The Bulls fielded a weakened second-tier team in last weekend's Champions Cup quarter-finals, leaving many Springbok players at home.
This was at least partially a strategic move, as Bulls coach Jake White refused to subject some players to a grueling travel schedule to play against the Northampton Saints.
In the end, as expected, the Pretoria side suffered a crushing defeat, and the British publication times It has been suggested that tournament organizers may take action against the Bulls over concerns that it would damage the credibility of the Champions Cup.
However, the publication now reports that EPCR is not holding the Bulls accountable, but rather acknowledging the need to change next season's knockout schedule to avoid a repeat of the Bulls' selection controversy.
Following an investigation from European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) to assess whether the Bulls were in breach of the Participation Agreement, this sentiment was rather attributable to the improper schedule in which the round of 16 and quarter-finals were played. Seems related. consecutive weekends.
The Bulls insisted it was in no way meant to disrespect the Champions Cup.
After the game, White tried to set the record straight.
“I have to stress that I'm not unhappy about being here, in fact I love this competition because I think people are reading it completely wrong. “I'm very happy about the fact that we're being exposed to this, and I'm very happy that our players can learn what they learned tonight,” White said when asked about the supposed “disrespect.” He told reporters at the time.
“Test rugby is coming up. I mean, the style is probably a little different, more conservative and less realistic than Test rugby, but the intensity is there and it's a fight to win. I would like to make it clear that I want to participate in the tournament.
“We want to win and be a strong team that can give it our all and be competitive every weekend, but we need to put in the time. This is our second year competing in this competition. For some guys, it's their first time. For others, it's their first time coming overseas, so when you put that into perspective, you know we still have a ways to go.”
what was the result
In the end, the Bulls slowed down in the second half of the quarterfinal game, and the host team cruised to a 59-22 victory on Saturday night.
White also reiterated that there were multiple factors that led to keeping the 14 regulars at home for this game.
“I don't take it lightly at all,” he added. “This is not a 'B team' or a second team. This is a team that we felt needed game time based on our lineup. We weren't ready to take the risk on the players we would need on the back end of the tournament.
“In terms of change, I want to touch on this as well. As coaches, we tell our players, “Opportunities will come.'' No. 8 Cameron Hanekom played well, but it was his first game back in about seven or eight weeks. He was joined by left winger Stravino Jacobs – his first return from injury in almost six months. Now, again, if you leave it alone for another week, people will say, “Wow, why, he hasn't played in that long.” Why leave it for so long? And the situation is very tough and we have to develop these players.
“My wish is for all the players who are playing abroad to come back and play for the South African franchise in this competition.”