“We’ve come out of so many holes as a group this season, and then even though we were down 21-3 in the semi-final against the Glasgow Warriors, we looked at each other in the eye and said we can turn this around. That’s a great character to have in a squad. When it’s going too well you don’t necessarily always get the opportunity to build that character. If we need it again in the final, then we’ve been there before and we trust ourselves to get ourselves out of it again. I think that’s a very good characteristic that we have in this team,” Pollard told the media on Thursday.

With a coaching change and a run of defeats early in the season, this has indeed been one of the toughest roads to their fourth Grand Final in five seasons.

“This year we had to work really hard to get where we are. In our heads we feel we’ve worked extremely hard. We’re going to go out there and just do that again. If the cards don’t fall our way, then that’s rugby. But we’ve worked really hard to get ourselves here. After that tough time in the season we got clarity in the way we wanted to play the game, and that has shown in the last few games of the season. It’s very special for us to be in the Grand Final and we’re just excited to have this opportunity.

“A lot of the guys have been here before, and we’ve had some disappointments in finals. But it’s a real positive I think. From where we came from at the start of the season to where we are is special, and we want to take that confidence into the final.”

When the Vodacom United Rugby Championship first kicked off, Leinster coach Leo Cullen admitted that he hoped a rivalry could develop between his team and the Vodacom Bulls. With this Grand Final, it certainly has, especially with a return to Croke Park where Leinster beat the Pretoria team in last year’s final. For Pollard, it’s an equally special occasion.

“There will be a lot of emotion from both sides. It should be that way. A final brings a different intensity. But we also need to control that. We need to use that energy but at the same time control our minds. We’re not dwelling on the past. We’re excited to have another opportunity. But you’ve got to enjoy the moment. The season is long and you work so hard to get to this point, so you need to enjoy it.

“Leinster do so many things well, and Jamison Gibson-Park’s kicking game off nine is probably the best in the world. That’s a big factor. There are threats all over. At this stage of the season, you can focus on the opposition, but if you don’t do what you do well, it won’t matter at all. It’s up to us to come out with the right intent and be accurate in those first 20 minutes.”

Issued By Michael Vlismas Media

The post Pollard: Team Character The Bulls’ Biggest Weapon appeared first on SportsClub.

The Boks’ match against the BaaBaas (15h00) will be preceded by a clash between the SA ‘A’ team and Zimbabwe (12h00) at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 20 June.

The 28-year-old former Junior Springbok lock, who has been a central figure in the DHL Stormers pack in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this season, will replace Salmaan Moerat, who has been released from camp due to injury.

Van Heerden earned his 50th cap for the DHL Stormers this season, while he also represented the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and Exeter Chiefs earlier in his career.

Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie, who were called up to the squad on Monday, meanwhile, have already reported for duty.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, who will steer the SA ‘A’ team, will name their matchday squads for the respective clashes next week.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The post Van Heerden to join Springboks in Johannesburg appeared first on SportsClub.

As part of an international season-opening double-header which will also feature the South African ‘A’ team taking on Zimbabwe.

Van der Merwe, a former Junior Springbok wing who has played for Scotland and the British & Irish Lions, will wear the famous black and white jersey for the first time. He will be joined on the tour to SA by fellow Scotland squad players D’Arcy Rae and Liam McConnell.

All three have been selected in collaboration with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend to ensure they have game time before they return to South Africa to face the Bosk once again in Nations Championship match at Loftus Versfeld on 11 July.

Perenara, a former All Blacks vice-captain, will bring 89 Tests worth of experience, flair and attacking instincts to the Barbarians squad.

Wallaby speedster Kellaway, who has 49 caps for Australia, will be joined in the backline by Argentinean flyhalf Tomás Albornoz and Uruguay scrumhalf Santiago Arata. Further squad announcements will be made in due course.

Van der Merwe said: “I can’t wait to join up with the Barbarians this summer. It is a massive honour and opportunity to represent them; it’s something I’ve always wanted to be part of so to get this opportunity is massive.

