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The Citizen
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
OPINION: Bulls up against it, but it isn't mission impossible
The Bulls will try to become the third straight team to win the URC in an away final when they take on Leinster in Dublin on Saturday. Bulls captain Ruan Nortje and Leinster captain Jack Conan pose with the URC trophy ahead of the final in Dublin on Saturday. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images The Bulls are massively up against it, and Irish heavyweights Leinster are firm favourites, when the teams meet in the United Rugby Championship (URC) final in Dublin on Saturday. But, the visitors can be comforted by the fact that winning away from Loftus Versfeld isn't an impossible task. What the URC has shown over the past few years is that winning away from home is an achievable goal, and one that the Bulls could pull off if they are at their best at Croke Park this weekend. The reason is simple: In the previous three seasons of the competition two finals have been won by the away team. In season one, the Stormers finished second on the log, hosted all their playoffs and went on to win the competition, beating the Bulls 18-13 in the final. But in season two, Munster finished fifth on the log and went on to triumph, after winning all three playoff games away from home, against Glasgow Warriors, Leinster and the Stormers. Last season was a similar story with Glasgow, who finished fourth. They won their home quarterfinal against the Stormers, but then won their semifinal away against Munster and also won the final, away against the Bulls, to lift the trophy. Away champion The Bulls will now have to try and become the third straight away champion in what should be a blockbuster meeting with Leinster, who have been favourites every season, but have yet to win. Leinster have a plethora of Irish star internationals, as well as Springbok RG Snyman, All Black Jordie Barrett and French international Rabah Slimani, on their books, so are undoubtedly the favourites on paper. But despite that firepower, they have wilted in knockout rugby in the URC and Champions Cup over the last four years, and the Bulls will know that, having knocked over Leinster in two previous playoff matches – in Dublin in season one and in Pretoria last season. The Bulls, however, have also slipped up in knockout games. They lost to the Stormers in the final in season one, and to Glasgow in the final in Pretoria last season, so they, too, have their own demons to overcome.
The Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Bulls must stamp out wayward discipline, says Coetzee
Stamping out wayward discipline will be a priority for the Bulls when they face Leinster in the United Rugby Championship final in Dublin on Saturday, loose forward Marcell Coetzee says. The Bulls' hopes of success were almost derailed in the semifinals after they were on the receiving of three yellow cards before they were able to beat the Sharks 23-13. A similar lack of control in front of 82,000 fans at Croke Park is unlikely to go unpunished by a Leinster side who take full advantage if the Bulls expose any frailties (kickoff 6pm). The Bulls were forced to defend their try line frantically after they were on the receiving end of a spate of yellow cards before halftime against the Sharks. 'It will not be an easy task for us in Dublin against Leinster,' Coetzee said. 'There are a lot of work-ons for us and that includes our discipline. 'There are also a lot of positives for us to take to the final. 'At Loftus, it was one hell of a game against the Sharks. 'It was physical and both teams went at it and we scored our tries from broken play.' Inspirational Bulls skipper Ruan Nortje said it was a privilege for his team to be appearing in the grand final. 'I must thank the Sharks for what was an awesome semifinal,' he said. 'It was the bounce of the ball and it could have gone any way and we are lucky and privileged to be on the winning side. 'The Sharks put us under a lot of pressure after we had the yellow cards against us. 'They also put us under pressure in the line-outs, so full credit to them. 'I'm so proud of my team and I want to thank the Loftus crowd for all their support, which means so much to us and we love them. 'It was hectic out there after we got those yellow cards. 'It has been a really special team effort since our game league game against Munster. 'Since then, we have pulled together and we are trying to create something special at the Bulls. 'This win means a lot to the guys and we are very privileged to be in the final again. 'Any team could have been there. 'We are sad we could not give our supporters a final at Loftus on Saturday, but we will go will give it our all in Dublin.' Bulls try scoring hero Sebastian de Klerk said he was proud to have been named man of the match after a contest that featured many world-class players. 'It was quite a physical battle and we expected that from the Sharks because it was two South African teams up against one another in a semifinal,' he said. 'I am extremely proud to receive this award and I have learnt such a lot from Canan Moodie and we are privileged at this union to have great coaches and wings. 'It is nice to compare yourself with the best in the world, so I am very happy with that. 'It was difficult for us when the Sharks upped the tempo and we know they are a quality side. 'We are lucky to have warriors like our captain Ruan Nortje, who never stops and that motivates you and gives you energy.' The Herald
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Bulls v Sharks: SA rugby's grit and pride
