Official United Rugby Championship thread

[OomStruisbaai]

Bulls deserved their win.

The Stormers are in 9th place on the log but there isnt much difference on that log. Only 5 points between 11th and 4th. Most matches are at home and mostly against teams above them on the log.
Embra (4th) 23/3, Ulster (5th) 30/3, Ospreys (10th) 20/4, Leinster (1st) 27/4 at home and Dragons (15th) 10/5 , Connacht (7th) 18/5 away ending with the Lions (11th) 1/6 at home.

Win our home games and we will end up high enough.

Hope the Sharks get their act together and win at least their home matches against Embra, Ulster, Benneton, Cardiff and the Bulls.

The loss against the Bulls was the right medicine for the Stormers.

[OomStruisbaai]

You got all data that from your Bookface summary of the match?

visskop vokkof......go have a cry about the ref . You arent the only person with a tv and internet

You've been missing for weeks while the Sharks were losing and the Stomps were winning. One Stormers' loss and you coming crawling out from the back of the fridge like a cockroach.

At least our players and captain have respect for refs.

The Sharks captain act like a real tool against the Lions.

[assfly]

Most matches are at home and mostly against teams above them on the log.

Same.

[assfly]

The Sharks captain act like a real tool against the Lions.

He did, and he's apologised. I think he misunderstood the situation which is why he stormed off, but the optics are terrible especially given the result and our position on the table.

Having said that, I'm not hugely impressed with her as a referee. I find the way she speaks to players quite patronising, and she seems intent on getting her catchphrases into every match.

[OomStruisbaai]

The Sharks captain act like a real tool against the Lions.

He did, and he's apologised. I think he misunderstood the situation which is why he stormed off, but the optics are terrible especially given the result and our position on the table.

Having said that, I'm not hugely impressed with her as a referee. I find the way she speaks to players quite patronising, and she seems intent on getting her catchphrases into every match.

Look we all know Bongi well. He isn't captain material because of his emotional outbursts. He is worse then Roos in this regard. You need a cool head as captain.

[Chilli2]

Most matches are at home and mostly against teams above them on the log.

Same.

[Chilli2]

The Sharks captain act like a real tool against the Lions.

He did, and he's apologised. I think he misunderstood the situation which is why he stormed off, but the optics are terrible especially given the result and our position on the table.

Having said that, I'm not hugely impressed with her as a referee. I find the way she speaks to players quite patronising, and she seems intent on getting her catchphrases into every match.

It takes a proper man to apologize. So he is due some respect.

[bok_viking]

Bulls deserved their win.

The Stormers are in 9th place on the log but there isnt much difference on that log. Only 5 points between 11th and 4th. Most matches are at home and mostly against teams above them on the log.
Embra (4th) 23/3, Ulster (5th) 30/3, Ospreys (10th) 20/4, Leinster (1st) 27/4 at home and Dragons (15th) 10/5 , Connacht (7th) 18/5 away ending with the Lions (11th) 1/6 at home.

Win our home games and we will end up high enough.

Hope the Sharks get their act together and win at least their home matches against Embra, Ulster, Benneton, Cardiff and the Bulls.

The loss against the Bulls was the right medicine for the Stormers.

I think the Stormers and Bulls can help each other when it comes to final log standings. The bulls also play quite a few of the teams in the top 8. they play Leinster away but have Munster, Glasgow and Benetton at home.
That Leinster away game is going to be interesting, Bulls need to learn to travel better.

[Sards]

You've been missing for weeks while the Sharks were losing and the Stomps were winning. One Stormers' loss and you coming crawling out from the back of the fridge like a cockroach.

You have no clue how busy my life is currently.
That was the first match I have watched in as long as I can remember. Dude you need to get some measures in place to sort out your cockroaches. We have traps and poison baits so keep those buggers at bay.

[Sards]

At least our players and captain have respect for refs.

The Sharks captain act like a real tool against the Lions.

That is why women should not ref at that level. It's always about feminist movements and there will always be a media backlash against whoever talks to the female ref as apposed to if it were a man. FB clickbait.

If you are ok with that well them we are in for a really rocky ride...

Read the headlines. Female ref handles big bad Bongi. Quite pathetic. Were it a male ref it would have been sorted on the field and nothing said.

Literally a storm in an A cup

[Sandstorm]

Bulls need to learn to travel better.

It's been an issue for decades. I remember a match in 1998/98 where they were top of the table mid-season and went to the Chiefs in NZ. Bulls lost 64-9.

[Sandstorm]

At least our players and captain have respect for refs.

The Sharks captain act like a real tool against the Lions.

That is why women should not ref at that level. It's always about feminist movements and there will always be a media backlash against whoever talks to the female ref as apposed to if it were a man. FB clickbait.

If you are ok with that well them we are in for a really rocky ride...

