Jake White hailed the Vodacom Bulls’ blend of forward dominance and backline brilliance in Saturday’s huge victory at Loftus Versfeld, teeing the Herd up nicely for the future, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.
The seven-try 47-21 demolition of Ulster in round 3 of the 2024-25 Vodacom URC saw the Pretoria outfit lead 21-7 at half time, building on last week’s win over Edinburgh.
The Bulls pack, led by powerhouse prop Wilco Louw and Man of the Match Gerhard Steenekamp, proved too much for the visitors at scrum time, while while speedsters Kurt-Lee Arendse and David Kriel thrilled the home crowd with stunning tries.
Speaking post-match at Loftus on Saturday, White highlighted the balance between forwards and backs as key to the Herd’s success, as the director of rugby casts an eye on their European tour that kicks off in Wales next week.
“I’m very happy, and I saw today that when you get the balance right between your forwards and your backs, something we’ve been working on, you get players scoring lots of points,” White told reporters.
“Players like Kurt-Lee and front-rowers like Wilco and Gerhard, we got to make sure we use both of them, and we were very happy with the way the game played out.”
“The forward pack is getting better and better,” he added. “It wasn’t only the scrumming. We kept them out maul-wise many times as well. It’s the balance of being able to physically front up as a forward pack on our ball and defending on their ball.
“And the nice balance is that a lot of those forwards scored tries as well, which means they’re not just big guys trying to stop mauls; they get around the field.”
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White emphasised that the Bulls are developing their own identity while staying true to the physical DNA that the Highvelders are known for.
“We’re trying to find our identity without going away from what the Bulls do well. Slowly every year, I think teams are now seeing the Bulls have got a DNA and certain style that we enjoy playing,” he noted.
Veteran fullback Willie le Roux also received praise from the Bulls boss. “I’ve said it so many times, he [Le Roux] coaches when he’s on the field,” White said.
“He’s a massive asset for us; you don’t play 97 times for South Africa unless you can play. We’re very happy to have him, and now with a couple of injuries, especially Devon Williams, to have him around is massive.”
White was equally impressed by Boeta Chamberlain, who scored 11 points in his first start at flyhalf for the Bulls. Chamberlain’s composure in a backline full of star power showed his readiness for big moments.
“I asked him [Chamberlain] before the game if he had ever played in a backline like this before, and this must’ve been the best backline he’s ever played in. Obviously, the forwards dominated which also helps, but it’s nice to see a guy like that come in and perform. Not only did he play well, but he kicked well too.”
Looking ahead, the Bulls will embark on a four-match trip, starting with a clash against the Ospreys next Saturday. White is focused on maintaining the winning momentum.
“The target for the Bulls when you coach a team like this is to win every time you play,” he said. “We’ll take every game on its merits and do as well as we can.”
Photo: @BlueBullsRugby/Twitter
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