Jake White says the upcoming derbies against the Lions and DHL Stormers will ‘define’ the Vodacom Bulls’ quest to claim the South African Shield.
At the halfway mark of the Vodacom URC season, the Vodacom Bulls moved up to fourth place in the standings (on 30 points) with a narrow victory over the Lions in Pretoria.
White’s team are currently on a two-week break, but will have to hit their straps when they return to action in February, as the face the Lions in Johannesburg (17 February), before hosting the Stormers (2 March).
The Bulls are currently just four points ahead of the seventh-placed Stormers, with the Lions also narrowly behind on 24 points.
“I think it’s going to define our season,” White said. “The games against the Lions and the Stormers are without a doubt the most important games before the playoffs begin.”
The Bulls have not beaten the Stormers in the URC, but White is hopeful that returning stars can help end the seven-match losing streak.
“We have a few tough weeks of preparation ahead of us, but we will have guys like Canan (Moodie) and Kurt-Lee (Arendse) back,” White confirmed.
“I believe we will be in a good position from a team selection point of view to pick strong teams for big games that await us.
“Injured people like Jannes Kirsten, WJ Steenkamp and Ruan Vermaak will hopefully be able to be considered by the time we face the Stormers.”
Photo: Photo: Thinus Maritz/BackpagePix
