Jake White says being able to field a team chock full of Springboks is a big ticked box in his tenure with the Vodacom Bulls, after their big win over Connacht.
The Vodacom Bulls marked their homecoming from a four-week tour with a stylish 53-27 bonus-point victory in hot conditions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening.
REPORT: Burly Bulls bully Connacht
Having been able to recall three World Cup-winning Springboks to their matchday-23, White’s Vodacom Bulls flexed their muscle by wrapping up the four-try bonus-point before half-time, scoring a further three tries in the second half.
Along with returning flank Marco van Staden, White was able to field a nearly all-Springbok pack, with 21-year-old lock Reinhardt Ludwig the only forward without a senior Test cap.
“The Springboks being back is unbelievable,” White said after the match. “I was saying to the players before the game, every guy in the forward pack – except for Reinhardt Ludwig, who has captained the SA U20s – had played for South Africa. That’s incredible. It’s a great step for the Bulls.
“Having World Cup winners back and Springboks in your team is something I have been pushing since I got here. The Bulls need to have international players playing for South Africa, because it makes it so much better for the audience and the product.
“As you saw, you don’t just score 50 points against Connacht, I don’t know when last they conceded that many. So there’s a lot of confidence you are going to get out of that.”
Another World Cup winner, Willie le Roux, marked his Vodacom Bulls debut with a try and an assist. The veteran fullback has divided opinion during his time with the Springboks, but after a star showing against Connacht, White has no doubt that Le Roux will be a big hit in Pretoria.
“I can’t believe he gets all the flak that he does. It was the first time he has played for the Bulls, but he looked like he has been here since I started here four years ago.
“He is very skilfull and clever. I am really happy he has come to the Bulls. You can see the impact he has on our wings. It’s like having a coach on the field. I have no doubt that as long as he stays healthy, he will make it very difficult to kick him out.”
White confirmed that another of the Vodacom Bulls’ contingent of Springboks – Kurt-Lee Arendse – missed the match against Connacht due to a family bereavement.
The Vodacom Bulls next host the Sharks – who also roared back to life with a big win on the back of returning Springboks – in a South African derby on Saturday afternoon.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
