Bulls youngsters backed by Jake White to perform against star-studded Exeter Chiefs

The Bulls second string side get a massive opportunity to cause an upset against Exeter Chiefs when they take on the English Premiership side in their Champions Cup match-up at Sandy Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

The Bulls match 23 for the second week in a row is sprinkled with a few back-up stalwarts who are in charge of leading a large group of inexperienced youngsters in what will be the biggest match of many of their fledgling careers.

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However, after they surprised many by putting in a superb display to claim a full house of points against Lyon in their opening match of the competition last week, Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White decided it was only fair to give them another go against a team that is chock full of internationals.

“I think it was only fair for me to back these guys for this trip. They got a home game last week and now get an opportunity to see if they can back up that performance in an away game,” said White.

“It is going to be extremely tough. The Exeter match 23 is full of internationals like Stuart Hogg, Jack Nowell, Henry Slade, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Scott Sio, Johnny Gray, David Jooste, Sam Simmonds. The list just goes on and on.

“But these guys fully understand the challenge that is ahead of them and I believe that they will give it their best shot.”

White also pointed out the list of logistical and weather challenges that the young group has had to go through ahead of the match.

Heavy reliance

They will be relying heavily on stalwarts Morne Steyn, who is captaining the team again, Bismarck du Plessis and Nizaam Carr, who have all played in this competition before and will need to help guide the youngsters as best they can.

“This weekend is a completely different challenge to last weekend. We spent 26 hours in economy class travelling around the world. We had a four hour bus ride. I think it’s about minus two outside,” explained White.

“So this challenge is very different to getting in your own bed, and waking up in the morning to a day that is going to reach 30 degrees.

“It’s a completely new test for these youngsters and for us as a group. But as I said to them sometimes you get opportunities. You don’t always get them when you want them or the environment you want them in. But that’s what makes rugby such a fantastic game.

“These guys did really well last week. I don’t think anyone gave us a chance and we got five points against Lyon at home. Now we play against a star-studded team in Exeter in front of a soldout home crowd. They will learn a lot from this.”