Bulls set to break new ground in Europe

A huge opportunity awaits the Vodacom Bulls in Edinburgh on Saturday, as Jake White’s charges stake a claim for a maiden semi-final spot in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

As the last South African team in the European showpiece, all eyes will be on the Pretoria outfit to continue flying the SA flag and keep the trophy in the Republic after the Sharks made history when they won the title last season.

ALSO: White, Everitt set for eventful reunion

The Bulls may be playing away at Hive Stadium, but will face a familiar foe in Sean Everitt’s Edinburgh, who the Herd cross paths with regularly in the Vodacom URC.

The men from the Highveld are coming off four successive wins in all competitions – they beat Bayonne 32-22 in France in the round of 16 last week – combined with 10 victories in 14 URC matches to only six by Edinburgh this season.

They also beat Edinburgh 22-16 in September at Loftus Versfeld, although the Scots are fresh off two victories against the Dragons and Lions and have only lost two times at home in 2024-25.

White’s troops, too, will be motivated by the disappointment of missing out on the Investec Champions Cup playoffs for the first time, as well as break new ground in European club knockout competition after their debut three years ago.

The Bulls kicked off the 2022-23 Champions Cup with a thrilling home win against Lyon and, despite inconsistent pool performances, secured a round-of-16 spot but Toulouse ended their campaign with a heavy defeat at Le Stadium.

Last season, the Bulls improved, finishing top four in their pool with home-and-away wins over Saracens and Bristol Bears, and earning a home quarter-final. They celebrated a historic first knockout win, beating Lyon 59-19 at Loftus. 

However, their quarter-final debut ended with a crushing 59-22 loss to Northampton Saints in England.

Photo: @Springboks/Twitter