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The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
URC quarter-final: Bulls v Edinburgh
The Bulls – URC runners up in 2022 and 2024 – will secure themselves a home semi-final if they emerge victorious against Edinburgh, which will fuel their motivation immensely as they cast an eye further ahead by attempting to repeat the double by advancing to the Grand Final for the second season in a row. Kick off for their quarter-final on Saturday is at 13:30. Teams: 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 Edinburgh: 15 Wes Goosen, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Matt Currie, 12 James Lang, 11 Harry Paterson, 10 Ross Thompson, 9 Ali Price, 8 Magnus Bradbury (c), 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Jamie Ritchie, 5 Sam Skinner, 4 Marshall Sykes, 3 D'arcy Rae, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Pierre Schoeman Replacements: 16 Paddy Harrison, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Javan Sebastian, 19 Liam McConnell, 20 Ben Muncaster, 21 Conor McAlpine, 22 Ben Healy, 23 Mark Bennett The match-up between the Bulls and Edinburgh is expected to be an entertaining affair, given the close contest between the sides early in the season, where the Pretoria outfit emerged 22-16 victors at home in the second round, before the Scots turned the tables with a 34-28 win in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final. With seven straight URC victories to their name and the team having suffered only four defeats this season, the Bulls will enter the clash as favourites. However, they will be wary of underestimating Edinburgh, who – over-and-above from knocking them out of the EPCR Challenge Cup – have had a fair run of form of late, losing only one of their last five matches, while one ended in a draw. In fact, their only defeat in this series of events was against the Sharks in Durban by one point, but that said, they will have to enter the match strong-willed to break their disappointing away-win record, which shows six defeats in nine outings. In stark contrast, the Bulls have suffered only one home defeat in the competition this season, and adding to this, they have won six more matches than the Scots in the pool stages, and have a better record on attack and defence. This, however, will undoubtedly fire up Edinburgh. Bulls v Edinburgh Date: Saturday, 31 MayVenue: Loftus Versfeld, PretoriaSA Time: 13h30Referee: Adam Jones TV: SuperSport
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Inside knowledge, attack blueprint, attitude - expert's guide to how Edinburgh can upset star-studded Bulls
'Big chance' in Everitt's team could make all the difference in South Africa Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh have faced the Bulls twice this season and there has been little between the sides. In fact, the aggregate score stands at 50-50. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When the pair meet for a third time on Saturday in the URC play-offs it is the Bulls who will have home advantage but Chris Paterson believes Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt's intimate understanding of the opposition can help swing the quarter-final tie in their favour. Canan Moodie of Vodacom Bulls is tackled by Edinburgh's Ross Thompson during the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final at Hive Stadium on April 12. | Getty Images 'I think Sean Everett's knowledge of the South African players, the South African system, has been really important,' said the Edinburgh and Scotland great. 'Sean seems to have a really good understanding of the South African game and I think that Edinburgh's performances against South African teams have been pretty good, with the obvious exception of the Lions match early in the season.' Big change in Edinburgh after nadir in Joburg That was the nadir of their campaign; a 55-21 loss in Johannesburg which prompted much soul-searching within the camp. It hasn't all been plain sailing since - the home defeat by Zebre was another low point - but Edinburgh have been a more durable outfit since that loss in February, particularly in recent weeks as they secured the back-to-back bonus-point wins over Connacht and Ulster they needed to make the play-offs for the first time in three years. 'I've seen a big change in Edinburgh,' said Paterson, who will be working as an analyst for Premier Sports' coverage of the Bulls quarter-final. 'Even in games they've lost there's a shape and an attitude, and there's a desire and a hunger. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'If somebody was going to beat them, they were going to have to do well to beat them. I think that stemmed from the Zebre game at home. I think that almost forced Edinburgh into playing knockout-style rugby in every game, so it really focused the mind. It basically meant there was a consequence to everything. Every training session, every performance, every result. 