The Sharks have played much of their rugby in difficult conditions and may find the altitude and free-flowing rugby of the Highveld to their liking. Sharks loose forward Siya Kolisi and Bulls captain Ruan Nortje have spoken of their team's need to win the URC semi-final. Pictures: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images. The Sharks are banking on their never-say-die attitude and double over the Bulls in the regular season to propel them through their first-ever United Rugby Championship semi-final, played at Loftus on Saturday (kick-off 6.15pm). The Bulls will have much to say about that, however. With seven consecutive wins in the tournament and having a more consistent season and historical success in the URC, they have spoken much of their intent to right wrongs – both against the Sharks and by going all the way this time. The Sharks' penalty shootout victory over Munster in the quarter-final was indicative of a URC season that saw them win half their games by seven points or less. Fans have been vocal about how their team has not hit their straps – something players and coaches have admitted themselves – but the Sharks have still found a way through. 'The result is all that matters' Loose forward Siya Kolisi spoke of the fighting spirit that has seen the Sharks win their last five games, while four of them were tight. He said in previous years his side would have lost those games (they finished 14th with just four wins last season). But they have grown, fringe players stepping in for stars who were injured and punching above their weight. What better way to show their growth than by winning the URC's SA shield for the first time, which they did in March. 'The result is all that matters,' Kolisi said. And he's absolutely right. However, the Sharks have played much of their rugby in difficult conditions, Kings Park included, and may find the altitude and free-flowing rugby of the Highveld to their liking. Set-piece, kicking and breakdown will determine Bulls-Sharks game Still, the Bulls, fresh from scoring six tries against Edinburgh, will be favourites playing at home despite the Sharks' 10-point victory there three months ago. Yet for all the high expectations placed on them, during a lengthy press conference, three Bulls players took turns telling media essentially the same thing: they knew the threat the star-studded Sharks posed and relished the challenge. 'They are very good set-piece-wise. They have a massive pack. Quality, international players we all know,' Bulls captain Ruan Nortje said. 'They are very good at their contestable kicking game and the breakdown. That's three places the game will be determined, without a doubt.' Sharks coach John Plumtree will bring the full might of his Springbok-laden side to bear, hoping they can pull off another gritty win. The Bulls' Jake White will be analysing and re-analysing every aspect of how the game will unfold, as he is wont to do. At the end of the day, the players will determine the outcome, with the winner to face either Leinster or Glasgow Warriors in the final next weekend.
The Herald
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Bulls stampede Dragons at Loftus
It started off poignant but in the end it was the Bulls' poise and power that helped them down the Dragons 55-15 in their United Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. Before kickoff the Bulls celebrated the life of recently deceased Cornal Hendricks with a minute's applause and then silence. Soon after however they made their voices heard as they secured second spot on the points table with a dominant performance against poor opposition. Loose head prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels was a busy ball carrier and a productive scrummager, flank Nama Xaba proved a real nuisance at the breakdown, captain Ruan Nortje's work rate was exemplary, while fullback Willie le Roux made timely incursions and offloads. Like Xaba, Wessels also made his presence felt at the breakdown as the Dragons were frustrated on the few occasions they made it into Bulls' territory in the first half. The Dragons however are the cellar dwellers for a reason and their porous defence again served to undermine their efforts.
The Herald
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Bulls to do it for Cornal Hendricks in URC clash against Dragons
Bulls v Dragons: 1. Jan-hendrik Wessels, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Mornay Smith, 4. Cobus Wiese, 5. JF van Heerden, 6. Kuyenzeka Nama Xaba, 7. Ruan Nortje (c), 8. Cameron Hanekom, 9. Zak Burger, 10. Keagan Johannes, 11. Sergeal Petersen, 12. David Kriel, 13. Canan Moodie, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 15. Willie le Roux Substitutes: 16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Simphiwe Matanzima, 18. Francois Klopper, 19. Jannes Kirsten, 20. Marcell Coetzee, 21. Bernard van der Linde, 22. Stedman Gans, 23. Devon Williams Lions v Ospreys: 1. Juan Schoeman, 2. Jaco Visagie (c), 3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 4. Ruan Venter, 5. Ruan Delport, 6. JC Pretorius, 7. Renzo du Plessis, 8. Jarod Cairns, 9. Nico Steyn, 10. Lubabalo Dobela, 11. Edwill van der Merwe, 12. Bronson Mills, 13. Henco van Wyk, 14. Richard Kriel, 15. Quan Horn Substitutes: 16. Morne Brandon, 17. SJ Kotze, 18. RF Schoeman, 19. Izan Esterhuizen, 20. WJ Steenkamp, 21. Layton Horn, 22. Marius Louw, 23. Kelly Mpeku Sharks v Scarlets: 1. Ox Nche, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 3. Vincent Koch, 4. Eben Etzebeth (C), 5. Emile van Heerden, 6. Tino Mavesere, 7. Vincent Tshituka, 8. Phepsi Buthelezi, 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 10. Siya Masuku, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 12. André Esterhuizen, 13. Jurenzo Julius, 14. Ethan Hooker, 15. Aphelele Fassi Substitutes: 16. Fez Mbatha, 17. Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18. Hanro Jacobs, 19. Jason Jenkins, 20. Nick Hatton, 21. Bradley Davids, 22. Francois Venter. 23. Yaw Penxe
