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TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Titanic clash expected as blue bloods of SA and Ireland meet in URC final
The blue bloods of Ireland and South Africa collide in the United Rugby Championship's red letter day in Dublin on Saturday with the spectre of defeat for both too ghastly to contemplate. Both Leinster and the Blue Bulls have suffered the blues in play-off matches over the past few seasons which has served to ramp up prematch chat about which team is under more pressure to lift the trophy. In that regard hosts Leinster will go into the final feeling the weight of expectation more acutely. This is their first URC final, which is only surprising until you consider they've had divided loyalties across this competition and the Champions Cup. They have fluffed their lines in the matches that matter across both competitions over the last few years but they go into this final more unfettered. Since their Champions Cup semifinal defeat to Northampton Saints they have had Saturday's final in their cross hairs.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Bulls urged ‘to make history' in URC final
Former player Deon Stegmann said the Bulls have momentum going into the URC final. Bulls supporters during the URC semifinal against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on 7 June 2025 in Pretoria. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images Good luck wishes started pouring in for the Vodacom Blue Bulls ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) final against Leinster in Ireland on Saturday. This is the third time the Bulls have reached the URC final. Former Bulls coach Nollis Marais wished the team the best of luck ahead of the match. 'This is the moment you have been working towards for the last four years. An away final is never easy but if there is one thing a Bulls team has always been able to do, it is to make history. You are not going into the final just to compete, but to make a statement with every tackle and every carry. I know you will play for each other and for every Blue Bulls supporter out there because that is what the Bulls do,' he said. 'Good luck and bring the cup to South Africa where it belongs, especially inside Loftus' trophy cabinet.' Former Bulls high-performance manager and Springbok manager, Ian Schwartz, said the Bulls have the players and the experience to win in Ireland. 'The last hurdle is the one that counts, but with the experience gained from previous finals, a world-class coach and top-class players, I'm sure you'll rise to the challenge. All of South Africa is behind you, united in support,' he said. ALSO READ: Bulls in Super Rugby and URC finals: Three wins, two defeats Former Bulls and Springbok player Deon Stegmann congratulated the team for making it to the URC final. 'It has been so nice watching you play rugby these past few weeks,' he said. He said the Bulls are in good form. 'The momentum they currently have is wonderful. Good luck with tomorrow's game and enjoy it. I know you guys enjoy it most when you dominate on the field. Don't worry about the scoreboard, the scoreboard will sort itself out. As long as you play your hearts out, nothing can go wrong,' he said. Former Blue Bulls and Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer urged the team to bring the trophy home. Meyer said when walking into the Loftus changeroom, you can smell the trophies and the tradition. 'They have won the most throughout history,' he said. However, Meyer said, unfortunately, nobody remembers if you lose the final. 'They say you lost. A win is just so much better.' NOW READ: URC final: Four Bulls players eager to make a Springbok statement
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Cornal Hendricks was cleared to play rugby by 'Dr Death', Wouter Basson
According to reports, Cornal Hendricks, who died on Wednesday from a suspected heart attack, was cleared to resume his rugby career by Wouter Basson. Blue Bulls executive Edgar Rathbone has revealed that the late Cornal Hendricks had been cleared to resume his rugby career by controversial cardiologist, Dr Wouter Basson. The former Springbok died from a suspected heart attack on Wednesday evening, nine years after being diagnosed with a heart condition that brought an abrupt halt to his rugby career. In 2019, Hendricks resumed his career after being cleared to play by his doctor, now revealed to have been Basson, according to a News24 report. 'Dr Death', as Basson was known, was alleged to have been involved in the killing of 200 prisoners during Apartheid. 'I need to state this categorically that, at that stage, we got medical advice from Dr Wouter Basson and got that on a yearly basis to get him cleared,' Bulls' boss Rathbone was quoted by the publication.
The South African
15-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
RIP: Tributes pour in for former Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks
Tributes and messages of condolence continue to pour in for former Blue Bulls and Springboks wing Cornal Hendricks. The 37-year-old was believed to have suffered a heart attack. He had been diagnosed some time ago with a heart ailment, which at times prevented him from playing. Hendricks made his Springbok debut in 2014 and went on to earn 12 Test appearances in which he scored five tries. After the news of his passing broke out, many rugby fans took to social media to pay their tribute to the former Boks star, including the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. 'Rest in perfect peace Cornal Hendricks, you have made your mark by inspiring many. Death be not proud,' he said. 'RIP Cornal Hendriks! Son of Paarl! Sad day for rugby! Thoughts and Prayers with his family,' tweeted @CaptSpringbok. 'Terribly sad to hear of the passing of Cornal Hendricks at 37 years old. A true fighter, who retired at 27 due to a heart condition that cut his Springbok career short. Only to emerge in the professional scene once again in his 30's – playing for the Bulls, Boland and SA 'A',' tweeted @AnalystGus. 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.
