Jake White says the United Rugby Championship final against Leinster on Saturday will be like Ireland against the Bulls. Kick-off is 6pm SA time.
Leinster are the heavy favourites for the trophy match on their home ground, Croke Park, in Dublin, Ireland.
The hosts also boast a lineup littered with Ireland internationals, and Leinster will want to vanquish their Southern Hemisphere opponents.
Ahead of the match, White said anything could happen in a final.
Bulls Gear Up for Tough URC Final Clash Against Leinster
“This is a completely different challenge, but previous results don’t matter, they are immaterial,” White told SportsBoom.co.za.
“We have a lotto ticket, and you can’t win if you don’t have a ticket. We have a 50% chance of winning. We know how tough finals are and it’s going to be like Ireland versus the Bulls, we can’t underplay how good Leinster are. Look what they did to Glasgow, so I’m sure they’ll be on a high.”
White also acknowledged the challenge ahead without discounting his side’s chances.
“I believe we are good enough to win the final, even though beating Leinster away from home is never easy. They are loaded with internationals and British and Irish Lions, plus RG Snyman, Rabah Slimani and Jordie Barrett. We are playing against the form team; they have only lost twice in the URC this season. They have been the toughest team to play against the last four years, and our players are going to be tested probably like they never have before.”
“So, we’ll need to work hard, and we will have to play really well. It’s when you expect your senior players to be really important. Willie le Roux, Marco van Staden and Canan Moodie are all World Cup winners. We have guys who are experienced in playing in finals, they have paid their school fees, and they can talk about what works and what doesn’t.”
@Michael_Sherman
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