Latest news with #VURC
TimesLIVE
14-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Bulls denied third-time luck as they fall to Leinster in URC final
The Bulls lost their third United Rugby Championship final 32-7 and will reflect on a match in which they barely fired a shot. Leinster made their maiden entry on the URC's honours roll after just about emptying their chamber in the opening quarter of the game. No8 Jack Conan, inside centre Jordie Barrett, loose head prop Andrew Porter and Ryan Baird played leading roles, while scrumhalf Luke McGrath did a sterling job in the jersey usually occupied by Jamison-Gibson Park. The Bulls were outclassed by a team that beat them to the punch in all the facets in the opening quarter, even in those the visitors were expected to play a dominant hand. It wasn't just the scrum in which the Bulls failed to get a foothold in the game. They, frankly, looked out of sorts and at times out of their depth. Back-to-back defeats in #VURC finals for the Bulls ❌❌ Jake White reflects on a difficult #VURC final 🗣️👇 #SSRugby — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 14, 2025 Depth, or lack thereof, has been a bugbear of Bulls director of rugby Jake White who argues there should be a more concerted effort to keep the country's talent inside its borders. To be fair, the gulf between Leinster and the Bulls exposed fault lines that cut much deeper than the experience in personnel. Leinster who had habitually come up short in knock-out matches over the last few years this time broke the tape chest out. They were in charge of the collisions, were more assertive at the ruck, scrummed with more authority, while their kicking game heaped pressure on the Bulls. Not even the scrum, the area in which the Bulls have manhandled the opposition this season brought them comfort in Dublin. Leinster, the most proficient scorers after 22m entries in this season's competition, was ruthless in the opening 22 minutes. The near unthinkable presented Leinster an early opportunity when the Bulls conceded a scrum penalty. From the favourable field position, they earned another penalty and it was from that platform captain Conan made his way over the tryline. He is clearly a man for the big occasion having scored tries in two Pro Rugby finals, the forerunner to the URC. Jordie Barrett ⚡ Leinster are not messing around at Croke Park 💪🔵 📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 14, 2025 The Bulls would be desperately disappointed with the way they conceded the second. They were found wanting from a chip over a midfield scrum that bounced favourably for Barrett who hoofed the ball ahead with no Bulls' defenders in sight. Bulls captain Ruan Nortje lamented his team's poor start. 'Credit to Leinster. In the first 20 minutes they got off to a flier.' That they certainly did and it was underlined by the try tear-away flank Josh van der Vlier scored in the 22nd minute. When the Bulls did lay claim to the ball for an extended period after the half hour mark they were repelled by a blue wall of defenders. They were on red-hot attack but the team under Jacques Nienaber's defensive tutelage held their lines. Frustratingly, the Bulls' siege was broken when fullback Willie le Roux attempted a cross kick and found a player clad in the home team's blue. The Bulls again went on the attack but again Leinster stood firm before Le Roux's forward pass brought an end to the first half with the visitors having drawn a blank before the break. Leinster extended their lead through a Sam Prendergast penalty early in the second half but the Bulls gradually made their presence felt. Scrumhalf Embrose Papier continued to be their most incisive player but the visitors also looked for inspiration from their bench. Replacement hooker Akker van der Merwe has been a live wire when he has stepped off the bench this season and he again provided a spark, though all too fleetingly. Van der Merwe touched down in familiar fashion while Johan Goosen added the extras in the 50th minute. It left the door ajar, just, and the hosts duly slammed it. Another Prendergast penalty edged the hosts further ahead before replacement Fintan Gunne put the issue well beyond doubt leaving the Bulls with much to mull. Scorers Leinster (19) 32 - Tries: Jack Conan, Jordie Barrett, Josh van der Vlier, Fintan Gunne. Conversions: Sam Prendergast (2), Ross Byrne. Penalties: Prendergast (2).
