URC: Quarter-final kick off times, SA team sheets
Home » URC: Quarter-final kick off times, SA team sheets
All smiles from the Stormers. Image: SA Rugby website
The three SA teams in the United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-finals face their biggest task of the season this weekend as they line up against top opposition in the first round of the knockout stage.
Here is all the key information to note as the SA teams head into URC battle.
Glasgow Warriors v Stormers
Date: Friday, 30 MayVenue: Scotstoun Stadium, GlasgowSA Time: 20h35Referee: Andrew Brace
TV: SuperSport
Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Connor Evans, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Manie Libbok.
Bulls v Edinburgh
Date: Saturday, 31 MayVenue: Loftus Versfeld, PretoriaSA Time: 13h30Referee: Adam Jones
TV: SuperSport
Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sebastian de Klerk, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Ruan Nortje (c), 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Replacements: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Jannes Kirsten, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Devon Williams.
Sharks v Munster
Date: Saturday, 31 MayVenue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, DurbanSA Time: 18h30Referee: Mike Adamson
TV: SuperSport
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Yaw Pen
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
26 minutes ago
- IOL News
No Pause. Just Phanda Pusha Play
ITHUBA confirmed that the National Lottery will continue uninterrupted from tomorrow Image: File NO Pause, Just Play. That was the go-ahead given by ITHUBA Lottery to avert a lotto blackout as uncertainty loomed over the sale of tickets following a legal wrangle, following a high court decision on Friday The Gauteng High Court ruled that ITHUBA Lottery, could only continue with operations for five months, until when the new operator Sizekhaya Holdings took over - a decision the National Lottery Commission (NCL) said could be rejected by ITHUBA. But in a statement issued tonight by Michelle van Trotsenburg on behalf of ITHUBA , she said after careful consideration and prioritising the interests of South Africans, ITHUBA has reached an agreement with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition and the National Lotteries Commission to operate the South African National Lottery, ensuring its ongoing contribution to good causes. "As a proudly 100% black-owned South African operator, ITHUBA remains steadfast in its commitment to operate the National Lottery with integrity, transparency, and for the benefit of South Africans. Participants can be rest assured that all games, draws, and prize pay-outs will continue as normal – with the same exciting jackpots and seamless service that they are accustomed to," read the statement. Sizekhaya Holdings is led by a consortium that includes KwaZulu-Natal business figures such as Moses Tembe, former Chairperson of the KZN Growth Coalition, and Sandile Zungu, owner of AmaZulu football club. Image: Sihle Mlambo/IOL Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) Minister Parks Tau awarded a multibillion-rand contract on Wednesday to Sizekhaya Holdings to operate the National Lottery. The company is co-owned by KwaZulu-Natal business moguls, Moses Tembe, and Sandile Zungu, the chairperson of the Durban-based Premier Soccer League, AmaZulu FC. They are both linked to several companies. The decision was met with criticism from organisations that believe it goes against the true spirit of inclusive black empowerment. The crisis started after Pretoria High Court Judge Omphemetse Mooki ruled that Tau's attempt to extend the contract of the outgoing lottery operator, ITHUBA Holding by 12 months, was unconstitutional and illegal. Judge Sulet Potterill, instead, said ITHUBA, whose contract officially ended on Saturday, could continue for the next five months under a temporary licence until Sizekhaya was ready to take over. However, ITHUBA initially said five months was not financially viable. Sources within the DTIC and the NLC said the situation was intense as officials were working to avert a lotto blackout and losses of billions of rand. 'Our attorneys are still busy studying the judgment. Until we tick all the boxes, I cannot confirm whether we will have a lottery or we will not have the lottery, but our lawyers are looking at the interests of the masses, and I don't think there will be any crisis,' said NLC spokesperson Rudzani Tshigemane, prior to ITHUBA'S statement. Mooki ruled against the NLC's appeal against the previous judgment on the matter launched by a lottery contract bidder, Wina Njalo, against Tau and the NLC's decision to extend the ITHUBA licence by 12 months. Following the initial court order, Tau was forced to announce the winner on Wednesday, but extended the ITHUBA contract by five months through a temporary licence, as per court order. However, following ITHUBA'S indication that it was not prepared to accept the five-month extension as it was looking for 12 months, the NLC launched the appeal, which was rejected on Friday. Mooki heard that if ITHUBA's accepted only a five-month extension, it would incur a loss of R51 million. ITHUBA told the court that without it accepting the five-month extension, there would 'be an interruption to operations of the national lottery for 9 months from 1 June 2025' as there would be no operator, a situation that would harm members of the public. Wina Njalo told the court that ITHUBA was not entitled to make a profit through an unlawful tender. It also argued that the Lottery Trust Fund had R2.2 billion in its reserve, which was enough to continue paying the lottery beneficiary organisations until the new operator takes over. In his affidavit, Tau supported the NLC's application, however Mooki said it was not convincing enough for him to rule against the previous judgment, and therefore, he dismissed the NLC's application with costs. The EFF claimed Tau's decision was a conflict of interest and showed political exposure and backdoor dealings as Zungu and Tembe had links with the ANC. 'We highlighted in our correspondence with Minister Tau and the Portfolio Committee that this amounted to a breach of the National Lotteries Act, which explicitly prohibits the awarding of a licence to any entity with direct political affiliations. 'Minister Tau's refusal to listen and to appear before Parliament, and to proceed with this appointment anyway, represents a complete betrayal of his constitutional responsibilities. 'Instead of ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with the Lotteries Act, he has compromised a public asset, by awarding a contract worth over R180 billion to the ANC's cronies in a clear case of state capture,' said EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo in a statement. Sizekhaya did not respond to a request for comment on the criticism over its appointment. The EFF said it was consulting with its legal counsel to consider a judicial review of the decision, "which includes, but may not be limited to, interdicting the awarding of the contract". The Aubrey Tau Foundation, which also condemned the awarding of the contract to Sizekhaya, said it would support legal action against Tau. 