Bulls out to be first to beat Bayonne at home

The Bulls are under no illusions about the momentous challenge that awaits them in their Challenge Cup last 16 match against Aviron Bayonnais (Bayonne) in France on Saturday (kick-off 1.30pm).

Having coached Montpellier from 2014 to 2017, and winning the Challenge Cup with them once in that time, Bulls boss Jake White said French fans are unique in that they are extremely passionate about their home clubs.

“It’s a wonderful experience – they sing a well-known song before the game. The atmosphere is incredible. It will be sold out,” he said of the 14 000-capacity Stade Jean Dauger.

“It’s really a wonderful experience for these young players coming here for the first time. Hopefully we’ll do it justice by playing as well as we can.

French sides also play out of their skin in front of their home fans, a reason why Bayonne are yet to lose at home this season.

Bulls won’t underestimate star centres

Still, White backed his side to be the first to get one over them at home.

“Playing away in France is tough. For some unknown reason, it is just how it historically is. Players playing at home find another gear. Home crowds and home wins are massive for any time [there].

“Bayonne haven’t lost at home this year and they’ve had some big games. It’s going to be a tough game.”

White said Bayonne are also strong in their own right, witnessed by them lying fourth in France’s Top 14, the same place where they finished last season.

They also finished second out of six teams in their Challenge Cup pool, winning three of four games.

“They are not number four on the log for nothing. They’ve got a good defence, set-piece is strong.

“I was speaking with Shaun Sowerby [former South African player, now assistant coach at Bordeaux Begles]… he said the centre combination is probably the best in the competition. They are rated the best in the competition by the French public.”

“They are a good team all-round. It’s not just in one area that they are strong.”

Sowerby must have been referring to centre pairing Sireli Maqala of Fiji and Manu Tuilagi of England. The explosive bruisers have been crucial to Bayonne’s success this season.

Reece Hodge of Australia also plays at centre for Bayonne but has not had as many games this season and has not been as impactful.

Bulls name strong squad for Bayonne

For his part, White named a strong squad that will take the fight to the French side.

2023’s Golden Boot winner Johan Goosen, who was player of the year in the Top 14 when he helped Racing win the title in 2016, returned to the matchday squad after a long-term knee injury.

Rising Springbok star, Cameron Hanekom also returns from his leg injury layoff to play from the bench.