TimesLIVE
10-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Bulls must stamp out wayward discipline in URC final, 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 end 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 the yellow cards before halftime against the Sharks. A proud Jake White reflects on reaching the final of the #VURC for the third time. #SSRugby — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 7, 2025 '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 play in the grand final. 'I 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 Vodacom Bulls land the first blow at Loftus. Sebastian de Klerk finishes off a brilliant move by Embrose Papier. 📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 7, 2025 '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 proud of my team and I thank the Loftus crowd for 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 special team effort since our 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 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 give it our all in Dublin.' Every scrum from last night's #VURC semi-final 💥 The power from the Bulls in those first few battles is scary 💪 — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 8, 2025 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 a physical battle and we expected that from the Sharks because it was two South African teams against one another in a semifinal,' he said. 'I am proud to receive this award. 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 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 such as our captain Ruan Nortje, who never stops — that motivates you and gives you energy.'
TimesLIVE
07-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Leinster reach URC final with 37-19 win over Glasgow
Leinster eased into the United Rugby Championship final as hooker Dan Sheehan and fullback Jamie Osborne scored two tries each in a 37-19 semi-final victory over defending champions Glasgow Warriors in Dublin on Saturday. The Irish side will face either the Pretoria-based Bulls or the Sharks of Durban in the final at the same venue on June 14. The South African sides play in the second semi-final later on Saturday. Jamie Osborne and Leinster are marching to the #VURC final 🔥 Glasgow have no answers at the moment. 📺 Stream on DStv: — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 7, 2025 Leinster led from early on as Sheehan crossed for the first score and they raced into a 25-5 halftime lead against their outmuscled opponents. Replacement fly-half Ciaran Frawley and prop Tom Clarkson also crossed for tries. The only negative for coach Leo Cullen will have been the form off the tee of number 10 Sam Prendergast, who missed several simple kicks at goal. It did not matter this week but could be a deciding factor in the final.
IOL News
06-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Jake White: Goosen's return crucial for URC playoffs as Bulls eye victory over Sharks
Bulls flyhalf Johan Goosen is back from injury and will start as flyhalf in the URC semi-final against the Sharks in Pretoria on Saturday Image: BackpagePix Johan Goosen trained like he hasn't been away and that is one of the reasons why Jake White included him in the Bulls' starting team for the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld. The Pretoria side will look to snap a two-match losing streak this season on Saturday evening (6.15 pm kick-off) as they aim for a consecutive finals berth in the tournament. Goosen is the only change to the starting lineup, with Keagan Johannes dropping to the bench for the do-or-die duel. White says considering how well Goosen has played next to scrumhalf Embrose Papier and inside centre Harold Vorster, he has no doubt the flyhalf will slot in with ease. 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 ✕ 'One thing about him (Johan) is that he is always in and out and in. So if anyone says he is not game-ready, that is usually how he has played in his career,' White explained the inclusion of the veteran. 'I am sure some of you guys watched a bit of training and those who have will see that it's like he hasn't been away. That is what I always say: at the end of these playoff games, you need your best players fit, available, and ready. Whatever happens during the season is just part of that building blocks. 'To have him back, we have 14 of the 15 players that played last week, so that is continuity. He is a Springbok and our number one 10. We have Keagan who's played really well for us on the bench. It is a good position to be in.' YOUR team to face the Hollywoodbets Sharks tomorrow at Loftus in our VURC Semi-Final 🔥🔥🔥 GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW 🏆 🎟️TICKETS ➡️ 🐂Vodacom Bulls vs Hollywoodbets Sharks 🗓️7 June | ⏰ 18:15 | LOFTUS @Vodacom #URC | @URCOfficial_RSA #ForeverBlue — Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) June 6, 2025 White put a question mark behind the omission of Eben Etzebeth from the Sharks' announced squad. He added that they will worry about the team when they get to Loftus on Saturday. Etzebeth was not included in the Sharks' match-day squad with Siya Kolisi taking over as captain in his absence. According to White, they are preparing as if the Durbanites will bring their best team to Pretoria. 'This is probably one of the best Sharks teams on paper. It reminds of Pieter Muller, Henry Honiball, Jeremy Thompson, Kabous van der Westhuizen, and André Joubert. They were all Springboks. 'There are not many players in that team who are not Springboks. In fact, 15 of the 54 players (in the Bok squad for the mid-year Tests) are from the Sharks. So, it is not a bad team to have. 'They have played well in big games, whether it is the Challenge Cup final or whenever they had a big game, they played well. In Springbok games too, so it won't be easy. We don't think for one moment that it will be. They've beaten us twice this year and there is a reason for that.' 🔥 This iconic derby have given us some absolute stunners 🔥 This Saturday, they're back to battle for a place in the Grand Final 🏆 Grab your spot and get ready for more magic 🎟️👉 #URC | #BULvSHA — Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 6, 2025 White says they expect it to be as tough as it can be, and they will have to play as well as they can to get the desired outcome. He added that he told his players it would be like (Bok) trials for them on Saturday, but he doesn't want them to play like it is trials. White wants a team effort from his side. 'They know this is an opportunity in front of the selectors and the public for them to stake a claim. Our job is to tell them it is not about the individual. I told them in the changeroom they have been picked (for the Boks) for what they've been doing for the last 18 weeks.