'We stand in solidarity with civil society and business leaders who are prepared to take this matter to the highest courts in the land in pursuit of transparency and justice,' the foundation said. The foundation said Tau should have awarded the contract to new entrepreneurs instead of continuing to enrich politically connected elites. 'Historically, it has been the same faces benefiting under the guise of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). 'Instead of fostering BEE, in practice, empowered a small group of politically connected capitalists, fixers, and front persons acting as intermediaries between the government and established corporate interests,' said the foundation. President Cyril Ramaphosa had in November 2020 authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the NLC and to recover any loss that the NLC or the state has suffered. In a statement released on Saturday, Tembe said Sizekhaya's gaming pedigree is unmatched and that its shareholder, Goldrush, was bringing into the contract its business experience, including in gaming and online betting space. 'I bring over 35 years of business experience, including the gaming industry as a former chairperson of Phumelela Gaming and board member for KZN Tsogo Sun. 'Zungu Investments, led by Sandile Zungu, brings over 25 years of inveterate entrepreneurship across multiple sectors, including football,' he said. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
No disruptions to lottery operations as temporary licensee appointed
Ithuba's licence ends today. There will be no disruptions to lottery operations as Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has appointed a temporary licensee. Tau announced on Saturday that he has concluded successful negotiations with Ithuba Holdings and signed a temporary licence agreement for them to operate the National Lottery and Sports Pool for a period of 12 months, effective from 1 June 2025. On 28 May 2025, Tau announced the successful conclusion and appointment of Sizekhaya Holdings (RF) (Pty) Ltd ('Sizekhaya') as the fourth National Lottery and Sports Pools operator. Ithuba's licence ends today. ALSO READ: Big change to Lotto operations: Will tickets be on sale next week? Eight applications to take over from Ithuba Holdings had been on the table. The licence will cover operations for all national games, as well as sports pool products. Sizekhaya's appointment takes effect on 1 June 2026 and requires a transition from the third National Lottery and Sports Pools operations to the fourth National Lottery and Sports Pools Licence operations, said Tau. 'On advice of the National Lotteries Commission, I also authorised that a temporary licensee must be appointed in terms of section 13B of the Lotteries Act, 1997. The temporary licence will ensure the continuation of the operations in the period that the transition is required from the third to the fourth licence operations,' said Tau on Saturday. 'I am pleased that the National Lottery operations will not be interrupted during the transition from third to fourth licence operations and that worthy causes will continue to receive support.' Outgoing lottery operator Ithuba disappointed Following the minister's announcement of the new operator, Ithuba said they were 'deeply disappointed' that the department would negate their contribution to the country's lottery infrastructure. ALSO READ: You may not be able to get a Lotto ticket after today 'As a fully South African-owned and black-empowered operator, Ithuba Lottery has invested significantly in developing the first African central lottery system, owned and developed for Africa by South Africans,' stated the outgoing operator. 'This decision disregards the progress made in building a truly home-grown lottery ecosystem that empowers small businesses, drives local job creation, and channels maximum revenue to good causes,' it added. Ithuba's legal team will consider the legal implications of the decision before deciding on a way forward. NOW READ: SIU is not done with NLC yet, as more corruption allegations emerge Additional reporting by Jarryd Westerdale
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Jake White celebrates Bulls' comeback URC quarter-final victory and valuable lessons learned against Edinburgh
Bulls No 8 Cameron Hanekom scores the first try against Edinburgh after slicing through a gap in the defence during their quarter-final clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. Image: BackpagePix Bulls director of rugby Jake White praised his team's fighting spirit after their comeback win over Edinburgh in Pretoria on Saturday to secure a home semi-final in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Having trailed their Scottish visitors 21-8 at a stage after an early yellow card, the Bulls mounted a superb fightback before and after halftime that blew the opposition out of the water to secure the victory at Loftus Versfeld. They scored six brilliant tries and the interplay between the backs and forwards was outstanding for most of them. Although they leaked five tries, of which at least two were questionable, their defensive effort in the final 20 minutes will give them plenty of confidence heading into the next match. The Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby charged home in the Quarter-Final 😤 Can they keep the momentum up in their home Semi-Final next weekend? #BKTURC #URC | #BULvEDI — BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) May 31, 2025 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading However, the experienced coach feels they didn't play as well as they could have. He lamented their yellow cards especially, although he believes they might have been a bit harsh. 'We learned our lessons from the last time we played them in Edinburgh,' White said. 'We were 24-7 down and today 21-8 down. Not many teams would come back in a quarter-final when you are down by that much and win it as convincingly as we did at the end. One lesson we can't ignore is that we can't play with 14 men and give them two tries while down and think you can always come back and win. 'I am just very happy that there was the fight and resilience and learning. I always talk about being in this competition and learning from what happened previously. We were down but got a (winning) result. Whereas the last time we played them, we didn't.' According to White, people think the team placed seventh should automatically lose to the team that finishes second. He made reference to Leinster losing to Scarlets and his side during the round-robin season and being pushed by the same Scarlets in their quarter-final on Saturday evening. The Bulls mentor added that some choice words went down from the coaching booth to the field when they were so far behind. 'A couple of choice words were said. I can't say that on national TV,' he laughingly said. 'But what are you going to do? You can't shout and scream and behave like a lunatic up there. I just had confidence that it was an 80-minute game and although they had a fast start, going from 21-8 to 21-18 in that space must've given the guys belief that we learned from last time.' Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt said they knew the first 20 minutes were going to be vital and he was happy with how they reacted from the first whistle.