'So from the middle of March, it was like all or nothing and I think that extra pressure actually brought the best out of them. I think their attacks looked really good, well balanced, and I think Wes [Goosen] and Darcy [Graham] have been brilliant. Players like Jamie Ritchie have been outstanding as well, as has Magnus Bradbury, so the components are there. Jamie Ritchie of Edinburgh challenges Sergeal Petersen of Vodacom Bulls during the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final. | Getty Images 'In a strange way, it's brought - not the best because I think there's more to come from Edinburgh - but it's brought a real hard edge. And they'll need to be at their best this weekend to progress because I think the Bulls are a top, top side.' The two Bulls game-changers who threaten Edinburgh Everitt has stressed the need for accuracy and discipline in what is likely to be a hostile environment at Loftus Versfeld. There is an expectation among the Bulls support that the club will atone for last year's shock home defeat by Glasgow Warriors in the URC final. Edinburgh will also have to cope with the altitude and warm weather but no rival coach knows the Bulls better than Everitt who is good friends with their coach Jake White and who worked with them prior to his appointment in Scotland in 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Sean knows their structures,' said Paterson. 'He knows what we're trying to do because he was a part of it 18 months ago. But it's a massive challenge playing at Loftus, of course it is. If you look at the two games Edinburgh have played against the Bulls this year, it's one home win each and the aggregate score is 50-all, so there's not a lot between them. Bulls head coach Jake White, left, and his Edinburgh counterpart Sean Everitt are good friends. | Getty Images 'The game in round two was disappointing for Edinburgh because they were actually leading after the hour mark and they got turned over on the Bulls' line and the Bulls went the length and scored what turned out to be the decisive try. I think the Bulls are better now than they were then.' In a talented squad, Paterson picks out Canan Moodie and Willie le Roux as two who can be game-changers for the Bulls. Moodie, the lavishly gifted Springboks centre, made a massive impact off the bench against Edinburgh last month, and the home team endured some nervy moments as a 31-7 lead after 45 minutes was whittled down to 34-28. Willie le Roux, right, is a wily operator for the Bulls. | Getty Images 'He made a big difference,' said Paterson. 'And Willie le Roux didn't play that day, but he's really important in terms of their kick strategy. When it comes to knockout rugby, he's got so much nous and understanding and can be really quite clinical with his left foot. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Edinburgh know how to trouble Bulls' defence 'And if the Bulls want to try to strangle you and play a kicking game and try and turn you over at the lineout and maul you then they're built for that. But then they've also got guys like Canan Moodie who did make a massive impact in the last game. 'It's a star-studded team playing at home, so Edinburgh will be underdogs. But the first half of that game against the Bulls was, I think, a really good blueprint for Edinburgh in terms of attack and moving the ball quickly, getting numbers in the line. Matt Currie had a couple of really good line breaks and James Lang scored a couple of early tries. 'It seemed to be the biggest concern for the Bulls that day was their defence, so it's be interesting to see if they change the defence or change personnel because Edinburgh seemed to find space. Rather than take the direct route against a team that's physically bigger than you, Edinburgh were prepared to put two or three bodies at the line and then deliver a late pass, try and find an edge to give you a quick ball. And I thought Edinburgh executed that pretty well. Former Scotland international Chris Paterson will be on duty for Premier Sports as they cover the Bulls v Edinburgh. | ©INPHO/Tom Maher 'So although the second half will have encouraged the Bulls and make Edinburgh aware, that first 45 minutes for Edinburgh were excellent. And I hope Saturday's match lives up to that because that was a cracking game.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Underhill handed four-match ban for dangerous tackle
England flanker Sam Underhill is set to miss Bath's bid for the Gallagher Premiership title after receiving a four-week ban. Underhill was cited for a dangerous tackle on Lyon full-back Davit Niniashvili during Bath's EPCR Challenge Cup final victory in Cardiff. The Bath forward received a yellow card from Scottish referee Hollie Davidson, but a complaint was then lodged by match citing commissioner Philippe Lenne. An independent disciplinary committee imposed the period of suspension, with European Professional Club Rugby stating his return to play date will be determined once his future playing schedule is confirmed. Bath's next fixture is a final game of the regular Premiership season against Saracens on Saturday. That is followed by a play-off on 6 June, then the Premiership final eight days later if Bath get there. In