VIDEO: Why Jake wants Bulls' World Cup Boks to be challenged
The Bulls have only four World Cup-winning Springboks, but they remain an invaluable part of their 2023-24 campaigns in the United Rugby Championship and European Cup.
Currently on a compulsory three-week post-World Cup break, loose forward Marco van Staden (also a sometimes hooker), along with utility backs Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie and Willie le Roux are kicking back and enjoying some much-need rest and recuperation.
However, when they return – most likely in early December – they will not walk straight into the Bulls starting XV.
Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White said the players currently doing duty are going to make it tough for the superstars when they return.
White said the Springboks must always report any niggles or injuries to the conditioning staff.
No such reports have been forthcoming.
“I am hoping that is an indication they are all fine,” he told @rugby365com.
He added that the World Cup Boks must now ‘switch off’ during their compulsory three-week break.
(WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White talks to @king365ed about the return of his World Cup-winning Springboks…)
“It’s been a tough four months – away from home and in the [World Cup] spotlight,” the Bulls boss said.
“For me it is more about the mental preparation [refreshing] now,” he added.
A significant boost for the Bulls is that the stand-in players – Devon Williams for Willie le Roux and Sebastian de Klerk for Kurt-Lee Arendse – are playing really well.
The loose forward combination of Mpilo Gumede, Cyle Brink and Nizaam Carr is also getting a chance to put down a marker against Cardiff.
“It gives us more depth,” White told @rugby365com, adding: “When we get World Cup winner Marco [van Staden] back, we have to find a place for him as well.
“The more competition we have, the better it is for our franchise.”
White will make a call on the return of the Boks once their R&R is completed.
He indicated some may get an additional week if the URC results go their way.
However, they are also certain to come into the selection frame for the opening round of Europe’s Champions Cup on the weekend of December 8, 9 and 10.
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