Bulls can rotate squad against Dragons to keep key players fresh ahead of URC quarter-finals

The Bulls are in a position to chop and change their lineup ahead of Saturday’s final United Rugby Championship (URC) round-robin match against the Dragons in Pretoria.

It could serve a double purpose for director of rugby Jake White who has arguably been the most successful coach of the local franchises when it comes to rotating his players this season.

Firstly, it could eliminate the injury risk for some of his stars ahead of the playoffs and he will be able to wrap them in cotton wool for the quarter-final at Loftus Versfeld. Secondly, he will be able to give players who haven’t had a lot of playing minutes these last couple of rounds some time on the field to get them game-ready should they be needed in the playoffs.

With Johan Goosen limping off after only 11 minutes in this past weekend’s victory over Cardiff, it will make sense for White to look after certain players who will be crucial in their playoff matches. This could be an opportunity to rest them for two full weekends before the next home game.

Players like veteran Willie le Roux, utility back Canan Moodie, scrumhalf Embrose Papier, loose forwards Marco van Staden and captain Ruan Nortjé, and prop Wilco Louw could use a break while letting some fringe players loose on the Welsh club. They are at the bottom of the log, and although second place is not yet sealed for White’s troops, with their squad depth, they should be too good for their visitors.

It will be important for White to give more of his fringe players some game time under the belt, especially if they haven’t really been part of the last couple of weeks, including that gruelling tour overseas.

They had some tough games overseas and while they had a week to rest afterwards, they jumped right back into action against Cardiff this past Saturday.

That victory at home would’ve been another confidence booster for the side, especially after romping to an unassailable lead before letting their opponents back in with a couple of tries.

Only one point from the final match will seal them the second place on the URC log and with it comes two home playoff matches should they make it past the quarters at the end of the month.

While their game plan needs some tweaks, especially when it comes to closing out matches and not allowing teams to fight back, the Bulls are in the perfect position to make changes to enhance their player readiness for the knockouts.