“The Barbarians is a rugby institution and have some tough tests coming. To play for them against the World Champions will be a massive challenge and one I’m really looking forward to.”

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The post BaaBaas name Van der Merwe, Perenara and Kellaway for SA tour appeared first on SportsClub.

The DHL Stormers players arrived in camp on Monday. Buthelezi, who plays for the Hollywoodbets Sharks and made his Test debut against Portugal in 2024, will report for duty in Johannesburg on Monday evening.

Sadie, a former Junior Springbok who attended the virtual Springbok alignment camps from France, where he plays for European champions Bordeaux Bègles, will arrive in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The Boks kicked off their on-field preparations on Monday for the season-opening double-header between the Springboks and Barbarians, and the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe, both at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, 20 June.

“It’s great to be back on the field and to see familiar and new faces in the squad,” said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.

“The excitement in the group to get the season underway is palpable, and we are looking forward to the week ahead.

“We are also pleased to welcome Phepsi and Carlu to the squad, and we are confident they will slot in with ease.”

The Springbok squad for the opening leg of the Nations Championship against England, Scotland, and Wales will be announced on Sunday, 21 June.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The post Springbok Squad Boosted By New Arrivals appeared first on SportsClub.

Ten members of the extended squad have been called up to the senior Springbok group for the clash against the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ fixture against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on 20 June, while Cheswill Jooste is still with the Vodacom Bulls, who have qualified for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final.

The remaining 27 players will report for duty in Stellenbosch on Monday, while the players who are in the wider Springbok squad will rejoin the U20s upon completion of their senior commitments.

The Junior Bok training group consists entirely of players who have attended previous training camps in Stellenbosch, as well as the recent U20 International Series and the SANZAAR U20 Rugby Championship, both of which were won by South Africa.

Junior Bok captain Riley Norton (lock) is one of the players called up to Springbok duty, and he will be joined in Johannesburg by Oliver Reid and Danie Kruger (props); Siphosethu Mnebelele and Liam van Wyk (hookers); Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) Yaqeen Ahmed (flyhalf/centre), Luan Giliomee (utility back); Markus Muller (centre); and Zekhethelo Siyaya (fullback).

Jooste (wing) will only join later when he has completed his Vodacom URC duties with the Vodacom Bulls, while Kai Pratt (prop) was not considered for the camp due to injury.

The players released from Springbok and Vodacom URC duty will join the Junior Boks before their departure to Georgia on Monday, 22 June.

Foote said the SA U20 group assembling in Stellenbosch from Monday would focus on fine-tuning their readiness for the global showpiece in Georgia.

“We are very excited for the players who have been called up to the senior Springbok group, and we have our contingencies in place as we continue with our final block of preparations,” said Foote.

“Given the number of players called up to the Springboks, we have selected a wider training group for this camp in Stellenbosch.

“We are also pleased that we were able to give members of our extended training group game time during the recent U20 International Series and the U20 Rugby Championship. That gave us an excellent opportunity to continue building squad depth and cohesion, while also broadening our international experience.”

Junior Bok wider training squad to assemble on Monday in Stellenbosch:

Props: Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Jooste (DHL Stormers), Luan van der Berg (Vodacom Bulls), Bongani Dlamini (Vodacom Bulls).

Hookers: Altus Rabe (DHL Stormers), Mahle Sithole (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).

Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Jaythen Orange (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).

Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Luke Cannon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Wasi Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quintin Potgieter (DHL Stormers), Vuyo Gwiji (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL Stormers), Thomas Beling (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).

Scrumhalves: Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers).

Centres: Ethan Adams (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Stormers), Pieter van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls).

Outside backs: Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Stormers), Jack Benade (DHL Stormers), Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Akahluwa Boqwana (Vodacom Bulls).

