White: Bulls need to give little bit extra to beat Leinster

THE Bulls will be just as desperate, if not more than their opponents Leinster, to win Saturday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) final in Dublin.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

Playing in their third final, director of rugby Jake White knows just how important the clash at Croke Park (6pm SA time start) will be as they look to claim a maiden URC title after failing with their two attempts in South Africa.

White, at this stage of the season, was in the fortunate position of making only one forced change to his starting side on Thursday, with Springbok Marcell Coetzee taking over the No 8 jersey after the injury to Cameron Hanekom.

World Cup winner Marco van Staden will start at openside flank as Coetzee makes a positional switch from the side of the scrum.

There is also one change on the bench, with Springbok loose forward Nizaam Carr taking his place amongst the replacements, with Van Staden promoted to the starting XV.

“What all teams hope is to put their best team forward for the final three weeks of the season,” White said on Thursday.

“If you want to have a fair crack, you must have your best available, and these players are our best players.

“If you reach a final, everyone is desperate to win; let’s be fair. No one sits in a final and says we are not desperate or as desperate as the other team... it would be naïve.