Jake White's happiness with Bulls win over Ospreys overshadowed by loss of several key players

The Bulls defeated the Ospreys 29-19 in Swansea, despite spending much of the second half a man down and being reduced to 13 players twice during the match.

The visitors surged to a 26-5 lead at half-time. However, the game took a significant turn after the break when inside centre David Kriel received a red card for what the referee deemed a "dangerous" fend.

Post-match in Swansea, White acknowledged the red card's impact: "It was obviously a massive effect on the game, because it was our ball, and we were carrying it into contact, and suddenly we were down to 14 men."

Despite this setback, the Bulls displayed remarkable determination. "Credit to the players because the last 10 minutes, as good as the first half was, those last 10 minutes of defence with 13 players was outstanding," White noted.

He also praised veteran fullback Willie le Roux, who was named Man of the Match. "Having his brain and expertise at the back, a bit older and wiser, was exactly what we needed on the field."

However, the win came at a cost, with Kriel's red card and failed HIAs for co-captain Elrigh Louw and fellow Springbok Gerhard Steenekamp raising concerns for the remainder of the European tour.

"Firstly, we're going to have a look at it [Kriel's dismissal] and see what channels we can go through to determine the outcome," White said, underscoring the importance of squad depth.

"We're no different from other teams dealing with injuries or missing international players. Over a period of 21 games in this competition, you have to have contingency plans."

White confirmed that Louw and Steenekamp will be unavailable for the match against the Scarlets. "Failing an HIA doesn't mean you're out for six weeks; it might be 12 days. If it's 12 days, they'll be available for Springbok duty," he explained.

"What I do know is that neither of them will be able to play next week."

He also mentioned that seasoned playmaker Devon Williams is expected to join the squad after recovering from injury.

Looking ahead to the Bulls' clash on Friday, White stated: "Any away win is a bonus, so getting away with beating the Ospreys, who defeated the Stormers a couple of weeks ago, is mission accomplished in terms of game oneâ”five points."

"We're not taking anything for granted against the Scarlets⦠we're under no illusions that next week will be as tough as this week."

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