The following group of players will join the Junior Bok training squad on completion of their Springbok and/or Vodacom URC duties: Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers), Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers), Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Riley Norton (DHL Stormers),Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers), Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Markus Muller (DHL Stormers), Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The post Foote names wider Junior Bok training group final pre-JWC camp appeared first on SportsClub.

The URC has confirmed that the fifth Grand Final will take place on Friday, 19 June at Croke Park in Dublin, where Leinster and the Vodacom Bulls will face each other in a rematch of last year’s decider. Kick-off is scheduled for 20h30 and the encounter will be broadcast live on SuperSport in South Africa.

The Vodacom Bulls had to overcome two yellow cards in their semi-final in Edinburgh to clinch a nail-biting 22-21 victory against the Glasgow Warriors, who finished top of the log. It will be the team from Pretoria’s fourth appearance in the Vodacom URC Grand Final.

Leinster had the upper hand against the DHL Stormers in Dublin after the visitors received three cards in the second stanza, which set up the Irish giants for a 20-11 victory, and secured them a home final in the process.

Bulls edge Glasgow in Murrayfield thriller

The Vodacom Bulls produced a remarkable comeback from 21-3 down to edge the Glasgow Warriors 22-21 in a pulsating Vodacom United Rugby Championship semi-final at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, booking their place in the Grand Final for the third successive season.

Glasgow dominated the opening exchanges, capitalising on the Vodacom Bulls’ ill-discipline, which cost them two yellow cards — first to Handre Pollard for a deliberate knock-down, and Ruan Nortje shortly after.

This paved the way for Kyle Steyn to cross twice in quick succession, before the Warriors were awarded a penalty try from a powerful rolling maul. The visitors’ only points, in turn, were compliments of a penalty goal by Pollard in the sixth minute.

Despite this, the Vodacom Bulls refused to fold, and they eventually powered over the chalk with Johan Grobbelaar scoring from strong forward play to reduce their deficit to 21-10 going into the break.

The second half, meanwhile, belonged entirely to the visitors, as they kept Glasgow scoreless, while Embrose Papier — the South African Vodacom URC Player of the Season — went over from a pick-and-go, before Francois Klopper dotted down in the 53rd minute with Glasgow reduced to 14 men, to hand the Vodacom Bulls a 22-21 lead.

Three missed penalty goal attempts by Pollard set nerves jangling in the closing stages, but Johan Ackermann’s team held firm to seal the rewarding one-point victory.

Scorers:

Glasgow Warriors 21 (21) — Tries: Kyle Steyn (2), Penalty Try. Conversions: Dan Lancaster (2).

Vodacom Bulls 22 (10) — Tries: Johan Grobbelaar, Embrose Papier, Francois Klopper. Conversions: Handre Pollard (2). Penalty goal: Pollard.

Stormers’ discipline costs them dearly against Leinster

Leinster ensured that they gave themselves the best possible opportunity to defend their Vodacom URC title this season as they maintained their composure and took advantage of the DHL Stormers’ ill-discipline at the Aviva Stadium to secure a vital 20-11 victory in the second Vodacom URC semi-final on Saturday.

This hard-fought victory earned the Irish giants the right to host the Grand Final against the Vodacom Bulls in a repeat of last season’s decider.

The Capetonians started slowly and found themselves under pressure at the scrum early on, but gradually wrestled that battle back and were competitive enough to earn occasional penalties as the match wore on.

Leinster struck first through a converted Rieko Ioane try in the eighth minute, and two Sam Prendergast penalty goals stretched the lead to 13-0 before the Stormers found their footing.

Adre Smith crossed from a sustained drive on the Leinster line to get the Capetonians on the board, and Jurie Matthee’s penalty goal reduced the deficit to 13-8 at the break.

The second half, however, unravelled quickly for the Cape side, as Leolin Zas was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-down, and Ruan Ackermann followed in the 69th minute for a dangerous clean-out at the ruck, which was upgraded to a red card.

