The Springbok squad announcement ahead of the Vodacom URC semi-final in Pretoria provides Jake White with perfect motivation for the Bulls-Sharks clash, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Saturday’s winner at what is set to be sold-out Loftus Versfeld will contest the decider next week, potentially in the Republic if defending champions Glasgow Warriors stun Leinster in Dublin.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane suggests Erasmus’ unexpected 54-man reveal on Thursday serves as a red flag for White’s Bulls, who face a Sharks team boasting 14 Bok selections compared to their 10.
He notes the Bulls’ contingent includes the likes of Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Ruan Nortje and Cameron Hanekom, while the Sharks field a virtual Test team featuring five 2023 World Cup winners, led by double world champions Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi.
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According to Keohane, this week’s playoff on the Highveld also represents a great advertisement for South African rugby’s current strength across multiple competitions.
“Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus wrote Bulls coach Jake White’s motivational speech for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semi-final between the Bulls and the Sharks in Pretoria,” he writes.
“White, the 2007 World Cup-winning Springbok coach, will turn to those players not selected for the Boks, and there are plenty in his match 23. He will especially encourage Embrose Papier and Keagan Johannes to go out and make a statement against the Boks brother halfback pairing of Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse.
“White will emphasise to David Kriel that if he wants to be a Springbok, he will need to own the Sharks and Boks midfield pairing of Andre Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am. White will also have a loud word in the ear of Sebastian de Klerk to make another statement against the Bok-in-waiting Ethan Hooker and veteran Bok winger Makazole Mapimpi.
“… and if the Bulls win then I am sure White will appreciate what a favour he got from Erasmus…”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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