Read the headlines. Female ref handles big bad Bongi. Quite pathetic. Were it a male ref it would have been sorted on the field and nothing said.

Literally a storm in an A cup

You missed the kant open goal, mate.

[Sards]

At least our players and captain have respect for refs.

The Sharks captain act like a real tool against the Lions.

That is why women should not ref at that level. It's always about feminist movements and there will always be a media backlash against whoever talks to the female ref as apposed to if it were a man. FB clickbait.

If you are ok with that well them we are in for a really rocky ride...

Read the headlines. Female ref handles big bad Bongi. Quite pathetic. Were it a male ref it would have been sorted on the field and nothing said.

Literally a storm in an A cup

You missed the kant open goal, mate.

No clue what you are saying

[OomStruisbaai]

That is why women should not ref at that level. It's always about feminist movements and there will always be a media backlash against whoever talks to the female ref as apposed to if it were a man. FB clickbait.

If you are ok with that well them we are in for a really rocky ride...

Read the headlines. Female ref handles big bad Bongi. Quite pathetic. Were it a male ref it would have been sorted on the field and nothing said.

Literally a storm in an A cup

You missed the kant open goal, mate.

No clue what you are saying

White Kant. It was all over the world. I dont agree with your female point. The Scottish lady is not only good looking but an excellent ref like Theron. The ladies know their scrumming rules.

[OomStruisbaai]

Bulls need to learn to travel better.

It's been an issue for decades. I remember a match in 1998/98 where they were top of the table mid-season and went to the Chiefs in NZ. Bulls lost 64-9.

The Bulls travel well. They beat Leinster away in the first URC and had a good tour this season. Having a good pack of forwards and a big boot like Goosen suits the NH conditions.

[Sards]

White Kant. It was all over the world. I dont agree with your female point. The Scottish lady is not only good looking but an excellent ref like Theron. The ladies know their scrumming rules.

there we go.....point clearly illustrated.

Besides which....its clearly an agenda against Bongi......you voknuts are so gullible......go worry about your boks who are playing shocking rugby....Manie , Willemse......seriously.....Sacha has more talent in a single ball hair than those 2 combined and had to sit out for that shitshow.

[OomStruisbaai]

White Kant. It was all over the world. I dont agree with your female point. The Scottish lady is not only good looking but an excellent ref like Theron. The ladies know their scrumming rules.

there we go.....point clearly illustrated.

Besides which....its clearly an agenda against Bongi......you voknuts are so gullible......go worry about your boks who are playing shocking rugby....Manie , Willemse......seriously.....Sacha has more talent in a single ball hair than those 2 combined and had to sit out for that shitshow.

At least our Bokke play rugby, your lot play touch rugby.

[SaintK]

At least our players and captain have respect for refs.

The Sharks captain act like a real tool against the Lions.

That is why women should not ref at that level. It's always about feminist movements and there will always be a media backlash against whoever talks to the female ref as apposed to if it were a man. FB clickbait.

If you are ok with that well them we are in for a really rocky ride...

Read the headlines. Female ref handles big bad Bongi. Quite pathetic. Were it a male ref it would have been sorted on the field and nothing said.

Literally a storm in an A cup

What are you? Some sort of fucking neanderthal caveman!!!!

[Sandstorm]

What are you? Some sort of fucking neanderthal caveman!!!!

That's being unkind to cavemen.

[bok_viking]

Bulls need to learn to travel better.

It's been an issue for decades. I remember a match in 1998/98 where they were top of the table mid-season and went to the Chiefs in NZ. Bulls lost 64-9.

The Bulls travel well. They beat Leinster away in the first URC and had a good tour this season. Having a good pack of forwards and a big boot like Goosen suits the NH conditions.

I would say they travel well if they are more consistent on their travels. they lost very winnable games this season and last when in Europe and instead played some of their worst rugby over there. Yes they won against Leinster but then lost games against teams at the lower end of the league as well. If they travel well they should consistently win at least 2/3 of their away games, right now it is closer to 50% than 2/3 unfortunately.

[LoveOfTheGame]

At least our players and captain have respect for refs.

The Sharks captain act like a real tool against the Lions.

That is why women should not ref at that level. It's always about feminist movements and there will always be a media backlash against whoever talks to the female ref as apposed to if it were a man. FB clickbait.

If you are ok with that well them we are in for a really rocky ride...

Read the headlines. Female ref handles big bad Bongi. Quite pathetic. Were it a male ref it would have been sorted on the field and nothing said.

Literally a storm in an A cup

What are you? Some sort of fucking neanderthal caveman!!!!

Well, he does support the Sharks.

[Sards]

What are you? Some sort of fucking neanderthal caveman!!!!

That's being unkind to cavemen.

What is your issue with neanderthal cavemen. Bigot.

Disgusting to see such awful comments about our forefathers. No class or tolerance.

