Jake White on early 2023 challenges: ‘We must start year with good energy’

Bulls boss Jake White has named 10 Springboks in a strong squad for the team’s United Rugby Championship match against the Dragons in Wales this weekend.

The squad of 28 will arrive in the UK later this week for the match at Rodney Parade in Newport this Friday, with kick-off at 9.45pm.

“We have another three away games this January. This is the block that is toughest for us, playing six out of seven games on the road, so things aren’t getting any easier but we just have to make sure that we improve every week,” said White on Monday.

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“This is a massive test of character for us as a group, both for the coaches and players but we have to make sure that we start the new year with good energy and look to get both our campaigns (United Rugby Championship and the Heineken Champions Cup) on track.”

The Bulls haven’t had the best of festive breaks with the side going down to the Stormers (37-27) and the Sharks (47-20), both away from Pretoria.

After this weekend’s match the Bulls return to Loftus Versfeld for a Champions Cup match against Exeter on January 14 before returning to the UK for a fixture against Lyon, in the same competition. They remain in Europe for a URC clash with Scarlets before returning home again.

Bulls touring squad:

Forwards: Simphiwe Matanzima, Johan Grobbelaar, Mornay Smith, Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje(c), Marco van Staden, Cyle Brink, Elrigh Louw, Gerhard Steenekamp, Bismarck Du Plessis, Sebastian Lombard, Janko Swanepoel, Reinhardt Ludwig, WJ Steenkamp, Dylan Smith, and Nizaam Carr.

Backs: Zak Burger, Embrose Papier, Johan Goosen, Chris Smith, Bernard van der Linde, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Cornal Hendricks, Wandisile Simelane, Tiaan Lange, Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse