White has some big calls to make as Bulls wary of Edinburgh 'momentum'

THE Bulls have rotated their playing squads often during the season, but now it’s about picking the best possible starting XV and match-23 for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld (1.30pm start).

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

Coach Jake White will announce his team on Friday afternoon, and he has a number of major decisions to make to ensure that his team get off to a necessary flying start against the plucky Scottish club. It was a bit of a surprise to see a virtual full-strength side in their last clash against the Dragons on May 17, with only tighthead prop Wilco Louw and flanks Marcell Coetzee - who was on the bench - and Marco van Staden rested from the regular starters.

The first contentious area that White must consider is the back-three. Willie le Roux, Sebastian de Klerk and Sergeal Petersen were starters against the bottom-side Dragons, with Canan Moodie operating at outside centre, with David Kriel at No 12.

What about Devon Williams? The experienced former Stormers and Western Province flyer has been excellent all season long, and has added a dynamic edge to the Bulls attack with his pace out wide and big left kicking boot. On form, he deserves to start against Edinburgh, either at fullback or left wing. White is likely to opt for veteran Le Roux at No 15, but then Williams should wear the No 11 jersey.