It's Ireland versus the Blue Bulls in URC final, says Jake White
NATIONAL PRIDE AT STAKE Jake White anticipates a thrilling URC final showdown as the Bulls face Leinster, likening it to Ireland vs the Bulls, with both teams vying for victory at Croke Park this Saturday. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
The hosts also boast a lineup littered with Ireland internationals, and Leinster will want to vanquish their Southern Hemisphere opponents.
Jake White says the United Rugby Championship final against Leinster on Saturday will be like Ireland against the Bulls . Kick-off is 6pm SA time.
Bulls Gear Up for Tough URC Final Clash Against Leinster
"This is a completely different challenge, but previous results don't matter, they are immaterial,' White told SportsBoom.co.za.
'We have a lotto ticket, and you can't win if you don't have a ticket. We have a 50% chance of winning. We know how tough finals are and it's going to be like Ireland versus the Bulls, we can't underplay how good Leinster are. Look what they did to Glasgow, so I'm sure they'll be on a high."
White also acknowledged the challenge ahead without discounting his side's chances.
"I believe we are good enough to win the final, even though beating Leinster away from home is never easy. They are loaded with internationals and British and Irish Lions, plus RG Snyman, Rabah Slimani and Jordie Barrett. We are playing against the form team; they have only lost twice in the URC this season. They have been the toughest team to play against the last four years, and our players are going to be tested probably like they never have before.'
"So, we'll need to work hard, and we will have to play really well. It's when you expect your senior players to be really important. Willie le Roux, Marco van Staden and Canan Moodie are all World Cup winners. We have guys who are experienced in playing in finals, they have paid their school fees, and they can talk about what works and what doesn't."
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
5 hours ago
- eNCA
Mametsa confident Bulls will bring United Rugby Championship title home
PRETORIA - The Bulls are all geared up for their all-important grand final in the United Rugby Championship, against Irish side Leinster this weekend in Dublin. This will be the Bulls' third appearance in the final, but they have never won the title. So they will be hoping the third time will be the charm for them. Leinster, by contrast, have won eight times, their most recent victory in 2021 against Munster. Former Bulls wing John Mametsa is confident the Pretoria franchise can write their names in the history books, as eNCA's Siphokazi Malinga had a sit down with Mametsa, to get his expectation as his former side heads to the final.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
South African athletics mourns Mathews Leeto: A Tribute to 'The General'
Mathews Leeto, affectionately known as 'The General', remembered for his humility, quiet strength, and dedication to the sport. Image: Supplied The South African athletics community is in mourning following the death of elite long-distance runner Mathews Leeto, who died in a car accident on Wednesday, along with his coach, Motlagale. Leeto was a prominent member of the Hollywood Athletics Club and affectionately known by many as "The General" for his quiet strength and dignified presence on and off the track. The club expressed its deep sorrow, confirming the loss of 'one of our Elite athletes, Mathews Leeto, who tragically lost his life in a car accident yesterday.' 'Mathews was a valued part of our club and community, a committed athlete, a supportive teammate, and a kind-hearted individual known affectionately to many as 'The General'. His quiet strength and gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone he trained and competed alongside,' said the club. Leeto's passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from across the country, with fellow runners and fans remembering both his athletic excellence and his humility. He leaves behind a young family, with the club urging the public to respect their privacy during this painful time. 'We stand in support of his loved ones and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.' On social media, long-time followers and fellow athletes have shared personal memories of Leeto's journey and rise in the running scene. Longtime friend and fellow athlete Tumelo Mabua shared a personal reflection on Facebook, remembering Leeto's breakthrough moment at the Tembisa Mile. 'He ran so fast that day that he led the race for 5km, with years came experience, and he matured,' Mabua wrote. He recalled how Leeto often laughed about being overtaken in that early race, a memory his coach never let him forget. Leeto's growth in the sport was evident in later achievements, including his standout performance at the Motsepe Foundation 10km Race. 'Leeto was establishing himself and taking his own space in the running arena. Sadly, we will not see much further. It's a blow to SA running,' Mabua said, ending his tribute with; 'May his soul rest in peace. Death be not proud!' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Hollywood Athletics Club said Mathews will be deeply missed by his clubmates, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. "He will be remembered not only for his dedication to the sport, but for the way he carried himself with humility, grace, and quiet leadership.' The athletics world now awaits details of the upcoming memorial, with the club confirming; 'Further information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared when available.' As the tributes continue to flow, the name 'Mathews Leeto' will be remembered not only for the races he ran, but for the spirit he embodied, steady, noble, and deeply respected. IOL News
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Bulls aim for third-time luck in United Rugby Championship final against Leinster
Bulls captain Ruan Nortjé and Leinster counterpart Jack Conan are all smiles with the United Rugby Championship trophy in Dublin this week. Will it be a case of third time lucky for the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship final? The Pretoria side are in Dublin for Saturday's title decider against Leinster at Croke Park (6pm South African time kick-off), and are hoping to finally get over the line at their third attempt. Coach Jake White's team went down 18-13 to the Stormers in a Cape Town final in 2022, and last year, the Bulls lost 21-16 to Glasgow at Loftus Versfeld. But Irish province Leinster are clear favourites for Saturday's showdown, as they boast a powerful side with several Test stars in their midst, including James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier. They are also hungry for a trophy after losing in the Champions Cup semi-finals a few weeks ago, and are in fact taking part in their first URC final since the South African franchises joined the competition in the 2021-22 season. There is sure to be a thrilling atmosphere at the 82,300-capacity Croke Park arena, and White doesn't feel that there is extra pressure on the Bulls due to their prior final defeats. 'It's massive. We have football stadiums like this, but I've heard a lot about Croke Park,' White said. 'It's, it is magnificent, it's wonderful. I just hope, I suppose like all players and supporters that, and people involved, that (on Saturday), it will be as full as it can be because it's a great stadium to have so many people here. 'Every year it's a new year. This Saturday is a new game, a new final, so I don't think we take anything into account of what happened the previous years.' Bulls captain Ruan Nortjé and his team have beaten 2023 champions Munster and 2024 winners Glasgow away from home this season, which will make them quietly confident of pulling off an upset against Leinster. While the South Africans are missing injured stalwarts such as Springboks such as Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp – as well as star wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, who returned too late from a sabbatical at a Japanese club – the Bulls still have a strong outfit. Apart from Nortjé, other current Boks include Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who will spearhead their quest to stop the slick Leinster squad in what is expected to be wet conditions in Dublin. 'I think we can just go on what we've been doing this year,' White said. 'I think like I said, we've been really good away from home. For some odd reason, the group has really been getting together quite well, especially on tour. 'We really enjoy each other's company, really have a good time together, and that camaraderie just gets better and better. 'So, we'll just definitely go out this weekend and give it everything we've got. I think that's the only thing we can do.'