[OomStruisbaai]

White Kant. It was all over the world. I dont agree with your female point. The Scottish lady is not only good looking but an excellent ref like Theron. The ladies know their scrumming rules.

there we go.....point clearly illustrated.

Besides which....its clearly an agenda against Bongi......you voknuts are so gullible......go worry about your boks who are playing shocking rugby....Manie , Willemse......seriously.....Sacha has more talent in a single ball hair than those 2 combined and had to sit out for that shitshow.

[OomStruisbaai]

Round 12

Fri 22 Mar Glasgow v Cardiff (7.35pm)

Fri 22 Mar Ospreys v Munster (7.35pm)

Sat 23 Mar Sharks v Ulster (1pm)

Sat 23 Mar Scarlets v Benetton (3pm)

Sat 23 Mar Stormers v Edinburgh (3.05pm)

Sat 23 Mar Connacht v Lions (5.15pm)

Sat 23 Mar Dragons v Bulls (7.35pm)

Sat 23 Mar Zebre Parma v Leinster (7.35pm)

Round 13

Fri 29 Mar Leinster v Bulls (7.35pm)

Fri 29 Mar Dragons v Zebre Parma (7.35pm)

Sat 30 Mar Benetton v Connacht (1pm)

Sat 30 Mar Sharks v Edinburgh (1pm)

Sat 30 Mar Ospreys v Lions (3.05pm)

Sat 30 Mar Stormers v Ulster (5.15pm)

Sat 30 Mar Scarlets v Glasgow (7.35pm)

Sat 30 Mar Munster v Cardiff (7.35pm)

[OomStruisbaai]

The log is tight. Not much between nr 2 and 11. We need the Sharks to start winning.

[bok_viking]

Bulls got some tough games coming up. Need to play quite a few of the teams around them in the table. Both Leinster and Glasgow as well as Munster and Benetton. Luckily it is only Leinster away. So Bulls and Stormers can definitely help each other in the table as both still need to play the same teams high up in the table.

[OomStruisbaai]

Bulls got some tough games coming up. Need to play quite a few of the teams around them in the table. Both Leinster and Glasgow as well as Munster and Benetton. Luckily it is only Leinster away. So Bulls and Stormers can definitely help each other in the table as both still need to play the same teams high up in the table.

Yep the Sharks need to get up aswell. Lions will also fight hard.

[topofthemoon]

[OomStruisbaai]

Etzebeth

“I don’t think a top-eight finish in the URC is possible anymore, which is disappointing at this stage of the season already, but we’re looking to end strong. There’s always going to be pride to wear the Sharks jersey and to win games, and I think that’s going to motivate the guys not to give up.”

Ulster are fifth on the log and look set to be right in the thick of it come play-off time. Although they remain a quality outfit, Etzebeth is quietly confident in his own team’s abilities following the inclusion of several returning personnel for the men in black and white.

“It’s the first time this season that we’ve got most of our players playing. I think it’s Vincent’s [Koch’s] first game back [since the 2023 World Cup] and as a collective, it’s probably the strongest 23 we could have picked.

“I think it will be a boost to have everyone back.”

Good news.

[Jim Lahey]

Ulster could do with 9 points from the next 2 games to get their season back on track. I'd settle for 5, but could also see us getting 0 . . .

Hopeful for a new manager bounce

[OomStruisbaai]

WP 200 up

https://edinburghrugby.org/news-and-fea ... -200-club/

[Tichtheid]

WP 200 up

https://edinburghrugby.org/news-and-fea ... -200-club/

He's been a magnificent servant to Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland.

I hope the pull of South Africa isn't too strong and he stays on and coaches some of the young props coming though. He's 38 in a few weeks so if he stay on for another season as a player it will be a bit of a surprise.

[Chilli]

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuka, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 George Cronje, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Francois Venter.

Date: Saturday, March 23
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 UK & Ireland time; 13.00 GMT)
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa), Griffin Colby (South Africa)
TMO: Colin Brett (Scotland

[Tichtheid]

We need the Sharks to start winning.

Just give it a couple of weeks, though, eh?

[Tichtheid]

I was looking on the Stormers site for team news and came across this

List of prohibited items for events at DHL Stadium

Umbrellas
Food and drinks of any kind
Bottles: Cans, glass or Plastic bottles of any kind including squeezer bottles
Firearms, ammunition or device as defined in the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No.60 of 2000)
Fireworks
Sharp metal objects
Explosives
Tear gas, mace or similar airborne chemical agents
Narcotics
Items which could cause injury
Clothing, banners, flags, placards or any other items with, in the opinion of the EO, SAPS, or any other designated official, that is racist, sexist, discriminatory, of a political nature, or in any way offensive content.
Flagpole or banner pole of any kind, unless it is made from inflammable and flexible plastic and does not exceed 1 metre in length 1cm in diameter
Ambush marketing items
Animals
Liquor
Drunkenness and unacceptable behaviour
Dangerous weapons as defined in Dangerous Weapon Act, 1968 (Act No.71 of 1968) including knives and sticks
Unauthorized Cameras with detachable lenses
Fraudulent tickets

Please note that the prohibited items list can be amended at any time and published on the DHL Stormers website.

