Jake White dismisses finals history ahead of URC decider

White was responding to Irish media questions about the Bulls’ losses in their previous two finals, including last year’s narrow defeat. He also dismissed talk of Leinster’s own lack of a URC title, saying both teams start from scratch. 

The Bulls and Leinster clash at 18:00 on Saturday at the iconic 82,000-seater stadium in Dublin.

"This group of players far exceeded the expectations of a lot of people in the last four years. We are aware that we've played three finals, but we're also aware that we've surpassed expectations, and hopefully, in this game, we get to show what we learnt from the other finals," explained the Bulls head coach. 

READ: Leinster v Bulls: All you need to know about the URC trophy

This will be Leinster’s first appearance in a URC final, despite finishing top of the league standings every year since the competition’s inception. 

The Bulls, meanwhile, hold a strong record against the Irish giants, winning four of their last five meetings. 

White weighed in on whether the pressure falls more on the hosts or his own side, as both chase their first URC title.

"Rugby is never going to change, we are going to have to put the opposition under pressure. Leinster is a quality, well-coached team that is revered by many in this competition. My message to my players for the last four months was to try and match Leinster's consistency, and we have, and now we're in the final," said the experienced coach. 

Following the Bulls’ semi-final win over the Sharks, White acknowledged the strength of Leinster’s structures. He echoed Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith, who remarked that Leinster’s academy and development systems are “eight years ahead” of most URC teams. 

White says that level is exactly what the Bulls are aiming to build toward.

The Bulls will be without Cameron Hanekom, who was stretchered off during the semi-final win at Loftus. Coach White provided an update on how they are looking on the injury front.

"Hanekom is the only player unavailable due to injury, but most of the guys are fine. 

Elrich Louw was out for a while with that knee injury, Ruan Vermaak had that Achilles operation, and Gerhard Steenkamp is also not on this tour, so we are not full strength, but I do acknowledge that no team is at their full strength in the back end of the competition."