Leinster capitalised immediately through Jamison Gibson-Park to extend their lead to 20-11 with 10 minutes remaining.

Worse was to come when Salmaan Moerat was sin-binned for kicking the ball in a ruck, leaving the DHL Stormers to see out the final stages with 13 men. Their defence held to deny Leinster further scores, but the damage was done, with the three cards in the second half proving too costly, bringing their campaign to a frustrating end.

Scorers:

Leinster 20 (13) – Tries: Rieko Ioane, Jamison Gibson-Park. Conversions: Sam Prendergast, Harry Byrne. Penalty goals: Prendergast (2).

DHL Stormers 11 (8) – Try: Adre Smith. Penalty goals: Jurie Matthee (2).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The post Bulls to face Leinster in URC Grand Final appeared first on SportsClub.

They will focus on their double-header between the Boks and the Barbarians, as well as the clash between the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe, in Gqeberha on Saturday, 20 June.

With the Vodacom Bulls players unavailable for selection after booking their place in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship final against Leinster, Erasmus selected a handful of junior players in his squad.

This group includes SA U20 players Yaqeen Ahmed (flyhalf/centre), Danie Kruger (prop), Luan Giliomee (utility back), Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), Oliver Reid (prop), Liam van Wyk (hooker), as well as Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton (loose forward/lock), Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker), Markus Muller (centre), and Zekhethelo Siyaya (utility back), all of whom were members of the expanded Springbok alignment camp squad.

The other uncapped players in the group are Paul de Villiers (flanker), Bathobele Hlekani (utility forward), Hanro Jacobs (prop), Jurenzo Julius (utility back), Imad Khan (scrumhalf), JJ Kotze (hooker), Sibabalwa Mahashe (loose forward), Haashim Pead, Nico Steyn (both scrumhalves), Emmanuel Tshituka (flanker), and Jaco Williams (utility back).

The Japanese-based players who have completed their club commitments will join their teammates from the outset of the camp, while the UK-based players will report for duty once their season officially concludes in line with World Rugby’s Regulation 9.

The Springbok squad for the Nations Championship clashes against England (4 July), Scotland (11 July), and Wales (18 July), will be announced on Sunday, 21 June, following the conclusion of the Vodacom URC.

Erasmus was thrilled to get their on-field preparations underway with the Barbarians and SA ‘A’ game, which will play out in a fortnight, and he looked forward to seeing how the younger players adapt to the demands of senior international rugby.

“We named a large group of players as we will be selecting a Springbok and SA ‘A’ team for the season-opening double-header in Gqeberha, and this will be beneficial in the long term as we build the squad, looking forward to next year’s Rugby World Cup and beyond,” said Erasmus.

“There is also an exciting mix of experienced campaigners and young players in this squad, and this formula has worked well for us in the past to ensure a clear pathway to build depth within the group.”

Zooming in on the camp itself, Erasmus said: “The coaches have been working around the clock to put the systems in place in the last few months, and the in-person and virtual alignment camps have given most of the players a taste of what to expect, so it’s now a matter of implementing what they learned in the boardroom onto the field.

“We are under no illusions about the challenge ahead this season with two matches against the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe playing out on the same day, which will be followed by two new competitions in the Nations Championship and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, so it will be important for the group to build cohesion as quickly as possible and make the most of our field sessions and team meetings to be as well prepared as possible when we take the field.”

Springbok squad (in alphabetical order):

Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Paul de Villiers (DHL Stormers), Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Bathobele Hlekani (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Hanro Jacobs (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), JJ Kotze (DHL Stormers), Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers), Sibabalwa Mahashe (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Ntuthuko Mchunu (DHL Stormers), Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Riley Norton (DHL Stormers), Zachary Porthen (DHL Stormers), Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Emmanuel Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).

Backs: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers) Lukhanyo Am (DynaBoars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Jurenzo Julius (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Imad Khan (DHL Stormers), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners), Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Markus Muller (DHL Stormers), Haashim Pead (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Nico Steyn (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The post Erasmus includes 21 uncapped players for Gqeberha double-header appeared first on SportsClub.