terms of Underhill's potential England schedule, there is a non-cap match against France on 21 June , with the first Test against Argentina two weeks after that. Bath beat Lyon in the final EPCR said: "Underhill accepted that he had committed an act of foul play, but did not accept that it warranted a red card. "The independent disciplinary committee upheld the complaint, finding that Underhill had tackled Davit Niniashvili in a dangerous manner that warranted a red card, and it determined that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby's sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point. "The committee gave the player credit for his remorse and timely acceptance that he had committed an act of foul play. "But because of his prior disciplinary record, the committee were only able to discount the entry point sanction by two weeks. They therefore imposed a four-week suspension." Underhill received a three-week ban in April after being sent off for a high tackle against Challenge Cup opponents Pau. He is an integral part of the Bath armoury under head of rugby Johann van Graan, and his ban is a major blow for the club. Premiership title success would see them complete an historic trophy treble this season, having already won the Challenge Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup. Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow a live blog of Sharks v Munster and Leinster v Scarlets on Saturday on and the RTÉ News app, and listen to live commentary of both games on RTE Radio 1 Watch Leinster v Scarlets from 2.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
SA-born Wes Goosen: Edinburgh can beat Bulls again
SA-born fullback Wes Goosen expects Edinburgh to 'go toe to toe' with the Vodacom Bulls in Saturday's URC quarter-final at Loftus Versfeld. Goosen was born in East London before emigrating to New Zealand with his family at the age of four. He represented Wellington and the Hurricanes before joining Edinburgh in 2022. The 29-year-old returns to South Africa for Saturday's URC quarter-final against the Vodacom Bulls and will have relatives watching in the stands. The Bulls beat Edinburgh 22-16 in the URC league stage last October, but lost the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final against Sean Everitt's side at Hive Stadium, 34-28. Watch: Edinburgh embrace Bulls' challenge 'It gives us the confidence it can be done,' said Goosen of that play-off victory. 'For the first 60 minutes of the game in Edinburgh, we really dominated and then we let them back in. 'But if we do what we do, we push them and stay in the hard moments, I think we can go toe to toe with the Bulls. 'It's not going to be easy. They are a very physical team with a lot of superstars, but you look at our team – we've got good players as well.' Also read: We're as ready as we'll ever be – Jake The post Goosen: Edinburgh can beat Bulls again appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
'Upwards trajectory' - Edinburgh Rugby's player of season flies south with confidence
Goosen will be back by family in Pretoria Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Wes Goosen believes Edinburgh are on an upwards trajectory as they return to the United Rugby Championship play-offs after an absence of three years. The squad flew out to South Africa on Tuesday for Saturday's quarter-final against the Bulls and it's a sort of homecoming for Goosen who was born in East London but emigrated to New Zealand with his family at the age of four. There will be some relatives at the match at Loftus Versfeld as Edinburgh look to beat the Bulls again having got the better of them at home in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals last month. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Wes Goosen helped Edinburgh beat the Bulls in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final. | SNS Group 'It gives us the confidence it can be done,' said Goosen. 'For the first 60 minutes of the game here in Edinburgh, we really dominated and then we let them back in. But if we do what we do, we push them and stay in the hard moments, I think we can go toe to toe with the Bulls. It's not going to be easy. They are a very physical team with a lot of superstars, but you look at our team – we've got good players as well.' Goosen has been excellent for Edinburgh and was a deserved winner of their player of the season award. The campaign hasn't always gone smoothly but a run to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup followed by important bonus-point wins over Connacht and Ulster in the URC points to progress in what is head coach Sean Everitt's second season in charge. 'The performances we have put in over the last four or five weeks show our trajectory is going up,' said Goosen. 'We are showing we can compete with the best.' The Bulls, under the guidance of World Cup-winning coach Jake White, were beaten finalists in the URC in 2022 and 2024 and will be favourites on Saturday but Goosen is relishing the chance to pull off an upset in his homeland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
