State of the URC: Lethal Lions save SA’s blushes
The Lions were the only SA team to win in round 14, and the DHL Stormers and Bulls will be determined to bounce back this week as the race to a home playoff heats up.
The Lions were the only SA team to win in round 14, and the DHL Stormers and Bulls will be determined to bounce back this week as the race to a home playoff heats up.
One of South African rugby’s legendary hardmen, Duane Vermeulen was a powerhouse from the back of the scrum and respected leader for the DHL Stormers.
Head coach Ivan van Rooyen hailed the character of the Lions in Saturday’s mauling of Leinster, while skipper Marius Louw savoured the rewards of a plan to create tries from turnovers. @Vodacom #URC
Jake White applauded the fight but rued the lack of composure from a 14-man @Vodacom Bulls side in Saturday’s defeat to an experienced Munster outfit at Loftus Versfeld. #URC
Vodacom Bulls flyhalf Johan Goosen was sent off in the second half of a thrilling bonus-point win for URC champions Munster in Pretoria on Saturday evening.
Emmanuel Tshituka scored a brace of tries as the Lions’ playoff hopes received a boost with a resounding win against Leinster in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.
The Blitzboks have been drawn in a fair pool for the Sevens Repechage in Monaco, but will face a tough challenge from Great Britain and hosts Spain in their final Olympics bid.
Former Wallaby Kurtley Beale made a winning return to Super Rugby as the Force upset the Crusaders on Saturday to climb off the bottom of the table.
An unexpected challenge awaited Ospreys when they arrived at Somerset West Methodist Primary – a mini but mighty haka performed by the fearless ‘Squirrels’.
Jacques Nienaber expects the DHL Stormers and Lions to be well prepared to tackle a formidable Leinster side under his stewardship in the Republic.