Latest news with #VodacomUnitedRugbyChampionship
IOL News
12 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Siya Kolisi on URC knockouts: When you worry about the scoreboard, that is when you lose the plot
Sharks No 8 Siya Kolisi says it helps that they have World Cup-winning Springboks to help the players keep calm during the URC knockout matches. Image: BackpagePix The Sharks know when they click as a side that they are good enough to go all the way in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this season, but when that happens remains to be seen as they head into a crucial matchup in Pretoria on Saturday evening. They'll probably stand before their biggest test yet when they take on the Bulls in the semi-finals at Loftus Versfeld (6.15pm kick-off). Having players who have been exposed to the tightest of battles in Rugby World Cup knockout matches aided the Durban side in their quest for glory so far and they will look to bank on that again. While the challenge will be a different kettle of fish than playing at home against an overseas team, Sharks No 8 Siya Kolisi believes the previous experience in do-or-die situations, especially of the World Cup-winning Boks on their side, will be worth a lot. 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 'That experience does help, to be honest,' Kolisi said this week. 'You know at the back of your mind that you've been there and it helps you to talk to the guys next to you. Panic will not help you there. It is all about calm heads and guys like Eben (Etzebeth), Bongi (Mbonambi) and André (Esterhuizen) take charge of the team and they calm the players down. 'All that matters is the next job and you have to play what is in front of you and not worry about what must still come.' 🦈 @SharksRugby did the double over their rivals in the regular season 💪 Can they go one more or will the Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby prove too strong at home? Over 60% of tickets are already sold, don't miss out!@Vodacom #URC — Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 3, 2025 Staying present in the moment will be crucial for the Sharks as they look to bag a third win of the season over the Bulls. In their previous two round-robin URC clashes, the Durbanites came out on top, and at Loftus, where their hosts were the favourites, they achieved a morale-boosting victory. That belief will be needed again on Saturday, especially with the side having never played in a semi-final or experienced what it is to bag a finals spot in the URC. In contrast, the Bulls have been involved in two finals, and this will be their third semi-final. 'If you are going to worry about the scoreboard and what will come next and you don't focus on what is happening right now, that is when you lose the plot. Guys who have played can tell the others to focus on the next job and what matters. A Quarter-Final kicking competition that had it all 😬🔥 Will we see another nail-biting Semi-Final ending on Saturday? 👀@Vodacom #URC — Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 2, 2025 'Everything will then look after itself. 'The calmness is there because you have been in that situation before, but you must think of the guy next to you who has never experienced it. You just need to tell him to calm down and to focus.' Kolisi added that they had nothing to celebrate after the Munster victory because they had a game this weekend to get through. And after the drama against the Irishmen, where things went to a place-kick competition after a 24-all draw, Kolisi says it doesn't matter how this weekend's duel plays out as long as they come away with the victory. The stage is set and the stakes (and the altitude) are high! 🏟️⛰️ It's a huge Semi-Final derby 🇿🇦💥 Tickets are selling fast for the Vodacom Bulls vs the Hollywoodbets Sharks! 🐂🦈 Tickets 👉 🎟️ @Vodacom #URC | #HitsDifferent — Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 3, 2025
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Stormers bruiser locks in URC award
Ruben van Heerden has been crowned the Vodacom United Rugby Championship's (URC) Tackle Machine for 2024-25, highlighting his superb defensive impact for the Stormers this season. The award celebrates the best defender among players who made at least 150 tackles this season, marking Van Heerden as one of South Africa's top performers heading into the URC semi-finals. The towering lock topped the charts with 171 tackles at a staggering 98% success rate, edging out Glasgow's Rory Darge (160 tackles, 97%) and Sharks loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi (157 tackles, 96.8%). Stormers fans have more to cheer about, with winger Leolin Zas sharing the Top Try Scorer title (nine tries) alongside Cardiff's Harri Millard and Munster's Tom Farrell, though Millard ultimately claimed the prize by scoring his nine tries in the fewest minutes played. MORE: Four Boks in race for URC's young gun award Fullback Warrick Gelant also featured strongly, finishing second in the Playmaker Award