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The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Bulls have their 50/50 ‘lotto ticket' to URC glory
White says it doesn't matter that the Bulls have beaten Leinster in two semi-finals and in their previous outing – both sides have an equal chance of winning. 'At this point in time there are two teams who have a lotto ticket and have a 50% chance of winning it.' These were the words of Bulls director of rugby Jake White after his team beat the Sharks in their United Rugby Championship semi-final to set up a mouth-watering final against Leinster in Dublin next weekend. The Bulls showed maturity in defence, holding the Sharks off despite receiving three yellow cards in the space of twelve minutes, maintaining their lead throughout the game and winning the all-South African knockout match at Loftus three tries to two (final score 25–13). The Sharks, for their part, rued their mistakes afterwards, which included losing the ball once on the Bulls' try-line and once being held up, both while they had two more players on the field. They also slotted only one kick out of five during the game. They only scored an overlap try due to numerical advantage early in the second half while the Bulls were two men short for just two more minutes. But it was too little, too late as the Bulls weathered the storm to only allow the Sharks to score once more during the game. 'Look what they did to Glasgow' White did not cut a triumphant figure afterwards. Though he was proud, he knew the challenge that lay ahead of them if they were going to win their first of three URC finals. Irish giants Leinster crushed defending champions Glasgow Warriors 37–19 earlier in the day, only allowing respectability on the scoreboard with some late consolation scores for Glasgow. 'Look what they did to Glasgow and Glasgow beat us last year. They didn't struggle to beat Glasgow today and I am sure they will be on a high going into a final at home,' White said. 'We are going to need to work hard, we are going to have to get things working in our favour, we are going to have to recover quickly from injury – bumps and bruises. And then we are going to have to play really well.' 'Ireland' vs the Bulls – to teams with equal chance White said the final looked like an Ireland vs Bulls game, with Leinster being full of Irish internationals and British & Irish Lions players. Plus, South African double World Cup winner RG Snyman, New Zealand star Jordie Barrett and French international Rabah Slimani. 'Whether we try and underplay it, we've got to understand Ireland have beaten the All Blacks, they've beaten many big teams (including the Springboks at the 2023 Rugby Word Cup).' He said the Bulls' record of beating Leinster in four of six head-to-head matches, including last year's semi-final, 2022's semi-final and this season's league match between the two teams, counted for nothing against a side that also had their lotto ticket and 50% chance to win it all this year.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Leinster power past Glasgow to book URC final date against the Bulls at Croke Park
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen is excited by the prospect of finishing out the season at Croke Park next weekend. That's after the Irish province overcame their recent United Rugby Championship semi-final hoodoo in clinical fashion at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Advertisement 2 Dan Sheehan and Jamie Osbourne bagged brace each in Leinster URC semi-final win over Glasgow in Dublin 2 Leinster now play the Bulls in the decider next weekend at Croke Park Playing in front of 15,762 spectators at the sparsely-populated Ballsbridge venue – a slight improvement on the 12,879 that attended their quarter-final win over Scarlets in the Aviva last weekend. Leo Cullen's side produced an accomplished display to defeat title holders Glasgow Warriors by 18 points and ease into next Saturday's showpiece in Croker. They will play the Bulls who saw off the Sharks 25-13 in today's all-South African semi-final. The Bulls got the better of Leinster at the penultimate phase of last season's URC – their third consecutive defeat at that stage of the competition – at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Advertisement read more on rugby But 2024/25 has now seen the Blues going at least one step further in their pursuit for top league honours. Speaking after today's win, Leo Cullen is relishing another trip back to Croke Park for Saturday's final. He said: 'Particularly when you're in South Africa, I'm pinching myself really in those stadiums. You do pinch yourself a little bit. "Personally I have so much respect for those teams. We were in South Africa last year for a semi-final, obviously lost in Loftus. Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union "It's not a great place to end the season. There's joy for us in the fact that we have another week together. It's great,' 'There are some great characters in the group that have been around a long, long time. Have been great servants to the club. I know every club will have their version of that as well. 