Bulls face probe into Champs Cup 'B team'
13/04/2024 12:49
The Vodacom Bulls will reportedly be investigated by EPCR organisers for selecting a weakened team against the Northampton Saints on Saturday.
Director of rugby Jake White on Friday slammed accusations that the Bulls are fielding a second-string side for the Champions Cup quarter-final, while affirming the Pretoria outfit have the experience to win the quarter-final clash at Franklin’s Gardens.
White named a Bulls team missing a host of Springboks, including backs Embrose Papier, Johan Goosen, Canan Moodie, Willie le Roux and Kurt-Lee Arendse, while co-captains Marcell Coetzee and Ruan Nortje have also remained in the Republic.
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According to a report in UK newspaper The Times, skepticism surrounds the Bulls’ explanation, with accusations of prioritising their Vodacom URC fixture against Munster at Loftus Versfeld next week.
The Times’ sources in South Africa fear backlash from the EPCR, concerned about damaging the Champions Cup’s credibility.
Despite a potential win on Saturday leading to a semi-final, it is believed that the Bulls’ decision risks their standing in the competition while a SA Rugby source acknowledges the risk and is "expecting a backlash" for disrespecting the tournament’s integrity.
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