The Vodacom Bulls have turned their attention to the EPCR Challenge Cup after missing out on a spot in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals. A commanding 48-7 victory over Stade Francais at Loftus Versfeld ensured their place in the Challenge Cup Round of 16, but head coach Jake White admitted to feeling frustrated about falling short in the top-tier competition.
Champions Cup Frustrations
Despite their most dominant performance of the season, the Bulls couldn’t climb into the top four of their pool to keep their Champions Cup hopes alive. White expressed disappointment post-match:
There is frustration because we want to win and I know everyone wants to win. We want to play in the Champions Cup.”
A New Opportunity in the Challenge Cup
The Bulls now set their sights on silverware in the Challenge Cup, beginning with an away fixture against Bayonne in April. White emphasized the importance of seizing the knockout format’s opportunity:
If you drop down from Champions to Challenge, you still get a chance to win another trophy. It’s four games, and you win the tournament.”
Looking Ahead
While optimistic about the Bulls’ chances in the Challenge Cup, White stressed the need to evaluate their long-term competitiveness in the Champions Cup.
If that role is to bring players through and create depth for rotation for the national team, then we will have to accept that. I just hope by this time next year, our squad will be stronger.”
The Bulls snapped a four-match losing streak across all competitions with their win against Stade Francais and will now resume their Vodacom URC campaign in a Jukskei derby against the Lions at Ellis Park this weekend.
