There have been numerous well-known away wins within the European Cup up to now.
As the Bulls embark on a journey to make the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup, their director of rugby Jake White has warned that their final 16 encounter towards Lyon on Saturday (1.30pm kickoff) at Loftus Versfeld received’t be a straightforward process.
The Pretoria-based aspect did properly within the Champions Cup pool levels, ending in second place in Pool 1 after successful three video games and dropping one, and that defeat got here towards this weekend’s opponents Lyon.
The Bulls received the good thing about a home playoff after ending excessive of their pool.
No assure at home
With home benefit being an enormous think about knockout rugby, there’s an air of expectation that the Bulls will put Lyon away. However, White was fast to dismiss that notion, arguing that there had been numerous well-known away wins within the European Cup up to now.
“Statistically, it’s not as often as it is in other competitions,” mentioned White when requested about home benefit.
“If you look at the French Top14, the URC (United Rugby Championship) within the final three seasons, home floor by stats is a large bonus. I believe if you get to those large video games (within the Champions Cup) it’s a bit like Test rugby. There’s no assure that you simply’ll win Test matches. Now it’s the very best towards the very best.
“If you look at this competition historically, a lot of away teams have won big games and big stadiums as well, unlike other competitions.”
Bouncing again
The former Springbok coach is on the lookout for a response from his gamers after the 47-14 defeat they received at the palms of Leinster within the URC final weekend.
A win will safe their first last-eight spot within the Champions Cup.
“It’s a rebound thing. The really good teams, in any sport, if they had a result like last week, there has to be a reaction. Good teams do those things,” White mentioned.
“If we play well, we’ll win and go to the top eight. We got knocked out this time last year (in the round of 16) and it’s all about progression.”
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