TimesLIVE
05-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Siya Kolisi bites back at critics as Sharks set sights on Bulls
As the United Rugby Championship (URC) heads into its decisive stages, all eyes turn to Pretoria this weekend, where the Sharks square off against the Bulls in a blockbuster South African derby semifinal. Despite finishing third in the regular season, the Sharks have come under scrutiny for what many have described as an 'underwhelming' campaign, a label Springbok captain Siya Kolisi dismisses with calm defiance. The Sharks, who edged past Munster in a dramatic 100-minute thriller last weekend, are no strangers to gritty battles. Deadlocked at 24-24, the clash in Durban went to a rare penalty kick shoot-out where the Sharks triumphed 4-2. It was a match that highlighted their resilience and their unpredictability. 🖤 "Having a brother that's always been with you from a young age is very special." The Hendrikse brothers stepped up in the shootout this weekend to help lead the Sharks into the #VURC semi-finals. 📺 Bulls vs Sharks | Saturday | 18:15 kick-off — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 3, 2025 'I know this is a huge topic, there are many reasons why we haven't played to our full potential,' Kolisi told 'A lot of people are looking at the results and the way we play. We know it's something we need to work on and when we review our games, we see our shortcomings. 'Sometimes it's only the one person who is at fault at a particular time.' Kolisi insisted the Sharks are building something powerful and are not concerned with outside opinions. 'The most important thing is we are winning and we know there will be a day where we will play well. We have a lot of confidence [in beating the Bulls] as our team has done this before. 'We have beaten the Bulls three times this season, but we know all of that means nothing and it will be a new fixture this weekend. We have a lot of confidence heading into the match.' Akhona Sihunu and Israel Dagg were two players that Aphelele Fassi admired during his Dale College days 🤝 But his first inspiration comes from watching his older brothers playing rugby for the school 🖤🤍 📺 Bulls vs Sharks | Saturday | 18:15 kick-off | #VURC — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 5, 2025 One of the biggest talking points of the Sharks' season has been the inability of their star-studded line-up, featuring up to 12 Springboks, to consistently replicate their dominant international form at club level. Kolisi is unfazed by that. 'The game plan [for Springboks and Sharks] is not the same, so I can't answer that question. I personally give my all for both the Sharks and Springboks. 'They are just two different systems we as players have to deal with, but if people are doubting our effort when we play for the Sharks, they must come look at our stats when we play for the Sharks and when we play for the Springboks.' Saturday's showdown was not without drama. In the shoot-out, Sharks scrumhalf Jaden Hendrickse drew attention after what appeared to be a taunt directed at Munster's Jack Crowley. Hendrickse, who cramped up immediately after his kick, was seen winking at Crowley, sparking an on-field verbal exchange caught clearly by the referee's microphone. 'There is absolutely nothing wrong with what Jaden did there. These things happen in rugby and other teams have done similar things before,' Kolisi said. 'Sometimes people also say things to me in a game and the onus is on the person and what they do when they are provoked. 'There are players in Jack's team [Munster] who do the exact same thing to other players from the opposition. It's just that this time it was heard on the referee's mic. We stand with Jaden. 'We're not going to get distracted. The focus is this weekend, nothing else.' With the Bulls seen by many as favourites to reach the URC final, the Sharks find themselves again in the role of disrupters. They may not have lit up the season with flair, but in knockout rugby, grit often trumps style. And if the past three meetings between the two this season are anything to go by, the Durban outfit have every reason to believe they can prevail.