'Big weekend' - Peter O'Mahony embarking on hectic gardening project as he aims to add '300 plants' 'It's making sure we have a great week now and get excited about putting on another performance. Show what it means to play for Leinster and show what it means to represent the province.' In an explosive start to the contest, Leinster and their Scottish counterparts both crossed over for tries inside the opening five minutes. Advertisement After Dan Sheehan dotted down in the third minute at the end of an elongated attack that was kick-started by Sam Prendergast booting an early penalty to touch. Glasgow immediately fired back as scrum-half George Horne bagged a five-pointer via a delicate chip into the '22' from Kyle Rowe. The fact that Horne couldn't match Prendergast in registering a successful conversion during these early exchanges ensured the hosts remained in a slender lead. And their cushion was extended to five points when Prendergast knocked over a routine penalty on 23 minutes. Advertisement The visitors were handed a reprieve after a Jamie Osborne try was retrospectively ruled out for a forward pass from Jamison Gibson-Park. But the Leinster outside centre eventually got his name on the scoresheet when a James Lowe offload released him for a 28th minute score in the left-corner. The eastern province were becoming more assured in their play as the action wore on and with Thomas Clarkson touching down in advance of front-row partner Sheehan claiming his second try of the half, they brought a commanding 25-5 buffer into the interval. Prendergast had been off-target with three of his four conversion attempts in the opening period and while he opted for a kickable penalty inside the opposition '22' at a right-hand angle 11 minutes into the second half. Advertisement His effort rebounded off the post and into the grateful arms of the Glasgow defence. Yet this wasn't a major concern for Leinster on the day and Cullen's men proceeded to place the outcome beyond any doubt in the third-quarter. Supplementing another Osborne try on 54 minutes – this time off an elaborate Gibson-Park pass – replacement back Ciaran Frawley got in on the scoring act with a simple five-pointer just shy of the hour mark. Glasgow eventually responded with impressive solo tries from Jamie Dobie and Sione Tuipulotu in the 72nd and 79th minutes respectively. Advertisement But despite not adding to their account in the closing quarter, Leinster comfortably advanced into next weekend's showdown at the home of the GAA. LEINSTER 37 GLASGOW WARRIORS 19 Scorers: Leinster: Tries: D Sheehan 2, J Osborne 2, T Clarkson, C Frawley. Cons: S Prendergast 2. Pens: S Prendergast. Glasgow Warriors: Tries: G Horne, J Dobie, S Tuipulotu. Cons: T Jordan 2. Leinster: J O'Brien; T O'Brien, J Osborne, J Barrett (C Frawley 56), J Lowe; S Prendergast (R Byrne 61), J Gibson-Park (L McGrath 70); A Porter (J Boyle 59), D Sheehan (R Kelleher 56), T Clarkson (R Slimani 56); J McCarthy, J Ryan (RG Snyman 56); R Baird, S Penny, J Conan (M Deegan 64). Advertisement Glasgow Warriors: J McKay; K Steyn, S Tuipulotu, T Jordan, K Rowe; A Hastings (S McDowall h-t), G Horne (J Dobie 52); J Bhatti (R Sutherland 45), G Hiddleston (J Matthews 45), F Richardson (S Talakai 45); A Samuel (M Williamson 45), S Cummings; E Ferrie (J Mann 73), R Darge, H Venter (M Duncan 59). Referee: A Piardi (FIR).
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Big weekend' – Peter O'Mahony embarking on hectic gardening project as he aims to add ‘300 plants'
PETER O'Mahony is embarking upon a "big weekend" of gardening - even by his standards. The rugby legend detailed to his Instagram followers how he intends on adding "the bones of 300 plants" to 4 He's got a different sort of battle on his hands this weekend Credit: @peteomahony 4 The 35-year-old wants to add more 'spring and summer colours' Credit: @peteomahony 4 The back-row veteran was dressed in appropriate garb Credit: @peteomahony 4 The vast garden is his pride and joy Credit: @peteomahony He remarked how even though he was very early into the process, he noticed "the bees are loving it already" before assuring followers he'd be keeping them abreast over the next 48 hours. Unfortunately, his weekend is wide open on account of his career with Munster being brought to a painful end last weekend in Durban. In spite of an almighty effort across 100 minutes, After drawing 24-24, neither side could find a winning score in extra-time. Read More On Irish Sport The game boiled down to kicks from the 15- and 10-metre lines, where Rory Scannell missed his effort. The Sharks kicked all six of their attempts. It was also Afterwards captain "They bleed Munster. It's gutting to end it like this.' Most read in Rugby Union Munster took the lead after nine minutes when The game burst into life after the break and Sharks' Ethan Hooker cut in from the right, weaving around the Munster defence to score, with Hendrikse converting and then adding a penalty. 'Jack Crowley he's coming for you' jokes Peter O'Mahony's wife Jess as son practices his rugby skills Fineen Wycherley squeezed through a gap to cross, with Crowley's kick successful. The Reds extended their lead when Sharks were unable to defend Mike Haley's kick, allowing Diarmuid Kilgallen to pounce. But Sharks pulled a try back when Aphelele Fassi crossed, with Hendrikse converting. Fez Mbatha then struck, as Hendrikse again added the extras. Murray's monster penalty levelled matters at 24-24 to send the game to extra time. Beirne added: 'I'm massively proud of the boys. We fought to the bitter end.' Saturday will see Sharks travel to Pretoria to face Bulls in an all-South African affair.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Bulls v Sharks: Teams, kick-off time for URC semi-final