standings. Gelant's creativity and offloads helped him push Munster's Tom Farrell, who took top honours thanks to his combined tally of try assists (5), offloads (41) and defenders beaten (61). The Sharks were represented on the leaderboard through flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse, who finished second in the Golden Boot category with 108 points, while Lions fullback Quan Horn claimed third in the Playmaker Award race. These awards come as the URC celebrates its standout players before naming the prestigious Elite XV, Next-Gen Player of the Season, Coach of the Season and Players' Player of the Season later this week. URC 2025-25 awards winners Golden Boot: Ioan Lloyd (Scarlets) Top Try Scorer: Harri Millard (Cardiff) Tackle Machine: Ruben van Heerden (Stormers) Ironman: Cam Winnett (Cardiff) Playmaker: Tom Farrell (Munster) The post Stormers bruiser locks in URC award appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Ice cool Davids kicks Sharks into URC semifinal
After a first half that was an insult to the sport, the Sharks and Munster produced a gripping contest which was eventually won by the hosts in a kicking contest, with 21 year old replacement scrumhalf Bradley Davids landing a nerveless kick to send his side to the semifinals of the URC. Last seen when Munster and French club Stade Toulousain decided a Champions Cup quarterfinal in 2022, there was some confusion about how exactly the kicking contest worked. But once that had been cleared up, and in between some lively chit-chat between Munster flyhalf Jack Crowley and Shark scrumhalf Jaden Hendrickse, the Sharks landed all six of their kicks to win a match, that based on their first half performance they had no business winning. What it lacked in quality it made up for in drama, with both sides trading punches in the second half that featured five tries. Ethan Hooker 👀 WOW 🔥 The @SharksRugby winger provides the spark in electric fashion 💥 @Vodacom #URC #SHAvMUN — Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) May 31, 2025 The Sharks stormed back into the contest after an opening 40 minutes in which, to put it mildly they were disjointed. Munster were marginally better, deserving of their halftime lead. The only points in the opening stanza came after their hard-running wing Diarmuid Kilgallen got around the Sharks defence, giving Crowley room to launch a carefully weighted cross-kick that beat Makazole Mapimpi, allowing Calvin Nash to dot down. Jaden Hendrickse had a difficult evening at the base of the rucks. He was allowed no room by Munster, who smartly slowed the ball down, but his own passing was sluggish and his kicking out of hand lacked accuracy. There was also a general paucity of ideas from the home side and the fact they couldn't bring their wingers, Ethan Hooker and Mapimpi into the game more, was frustrating. It took until the second half for the hosts to create room in the wide channels and it was via a cute flick out of the back of Vincent Tshituka's right hand, that Hooker was able to dance through Munster's defence for the Sharks' first points. The Irish outfit bounced back almost immediately. Replacement prop Josh Wycherley scored after a sweeping move from the inside their own half, that saw them shift play one way then another, in a manner the Sharks could only dream of. Then exquisite handling among the backs, and a deft kick through saw Kilgallen grab a deserved try to stretch Munster's lead to 11 points. You may not have known Bradley Davids before today 👀 Bet you definitely know him now 😏 #SSRugby | #VURC — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 31, 2025 The Sharks dug deep, some forceful play from the pack, allowed for some slick handling by the backs with Aphelele Fassi touching down next to the posts. By that stage the Sharks were well in the ascendancy, their bench making a greater impact and it was one of those, front-rower Fez Mbatha, who burst through to give the Sharks the lead. Munster, who won three play off matches on the road when they claimed the title two years ago, showed great resolve with veteran Conor Murray coming off the bench, to land a 45-metre penalty to tie the scores. Extra time matched the dire first half in terms of quality, with the match eventually reaching its unusual conclusion and ensuring the Sharks have to make a trip north to Loftus next week, to take on the Bulls. POINTS SCORERS Sharks 24 (0): Tries — Ethan Hooker, Aphelele Fassi, Fez Mbatha. Conversions — Jaden Hendrickse (3). Penalty — Jaden Hendrickse Munster 24 (7): Tries — Calvin Nash, Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Kilgallen. Conversions — Jack Crowley (3). Penalty — Conor Murray
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Stormers' humiliating exit: Dobson reflects on painful defeat