Murrayfield is an unknown quantity for several players in the Vodacom Bulls team who will experience it for the first time when they face the Glasgow Warriors. But Papier remembers it fondly and is looking forward to the challenge.

“I had my first international start for the Springboks at Murrayfield. I think Murrayfield has its own culture. The atmosphere there is unique, and the energy from the Scottish supporters is great. I’ve always enjoyed playing there because of that atmosphere. It’s exciting and I’m looking forward to playing there with the Vodacom Bulls. I think we’re all looking forward to the challenge,” the Vodacom United Rugby Championship’s South African Player of the Season said.

For coach Johan Ackermann, the venue is a fitting one for a semi-final that he says will be at almost Test-match intensity.

“I don’t think we can set the scene better than the fact that we’re playing at a Test stadium. It’s a great privilege to play at such an iconic stadium,” he said.

“There’s an excitement about it. It brings energy. This whole season as a team we’ve spoken about controlling what we can. The surface at Murrayfield is exactly like Loftus Versfeld, so it won’t be such a foreign concept for us. At the end of the day, between those four while lines we just need to do what we’ve prepared for and do it as well as we can. So I think as a team we’re feeling comfortable about playing at Murrayfield.”

Issued By Michael Vlismas Media

The post Papier looking to make more memories at Murrayfield appeared first on SportsClub.

Since the South African teams entered the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Whittaker has served as the Liaison Officer for the Vodacom Bulls whenever they come to Edinburgh – including this week as they prepare for their semi-final against the Glasgow Warriors at Murrayfield on Saturday.

But last year he was given a cancer diagnosis that took him away from his beloved game, and some of the players he’s developed friendships with.

“I was diagnosed with cancer last year and the treatment was pretty brutal. I was isolated for six months. It was a big deal for me. The mental picture for me was difficult. I think every cancer sufferer has the same kind of thing that goes on in their heads,” says Whittaker.

“The team found out about it. When the treatment finished and the boys came over to play the Glasgow Warriors last October, I thought it was a great opportunity to go and see them and catch up. That day meant a huge amount to me. The positivity within this group is just immense. Every player I spoke to just kept telling me to be positive. That was the message – keep being you, John. I felt a part of something again. I’d been so isolated. But that day in Glasgow with this team was a big switch for me. It gave me confidence to be around people again. Just being around people who are positive and physically active and want to be the best really helped.”

In his role as a rugby liaison officer for visiting teams to Edinburgh, Whittaker has worked with several big club and international teams over the years. But he points out a distinct difference with the Vodacom Bulls.

“I think they seem like a family. Everyone cares for everyone. I’ve been around lots of teams, but this team are just good human beings who care for each other. You look at people like Embrose Papier, an absolute star of the game and he’s just so down-to-earth. Or Marcell Coetzee, who always has a smile on his face. Or Handré Pollard, a Rugby World Cup winner, and he’s just such a good person. Nizaam Carr spent so much time talking to me and sharing with me after my treatment. Kurt-Lee Arendse is also such a nice guy. They’re just so human, and you see that across this whole team.”

So that leaves the big question – who will Whittaker be supporting at Murrayfield this Saturday?

“You know, as a Scotsman I would like the Glasgow Warriors to win,” he says. And then he becomes emotional again.

“But it’s also always nice when your friends win.”

Issued By Michael Vlismas Media

The post Scottish cancer survivor and his special bond with Vodacom Bulls appeared first on SportsClub.

It’s not going to be easy for the two South African franchises though, as they have to take the fight to their opponents on foreign soil on Saturday for a spot in the Grand Final.

The Vodacom Bulls will be first into the fray, taking on the Glasgow Warriors in Edinburgh at 15h30, before the DHL Stormers go head-to-head with defending champions Leinster in Dublin at 18h30.

