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united rugby championship

Key moments from the Bulls’ thrilling URC semi-final against the Sharks

After a hard-fought battle, the Bulls emerged victorious with a 25-13 win over the Sharks in the URC semi-final, showcasing their defensive strength and capitalising on key opportunities.

Sport Rugby URC
Leighton Koopman|Published

Plumtree regrets Sharks' missed opportunities but praises Bulls' defence in their URC semi-final win

The Sharks had their chances to win the URC semi-final against the Bulls but coach John Plumtree admits the better team won.

Sport Rugby URC
Mike Greenaway|Published

Scrum like a masterpiece: A contest worthy of the Louvre

From the rain-slicked banks of the Seine to the thunderous turf of Loftus Versfeld, a reflection on art, heritage, and a rugby set-piece so sublime it belongs in the Louvre.

Sport Rugby
Morgan Bolton|Published

Bulls made to sweat by Sharks as they win through to URC final with semi-final win at Loftus Versfeld

The Bulls beat the Sharks in the URC semi-final that was closely fought. The Bulls go through to the final.

Sport Rugby URC
Mike Greenaway|Published

Plumtree confident Sharks can beat Bulls in URC semi-final without Eben Etzebeth

Coach John Plumtree says the team is bigger than any individual and is confident the Sharks can beat the Bulls in the URC semi-final at Loftus Versfeld.

Sport Rugby URC
Mike Greenaway|Published

Watch VideoJohan Goosen returns as flyhalf for Bulls’ semi-final clash against Sharks

Goosen’s return to flyhalf could be the game-changer the Bulls need as they face the Sharks in a crucial URC semi-final at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday

Sport Rugby URC
Leighton Koopman|Published

Watch VideoOdds on Mike: Bulls to win a close one at Loftus, Leinster to beat Glasgow in URC semi-finals

Independent Media rugby writer Mike Greenaway picks this weekend’s rugby winners in the United Rugby Championship semi-finals.

Sport Rugby
Mike Greenaway|Published

Blow for Sharks as Eben Etzebeth ruled out of URC semi-final against Bulls

The Sharks have been rocked by injuries to their second row pairing of Eben Etzebeth and Jason Jenkins ahead of the URC semi-final against the Bulls.

Sport Rugby URC
Mike Greenaway|Published

As Sharks prepare for URC semi against Bulls, Plumtree won't forget the horror of the 2007 Super 14 final

The Sharks and Bulls lock horns in the URC semi-final in Pretoria on Saturday and Sharks fans will be hoping there is no repeat of the pain of the 2007 Super 14 final.

Sport Rugby URC
Mike Greenaway|Published

Nortjé: Bulls in full Test mode for crucial URC semi-final against Sharks

Bulls captain Ruan Nortjé says his team are preparing for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Sharks with a Test-match mindset. Acknowledging the Sharks’ set-piece threat and individual brilliance, he emphasises the importance of composure, discipline, and tactical execution at Loftus Versfeld.

Sport Rugby
Leighton Koopman|Published

Sacha scoops Cameron Hanekom and Wilco Louw to win SA URC Player of the Season Award

As the United Rugby Championship draws to a close, the awards are coming thick and fast and Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has nailed the SA Player of the Season Award.

Sport Rugby URC
Mike Greenaway|Published

Watch VideoCameron Hanekom shines in URC awards as South African players dominate Elite XV Team of the Season

Seven South Africans were named in the URC Elite XV team on Wednesday with five from the local franchises and two overseas-based players.

Sport Rugby URC
Leighton Koopman|Published

Watch VideoWilco Louw anticipates scrum showdown with Sharks’ Springbok front row

Louw is gearing up for a thrilling scrum battle against Ox Nche and the Sharks’ formidable front row in the highly anticipated URC semi-final at Loftus Versfeld

Sport Rugby URC
Leighton Koopman|Published

Watch VideoSiya Kolisi addresses ‘winkgate’: It's all part of rugby’s entertainment

Siya Kolisi urges people to move past the 'winkgate' controversy, emphasising that rugby is about entertainment and banter.

Sport Rugby URC
Leighton Koopman|Published

Watch VideoWilco Louw focused on Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory in honour of Cornal Hendricks

Bulls prop Wilco Louw aims for United Rugby Championship glory in tribute to late Cornal Hendricks, highlighting team effort and resilience ahead of the semi-final clash against the Sharks.

Sport Rugby
Michael Sherman|Published

Watch VideoGamesmanship or disrespect? 'The Wink' that sparked a rugby debate

The wink exchanged between Sharks scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse and Munster’s Jack Crowley during a crucial moment in their URC quarter-final raises significant questions about the spirit of rugby and the importance of sportsmanship.

Sport Rugby URC
Leighton Koopman|Published

Watch Video‘Warrior’ Henco Venter departing Glasgow reluctantly after two stellar seasons for the Scottish URC champions

Venter, heading to France, will reluctantly leave the Scottish club after being a crucial cog in their plans over the last couple of seasons, including the URC title-winning campaign, under head coach Franco Smith.

Sport Rugby URC
Leighton Koopman|Published

Watch VideoSiya Kolisi praises Sharks’ new-found fighting spirit ahead of massive URC semi-final

Siya Kolisi highlights the Sharks' growing maturity and fighting spirit as they prepare for a challenging semi-final against the Bulls, reflecting on their recent performances and resilience in tight matches

Sport Rugby URC
Rowan Callaghan|Published

Watch VideoKeagan Johannes embraces Jake White’s support as he gears up for semi-final showdown with Sharks

Johannes, buoyed by the support of Jake White, looks to shine in the semi-finals against the Sharks after a stellar performance against Edinburgh this past weekend.

Sport Rugby URC
Leighton Koopman|Published

Hanekom stakes Springbok claim as No 8 race heats up

The Bulls host the Sharks in Saturday's URC semifinal and it is the perfect stage for Bulls No 8 Cameron Hanekom to state his claim for Springbok selection.

Sport Rugby
Mike Greenaway|Published

Sharks draw confidence from Loftus wins ahead of URC semi-final

The Bulls host the Sharks in Saturday's URC semi-final in Pretoria and the visitors travel with significant psychological data banked in their memories.

Sport Rugby
Mike Greenaway|Published

South Africa guaranteed a team in the URC final after Bulls and Sharks keep the flag flying in the quarterfinals

The Bulls or the Sharks will contest the URC final after both sides came from behind to win their playoffs. The two local teams play each other in a semi-final.

Sport Rugby
Mike Greenaway|Published

Altitude matters for Jake as Bulls turn their attention to Sharks in URC semi-final

The Sharks travel to Pretoria for Saturday's URC semifinal and Bulls coach Jake White is hoping the altitude will be in the home team's favour.

Sport Rugby
Mike Greenaway|Published

Watch VideoSeabelo Senatla shines despite Stormers’ defeat to Glasgow Warriors

Despite a disappointing defeat in the URC quarter-finals, the Stormers found hope in Seabelo Senatla's remarkable performance and the promising talent of Vernon Matongo.

Sport Rugby
Rowan Callaghan|Published

Watch VideoBradley Davids leads Sharks to thrilling URC quarter-final victory over Munster in dramatic penalty shootout

Bradley Davids secured the Sharks' URC quarter-final victory over Munster with a match-winning penalty in a dramatic shootout at King’s Park, Durban.

Sport Rugby
Michael Sherman|Published