Jake White's Vodacom Bulls have set their sights on the United Rugby Championship (URC) title, starting their journey with a hard-fought 22-16 victory over Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld. After twice falling short in previous finals, White believes his squad is now better equipped to make a serious title bid in the 2023-24 season.

Reflecting on the Bulls’ progress over the past three years, White highlighted the team’s achievements, including reaching two URC finals despite fielding a relatively young and inexperienced squad. However, he feels the current team, bolstered by new signings and an increasing number of Springboks, is in prime shape to challenge for the title.

“Everyone would accept that we have exceeded expectations in the first three seasons, reaching two finals with a young squad,” White said. “But now, with players like Ruan Nortje, Elrigh Louw, and Canan Moodie gaining Test match experience, and with nine of our players in the Springbok setup, we are in a stronger position. We can almost pick a Springbok in every position, which is a great place to be when you want to win this competition.”

White has also overseen a recruitment drive that has brought in seasoned players such as Cobus Wiese, Nama Xaba, and Aphiwe Dyantyi. These additions, combined with the return of former Springboks like Marcel Coetzee, have helped the Bulls achieve what White believes is the right balance of youth and experience.

“The secret is in getting the balance right between youth and experience, and this year, we are probably the closest we’ve been to that ideal combination,” White explained. “We have a deeper squad and more depth in key areas, which will help us manage the demands of the season better.”

Despite their promising outlook, the Bulls’ opening match against Edinburgh was far from straightforward. The Scottish side provided a tough challenge, particularly in the scrums, where the Bulls felt the absence of prop Wilco Louw, who withdrew late due to injury.

Edinburgh struck first through a Ross Thompson penalty, but the Bulls responded with tries from Jannes Kirsten and former Edinburgh player Jaco van der Walt. Edinburgh fought back with a try from Ewan Ashman, keeping the scoreline close at 12-10 in favor of the Bulls at halftime.

The second half saw more errors from the Bulls, with knock-ons and scrum infringements halting their momentum. Edinburgh regained the lead through another Thompson penalty, but the Bulls fought back with a crucial try from Canan Moodie, followed by a penalty from Boeta Chamberlain to secure a 22-16 victory.

Edinburgh pushed hard in the final minutes, with Duhan van der Merwe threatening to break through, but the Bulls’ defense held firm. Thompson’s final penalty brought Edinburgh within striking distance, but the Bulls managed to close out the win.

After the match, White acknowledged that it wasn’t the Bulls’ best performance, but he praised their ability to find a way to win. "It wasn’t pretty, but we got the job done. We need to be tougher mentally and physically, and I believe with the squad we have now, we are better prepared for the challenges ahead.”

As the Bulls aim for their third consecutive URC final, White remains confident that this season could finally be the one where his side claims the elusive title.


Scorers:

Bulls 22 (12)

Tries: Jannes Kirsten, Jaco van der Walt, Canan Moodie

Conversions: Jaco van der Walt, Boeta Chamberlain

Penalty: Boeta Chamberlain

Edinburgh 16 (10)

Try: Ewan Ashman

Conversion: Ross Thompson

Penalties: Ross Thompson (3)
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]