The stakes could not be higher, with a place in the Grand Final on Saturday, 20 June up for grabs for the winners.

Both matches pit South Africa’s best against the top two sides from the pool stages, with Glasgow Warriors having earned the right to host after topping the standings and Leinster finishing in second place.

As the Warriors’ normal home ground in Glasgow is not available this weekend, the Vodacom Bulls will arrive at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on the back of a seven-match winning run in the Vodacom URC – their most recent being a commanding 45-14 demolition of Munster in last weekend’s quarter-final – and they will be desperate to maintain that momentum against a Glasgow side that has been in equally impressive form throughout the campaign.

Should the Pretoria side emerge victorious, they will secure their third successive Grand Final berth, and there is no doubt that memories of their heartbreaking 21-16 against the Warriors in the 2023/2024 Final will be fresh in the minds of Johan Ackermann’s charges as they set out to make amends and go one better this time around by lifting the title for the first time.

The match sets up as a fascinating battle between two teams with contrasting strengths. The Vodacom Bulls finished the pool stages as the competition’s most potent attacking force, while Glasgow earned the bragging rights as the best defensive outfit.

The South Africans will be mindful of the fact that Glasgow have been a formidable force at home in the Vodacom URC this season, remaining unbeaten on their home patch – a run that will give them confidence heading into the match.

Adding to this, Glasgow, who edged past Connacht in last week’s quarter-final, will be galvanised by their home support as they attempt to reach the final, but if the Bulls’ recent form is anything to go by, they will take some stopping.

The DHL Stormers will face a stern test as they prepare to face Leinster at the Aviva Stadium, a daunting assignment against a team that is desperate to defend their Vodacom URC title following their defeat to Bordeaux in the Investec Champions Cup final just two weeks ago.

The Capetonians secured their semi-final berth with a gritty 44-21 victory over Cardiff at the DHL Stadium last weekend, but John Dobson and his team will be under no illusions about the step up in class they face in Dublin. Their form in recent weeks has been inconsistent, winning only two of their last five matches, and the pressure will be on the squad to deliver a complete performance to come out on top.

Adding to the challenge, the DHL Stormers will be without Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who suffered an injury in the quarter-final, which is expected to sideline him for an extended period.

There are, however, reasons for optimism in the Cape Town camp, as the DHL Stormers have fared decently on the road this season, and crucially, they can point to a dominant 35-0 victory over Leinster in their opening pool match of the season in Cape Town.

Leinster, however, are expected to be a different proposition on their home turf, but the psychological edge of that earlier result will not be lost on either team.

Statistically, the matchup also offers some encouragement for the Stormers faithful. While Leinster finished the pool stages with sharper attacking numbers, the DHL Stormers were the more effective on defence.

Should the Capetonians prevail and repeat the Vodacom Bulls’ semi-final victory in Dublin in the inaugural season, it would mark their first Grand Final appearance since the 2022/23 season, a prospect that will serve as powerful motivation throughout the week.

Earlier in the week it was announced that Vodacom Bulls scrumhalf Embrose Papier was crowned as the SA Vodacom URC Player of the Season, while eight players from the SA franchises were included in the Elite XV for 2026.

The URC also announced that SuperSport will continue to be the exclusive home broadcaster of the league in Sub-Saharan Africa following a multi-year rights renewal agreed with the CANAL+ Group, while Chris Smith, Quan Horn and Evan Roos also walked away with Vodacom URC Awards for the 2025/26 season.

Match Information: Vodacom URC semi-finals

Glasgow Warriors v Vodacom Bulls
Date: Saturday, 6 June
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
SA Time: 15h30
Referee: Andrew Brace
TV: SuperSport

Leinster v DHL Stormers
Date: Saturday, 6 June
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
SA Time: 18h30
Referee: Hollie Davidson
TV: SuperSport

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The post Bulls and Stormers take the fight abroad in URC semi-finals appeared first on SportsClub.