We are looking forward to what should be another special occasion at DHL Stadium as we all get behind our team.

I think in Edinburgh you're not allowed to take in oversized handbags.

[Chilli]

Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Nama Xaba, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Brok Harris.
Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Jurie Matthee, 23 Ben Loader.

Date: Saturday, March 23
Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 UK & Ireland time; 15.05 GMT)
Referee: Adam Jones (Wales)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)
TMO: Sean Brickell (Wales)
i

[Sandstorm]

I was looking on the Stormers site for team news and came across this

List of prohibited items for events at DHL Stadium

Umbrellas
Food and drinks of any kind
Bottles: Cans, glass or Plastic bottles of any kind including squeezer bottles
Firearms, ammunition or device as defined in the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No.60 of 2000)
Fireworks
Sharp metal objects
Explosives
Tear gas, mace or similar airborne chemical agents
Narcotics
Items which could cause injury
Clothing, banners, flags, placards or any other items with, in the opinion of the EO, SAPS, or any other designated official, that is racist, sexist, discriminatory, of a political nature, or in any way offensive content.
Flagpole or banner pole of any kind, unless it is made from inflammable and flexible plastic and does not exceed 1 metre in length 1cm in diameter
Ambush marketing items
Animals
Liquor
Drunkenness and unacceptable behaviour
Dangerous weapons as defined in Dangerous Weapon Act, 1968 (Act No.71 of 1968) including knives and sticks
Unauthorized Cameras with detachable lenses
Fraudulent tickets

Please note that the prohibited items list can be amended at any time and published on the DHL Stormers website.

We are looking forward to what should be another special occasion at DHL Stadium as we all get behind our team.

I think in Edinburgh you're not allowed to take in oversized handbags.

You can’t take that big bag and all the other things onto a Ryanair flight.

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Nama Xaba, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Brok Harris.
Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Jurie Matthee, 23 Ben Loader.

Date: Saturday, March 23
Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 UK & Ireland time; 15.05 GMT)
Referee: Adam Jones (Wales)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)
TMO: Sean Brickell (Wales)
i

Edinburgh Rugby team to face DHL Stormers at DHL Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Saturday 23 March (kick-off 3.05pm GMT/ 5.05pm local) – live on Viaplay

15. Emiliano Boffelli (37)

14. Wes Goosen (23)
13. Mark Bennett (100)
12. Matt Currie (30)
11. Jake Henry*

10. Ben Healy (14)
9. Ben Vellacott (52) CAPTAIN

1. Boan Venter (58)
2. Dave Cherry (84)
3. WP Nel (199)
4. Jamie Hodgson (56)
5. Sam Skinner (17)
6. Ben Muncaster (29)
7. Hamish Watson (151)
8. Viliame Mata (129)

Replacements

16. Patrick Harrison (14)
17. Luan de Bruin (23)
18. Javan Sebastian (10)
19. Marshall Sykes (55)
20. Tom Dodd (8)
21. Charlie Shiel (60)
22. Cammy Scott (6)
23. Chris Dean (144)

Unavailable: Luke Crosbie (shoulder), Darcy Graham (groin), Robin Hislop (knee), Harry Paterson (foot), Scott Steele (hip), Nathan Sweeney (groin), Glen Young (ankle).

*Edinburgh Rugby debut

[bok_viking]

Dragons VS Bulls:

Bulls: Willie le Roux; Sebastian de Klerk, Canan Moodie, Harold Vorster, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Chris Smith, Zak Burger; Marcell Coetzee (co-captain), Celimpilo Gumede, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje (co-captain), Ruan Vermaak, Wilco Louw, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements: Simphiwe Matanzima, Johan Grobbelaar, Mornay Smith, Reinhard Ludwig, Nizaam Carr, Embrose Papier, Johan Goosen, Devon Williams.

Moodie getting a run out at 13 on Saturday. Looking forward to that, would like to see him at 13 more with Kriel at 12.

[OomStruisbaai]

Lions vs Connacht

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Marius Louw (captain), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Izan Esterhuizen, 21 Hanru Sirgel, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Stean Pienaar

Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant referees: Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland), Oisin Quinn (Ireland)
TMO: Greg Morgan (Wales)

Out Injured: Ruan Venter (4/7), Henco van Wyk (13), Corne Fourie (1/17) and Travis Gordon (6/7/8), Gianni Lombard (10/15), Ruhan Straeuli (7/8), Rabz Maxwane (11/14) and Rynhardt Jonker (12/13).