Veteran Vodacom Bulls midfielder Harold Vorster is desperate to end a long wait for silverware alongside coach Johan Ackermann.
The 32-year-old started in all three previous URC finals contested by the Bulls, losing to the Stormers in 2021-22, the Glasgow Warriors in 2023-24 and Leinster last season.
Ackermann, who took over from Jake White last year, will look to Vorster to help the Bulls finally get over the line when they take on Leinster again at Croke Park next Friday night.
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Vorster and Ackermann go back a long way, with the midfielder also part of Ackermann’s Lions side that fell short in successive Super Rugby finals, against the Hurricanes and Crusaders in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
“Coach Ackers and I have come a long way and it would be nice to finally be able to drink something from a cup together,” Vorster told Netwerk24.
“It’s always a privilege to work with him. It was a mixed season at the beginning, but everyone believed in the plan and now we have another chance to play in a final.”
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Vorster believes discipline will be crucial against a Leinster side renowned for punishing mistakes.
“You simply can’t concede points in the first 20 minutes. You have to be accurate and especially your discipline has to be good,” he said.
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Vorster also pointed to the Stormers’ semi-final defeat in Dublin as a warning, with late red and yellow cards proving costly for the Cape side.
“They played well and showed you can put Leinster under pressure,” said Vorster. “The cards cost the Stormers and it highlights how important our discipline will have to be.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