The Stormers went down humiliating fashion against the defending champion Glasgow Warriors in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarterfinal at Scotstoun on Friday night. The defending champions Glasgow beat the Stormers 36-18, eliminating the Cape side at the quarter-final stage for the second consecutive season. It was a disappointing end to the campaign for the Stormers, who endured a frustrating evening in Glasgow. The Stormers started brightly with a penalty from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, but momentum shifted quickly after captain Salmaan Moerat departed for a head injury assessment and Seabelo Senatla was shown a yellow card. Glasgow capitalised with tries from Rory Darge and Kyle Rowe. Senatla hit back with a try of his own, but Henco Venter's score gave the hosts a 19-13 lead at halftime. Senatla's second try early in the second half briefly narrowed the gap, but Glasgow surged ahead with Rowe's brace and a solo try from George Horne, who also slotted a penalty to seal the win. Apart from the team's elimination, the result also marked the final appearance for a number of Stormers stalwarts, including Joseph Dweba, Herschel Jantjies, Ben Loader, Paul de Wet, and Dave Ewers. Manie Libbok, meanwhile, has been linked with an overseas sabbatical. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson reflected on a tough night in Scotland and an emotional farewell to several senior players. 'It's sitting pretty tough in the throat emotionally,' Dobson said post-match. 'We didn't plan to be done this weekend. That changing room is like an American Civil War tent. The guys are really distraught, and it's not the way I wanted to say goodbye to players who've given us so much.' Dobson praised the Stormers players' effort, he admitted the defeat was 'probably our worst performance in a couple of years', crediting a drop in key areas. 'We weren't winning the gainline, made too many mistakes, and our kicking was inaccurate. Glasgow punished us. Our lineout success dropped, tackle completion was poor—it was a rough night.' Still, the Stormers boss found positives in the performance of Senatla and the scrummaging effort, as well as signs of promise from the next generation. 'Our scrum and some youngsters were silver linings. Players like Paul de Villiers will grow from this. The depth we've built gives me a lot of reason for optimism,' he added. 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.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Sharks call on Lucky Am to bolster Bok stocks for Munster showdown
All eyes will be on Kings Park this Saturday as the Sharks take on Munster in what promises to be a thrilling Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarter-final showdown. Head coach John Plumtree has rung the changes ahead of the high-stakes clash, making five key adjustments to the side that secured victory over Scarlets in the final round of pool play. In the forward pack, Jason Jenkins returns to the starting Sharks' XV, swapping places with Emile van Heerden in the second row. James Venter also reclaims his place in the starting lineup, recovering from a neck injury sustained against the Ospreys to replace Tino Mavesere at flank. The biggest name returning for the Sharks, however, is two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. After sitting out the Scarlets game due to national team rest protocols, Kolisi is back at No. 8, taking over from Phepsi Buthelezi, who shifts to the bench. The backline sees two major inclusions, with flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse stepping in for the injured Siya Masuku and Lukhanyo Am returning at outside centre. Am, another double World Cup winner, will make his 100th international appearance for the Sharks, replacing Jurenzo Julius, who is a surprise omission from the match-day squad. Sharks captain Eben Etzebeth believes the tight encounters leading up to the playoffs have been ideal preparation for the pressure-cooker environment of knockout rugby. 'We've won a few close games this year, which is something we weren't doing last season,' Etzebeth said. 'Those experiences give us confidence. Hopefully we won't need to make it that close again on Saturday, but if we do, we're ready.' Etzebeth is also under no illusions about the challenge posed by Munster. 'They're a top-quality side. Discipline and kicking will probably be the difference on the day—it's going to be very close.' Despite injuries and Springbok rest policies, several rising stars have stepped up. Plumtree has praised the squad depth, highlighting standout performances from players like Ethan Hooker and a consistently strong front row off the bench. 'A lot of our young guys have grown this season. The more they play, the more confident they get—and they've shown they can perform at this level,' he said. Kick-off for the quarter-final clash is scheduled for 6:30 PM on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kings Park. 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 (c), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16. Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Yaw Penxe. 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 Blueskyfor the latest news.
