The Vodacom Bulls have touched down in Dublin early, settled into their temporary Irish base, and begun the final stretch of preparation ahead of Saturday’s mouth-watering United Rugby Championship (URC) final against Leinster. And while the cold weather might nip, the message from head coach Jake White is crystal clear: they’re here to win.
“We all flew business class via London,” White told the Irish media this week with a wry smile. “Well, 95% of us. It’s a real credit to our board—they made sure we travelled on Sunday and arrived fresh. It sends the right message.”
All In, All Week
Unlike most touring URC sides that fly midweek, the Bulls arrived early to give themselves the full week to acclimatise and prep. For White, it’s more than just logistics—it’s a strategic declaration of intent.
Leinster, who carry a storied legacy in finals and a squad brimming with Irish internationals and British & Irish Lions, are once again favourites. But Jake isn’t reading too much into past records—whether Leinster’s heartbreaks or his own side’s underdog status.
“We’ve played in three finals over the last four years. Our squad’s average age is the youngest in the comp. We’ve exceeded expectations,” White said. “This time, though, we want to make it count.”
The Emotional Undercurrent: #14
It’s impossible to discuss the Bulls’ journey without acknowledging the emotional weight they’re carrying. May 14th marked the passing of beloved wing Cornal Hendricks, and this weekend—on June 14th—they play the final at Croke Park, the historic venue where 14 people lost their lives on Bloody Sunday in 1920.
“It’s quite eerie,” White said. “Cornal passed on the 14th. His son was born on the 14th of December. Fourteen is not just a number for us this week—it’s a memory, a symbol.”
The Bulls have retired the No. 14 jersey for the season. Cornal’s face will be printed on the back of the team’s jerseys. It’s tribute and motivation wrapped into one poignant gesture.
Leinster: The Benchmark
Asked about Franco Smith’s comments suggesting Leinster are “eight years ahead of everyone else,” White didn’t argue—though he did raise an eyebrow.
“Look, they’ve got 30 internationals. They probably have more Irish caps than we have URC appearances. They’re the benchmark. They’ve done it right. But it doesn’t mean they’re unbeatable.”
And that’s not just rhetoric. The Bulls have beaten Leinster in Ireland before. It’s not about reinventing the wheel—it’s about executing well, and doing it three weekends in a row.
“We’re In the Lotto”
When asked to explain his earlier quote about the final being like a lottery ticket, White chuckled. “You’ve got to have a ticket to win. There are only two teams with a ticket now. That’s us and them.”
The Bulls, while not at full strength—Elrigh Louw and Ruan Vermaak are out—still boast an experienced, tight-knit unit. And there’s one name that White believes hasn’t been sung loudly enough.
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R249Kriel: The Quiet Anchor
David Kriel. Often overlooked by pundits, left off the URC Dream Team—but not by his coach.
“I’m amazed he’s not recognised more,” White said. “He’s played almost every minute, covers 12, 13, 15. He understands defence like Jean de Villiers did. Reads the game. That’s rare.”
White’s decision to move Kriel closer to the ball after observing Leinster’s backline in their first URC meeting has paid dividends. Now, Kriel is key to both attack and defence—an inside man with an outside back’s instincts.
Ready for the Test
The narrative is building. History, heartache, high stakes—it’s all brewing ahead of Saturday’s final. And Jake White, seasoned and sharp, knows the pressure runs both ways.
“Leinster are under pressure too,” he said. “But so are we. It’s our third final. We’ve said we’re good enough to beat them away. Well—now it’s time to prove it.”
Tomorrow, we’ll dig deeper into the tactical edge, the psychological warfare, and what winning this title could mean for the Bulls franchise—and South African rugby at large.
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