls understand they are not going to get many more opportunities.
“Here they are a year later back in the final.”
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With key players all available, White believes the stars have aligned for the Bulls. But he also knows that counts for little if they don’t deliver on the night.
“The message would be clear, they’ve got to take this chance.
“I’ve seen lots of teams get to different finals and never win it. There’s no right, in other words, to actually win a final. You have to play well.
“I know how good Leinster can be when they’re on song. You have to play well to beat Leinster.”
Photo: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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Jake White believes this Vodacom Bulls side is better placed than any of its predecessors to finally get over the line in a URC final.
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