The highly anticipated all-South African URC semi-final – which marks the Bulls' second successive URC home semi-final, and the first time ever that the Sharks vie for a place in the top two – will kick off at Loftus Versfeld at 18:15 on Saturday. Both coaches named sides loaded with Springboks, which will set the scene for a nail-biting encounter. Bulls coach Jake White made only one change to his starting lineup that defeated Edinburgh, recalling Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen, which means Keagan Johannes is now on the replacements' bench. Sharks coach John Plumtree, meanwhile, made two changes to his starting team that defeated Munster in a penalty shootout last week after losing Bok locks Eben Etzebeth and Jason Jenkins to injuries, which will see Corné Rahl partner up with Emile van Heerden in the engine room. There are also two changes on the bench, with Deon Slabbert and Jurenzo Julius included amongst the replacements. Earlier in the day, Leinster will go head-to-head with the defending champions, the Glasgow Warriors, in the other semi-final at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin at 15:45, with that result set to determine where the Grand Final will be hosted. Teams: Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sebastian de Klerk, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Ruan Nortje (Captain), 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 Keagan Johannes, 23 Devon Williams. 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 (Captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne' Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jurenzo Julius, 23 Yaw Penxe. Date: Saturday, 7 June Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria SA Time: 18h15 Referee: Andrew Brace TV: SuperSport 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.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Nortjé: Bulls in full Test mode for crucial URC semi-final against Sharks
Bulls skipper Ruan Nortjé says his side are preparing for their URC semi-final showdown with the Sharks like a Test match, emphasising focus, discipline and set-piece dominance ahead of Saturday's all-South African clash at Loftus. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Bulls captain Ruan Nortjé has acknowledged the mental and physical challenge posed by facing the Sharks in the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final at Loftus Versfeld. Despite the Sharks' dramatic victory over Munster in the quarter-finals, Nortjé wants his side to remain focused on the task ahead, highlighting the importance of resilience and executing their gameplan on Saturday (6.15pm kick-off). 'When we reach the play-offs, we try to always get ourselves in the headspace of Test-match level preparation,' said Nortjé ahead of the clash. 'We had the same mentality against Edinburgh, and it will be more of the same this weekend. The fact that it is a South African derby just adds more fuel, excitement, and tension. So, we have to ensure that we are mentally prepared and get our game plan ready for what awaits.' Nortjé added that they cannot afford to switch off for even one minute or concede a yellow card. He highlighted lapses in concentration against Edinburgh, which allowed the Scottish club to mount a strong attack in the first half when the Bulls were down to 14 men. The Bulls trailed 21–8 at one stage, but their fightback underscored their championship credentials. However, he warned that they must be wary of the Sharks' scrum, which could provide a potent attacking platform. 'The Sharks were definitely brilliant scrum-wise last weekend. I think that's a massive part of what brought them through that game, so I must give them credit — the whole front row. It's definitely going to be a massive battle at the set-piece. "We can only prepare as well as we can and ensure we are ready when Saturday comes. We must be composed and make swift changes on the field — be ready for anything, and expect anything.' 'We are blessed to play in another semi-final. We know there are a lot of other teams that would also want to be in this position, and that are capable of being in the semi-final.' Apart from the forwards, he pointed to the Sharks' half-backs, Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, as major threats, along with inside centre André Esterhuizen as their primary strike-runner. He knows the Durbanites thrive on unpredictability and moments of individual brilliance, making it essential for the Bulls to stay composed and disciplined. Nortjé stressed the need to trust their systems, rely on their set-piece strength, and not allow the Sharks' high tempo and creativity to disrupt their game plan. Maintaining focus and emotional control will be key to securing a place in the final.
