URC – Jake White Is Pleased But Concerned

 

Jake White was pleased with the Vodacom Bulls’ 29-19 bonus-point win against the Ospreys on Saturday, however, he admitted that injuries and the red card to David Kriel are worrying.

The Bulls led 26-05 at the halftime break, however, ended the match with twelve players on the field following a red and two yellow cards.

White said the red and yellow cards had a massive effect.

"We probably shot ourselves in the foot there, and that was a massive effect on the game, because obviously it was our ball carrying it into contact, and then all of a sudden we were 14 men. So, I credit to the players, I give them credit because the last 10 minutes, as good as the first half was, that last 10 minutes of defence with 13 players and 12 players were outstanding."

White was concerned about the effect the Kriel red card and failed HIAs for Elrigh Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp could have on the remainder of their European tour.

"Firstly, we're going to have a look at the red card and see what channels we can go through to see, you know, what the outcome is."

"We lost two guys with HIV as well. So, you know, all of a sudden, we've got three guys that can't play next week."

"The challenge in this competition and the thing that I've spoken about many times, is that you need depth. Luckily enough, we're fortunate we've got quite a lot of depth."

White confirmed that Devon Williams is scheduled to join the squad after recovering from injury.

Looking ahead to the Bulls’ clash on Friday against the Scarlets, White said: “We are under no false illusions that next week will be as tough as this week."

"Luckily enough, we're fortunate, we've got quite a lot of depth. Not too shabby having World Cup winning Springboks in this one."