Bulls must beat Munster for Jake's sake

19/04/2024 06:31

The Vodacom Bulls cannot afford to lose to Munster on Saturday, after Jake White prioritised the Pretoria clash over a European cup playoff, writes MARK KEOHANE.

The Bulls can expect a humdinger against the defending champions at Loftus Versfeld, especially with only two points separating the teams on the Vodacom URC standings. With five rounds of the regular season remaining, the hosts are in third place with 45 points, while Munster are in fourth.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that White’s decision to send a second-string side to face the Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup quarter-finals last week – conceding nine tries in a heavy defeat – has intensified pressure on the first-choice XV.

He emphasises that the match is crucial to the Bulls hosting a URC knockout in June, while Munster’s impressive record away from home and the return of RG Snyman to Loftus adds further intrigue.

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“White's decision to send a second-string lineup to Northampton to get thumped in the Champions Cup means there will be no escape for his preferred starting XV in Pretoria this weekend,” he writes.

“Outside of Leinster, there isn't a more difficult overseas team the Bulls could have faced. Munster are tough, know how to win away from home and they know how to win in South Africa.

“It is going to be a brutal showdown and the pressure will be all on the Bulls because this is the match they targeted as the priority over a Champions Cup quarter-final.

“Defeat for the Bulls could make for a very anxious last month of league play. They simply must win, but they are going to have to play to their potential to get the points.”

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

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