Jake issues stark warning for SA's European adventure: 'We probably don't have the depth'

Echoing the fears of many, Bulls director of rugby Jake White doubts South Africa's franchises will possess enough depth to compete on three fronts this season, especially if the Currie Cup is thrown into the mix too.

With a maximum of 50 senior contracted players allowed as per SA Rugby regulations, teams with a significant chunk of Springboks like the Sharks and Stormers in particular will have to calibrate their resources smartly as those national players aren't expected to feature prominently until the new year.

Also, despite deserving credit overall for recovering well from poor starts in the United Rugby Championship (URC), local teams also didn't have the extra pressure of the European Champions and Challenge Cups to contend with last season.

Theoretically, the Bulls look best equipped to deal as they boast a group of fringe Boks - Elrigh Louw, Ruan Nortje, Marcell Coetzee, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie - instead of regulars and a range of other proven performers.

Yet the rise of youngsters like Louw means the picture can change quickly. 

"Do we have enough depth overall? Probably not and that's going to be a challenge for our teams," said White, ahead of his side's URC opener against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

"It's easy to say we'll play URC, in Europe and Currie Cup. That only happens when you've got players on the field. Already there are a few teams with guys nursing niggling injuries and we haven't kicked off yet."

The former Springbok mentor, a fierce advocate for the hallowed domestic competition, also hopes a proper window can be found for the Currie Cup, which will help keep its prestige as well as not interfere with URC duties.  

"My concern, and I've said it before is that the Currie Cup is