Goode happy to see Bulls turn it on in second half

Dan Brady was excellent, Joel Thomas enjoyed a memorable debut, showing great passion and determination, but it was James Jennings who shone throughout.

Two tries, turnovers, great line-out throwing and some brilliant runs capped an outstanding performance from Jennings. The flanker was everywhere and in almost every break was up with play ready to keep the move going.

Looking back on Saturday’s success, head coach Matt Goode said: “The first half was a bit of an arm wrestle. They had a game plan to keep the ball and try and starve us of possession, that worked to a degree.

“We had quite a lot of changes this week, I don’t think that helped. Plus, two early changes in the game as well. We’ve got a big enough squad to change what we do and still play the way we want to.

“Overall, I’m fairly happy. It really was a game of two halves and thankfully we showed what we could do in the second.”

Once again, Bulls’ strength in depth was tested to the maximum with eight enforced changes prior to the game and two more once it had started. But Goode has faith in every player stepping up to the first team.

He said: “We’re a club that takes pride in bringing youngsters through. Seventy per cent of the players have come through our Colts system. I’m immensely proud to have the label that we produce some really talented rugby players here.

“We’ve had lots of players step up in the twos and threes this season, and the results have been great. I think we’ve got it right as a club, it’s taken a few years to get the culture and everything ready.”