The Vodacom Bulls will relish the chance to contest for the EPCR Challenge Cup trophy, yet Jake White is frustrated at missing out on a title shot in the Investec Champions Cup.
White’s men have set their sights on Challenge Cup success after a commanding 48-7 victory against Stade Francais at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday sealed their place in the second-tier European competition’s Round of 16.
Despite scoring seven tries in their most impressive Champions Cup display this season, the Bulls couldn’t secure a top-four pool finish needed to defend their quarter-final berth from last year. However, White remains optimistic about claiming silverware through the Challenge Cup pathway.
“There is frustration because we want to win and I know everyone wants to win,” White said post-match on Saturday’. “We are obviously happy we are alive in that competition [Challenge Cup but] we want to play in the Champions Cup.”
The Bulls’ journey to potential Challenge Cup glory begins with an away fixture against French outfit Bayonne in April, with White emphasising the tournament’s knockout format as an opportunity.
“If you drop down from Champions to Challenge you still get a chance to win another trophy and we have to prepare as well as we can and give ourselves a chance,” he said.
ICYMI: Goosen’s got knees like crystal – Jake
“Now there are 16 teams left, so anything is possible. It’s four games and you win the tournament.”
White, though, acknowledged the need to evaluate the Bulls’ long-term objectives to be competitive in the Champions Cup.
“I want to see whether we are ever going to get to that point and if not, then I’ll have to accept the lay of the land is different. You then have to re-evaluate what your role is,” the director of rugby said.
“If that role is to bring players through and give them game time while the overseas players are playing and creating depth for rotation for the national team, then we will have to accept that.”
“The art of coaching is also important and it is not always the science of coaching,” White added. “I just hope by this time next year, our squad will be stronger. So we are going to get there. It is not all doom and gloom.”
Having snapped a four-match losing streak in all competitions, the Bulls will resume their push for a Vodacom URC playoff berth this week in a Jukskei derby clash against the Lions at Ellis Park.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
The post Jake bullish about the next challenge appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Vodacom Bulls will relish the chance to contest for the EPCR Challenge Cup trophy, yet Jake White is frustrated at missing out on a title shot in the Investec Champions Cup.
The post Jake bullish about the next challenge appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More