Jake White says the Vodacom Bulls are focused on the result, not points permutations against Bordeaux Begles in the Champions Cup clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The teams will go head to head in Pretoria in the final round of the competition’s group stage with plenty to play for as the points margin separating the top is between three and five points.

Pool leaders Bordeaux visit Loftus with a five-point lead at the top while the hosts, in third, are in hot pursuit, two points behind Lyon. Bristol lies in fourth place with five points.

Speaking in a Bulls conference on Friday, White told reporters: “Let’s not be naive by thinking it’s going to be easy. If Lyon settle with Saracens, there is no guarantee that we will finish second.

“We can finish first in our group, but even fourth. We have to win first, that’s the most important thing.

TEAM: Bulls recall Willie to battle Bordeaux

“It’s no use talking about the air pressure and the heat if you don’t use it to your advantage. Whether it’s European opposition or a local derby, we want to try to win at all times. Especially at Loftus.”

He also stressed the significance of exposing players to high-pressure games, highlighting the looming baptism of fire.

White has made a handful of changes to the Bulls’ matchday 23, opting to deploy star fullback Devon Williams on the wing as Willie le Roux returns after being rested for the third-round match in Bristol.

Regarding Williams’ move to the wing, White explained: “He was the Player of the Match last week and it’s hard to leave someone out when he played so well.

“Devon has played on the wing before, and he’s very quick, so it’s not like he’s going to get lost in the backline. I also don’t want him to feel like he’s playing second fiddle the moment Willie is available again.”

Photo: James Crombie/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix