URC Season 2024/2025 Official Thread

[Biffer]

The Leinster guys get the shakes if they're more than a Ben Youngs pass away from the Horse Show , but agree about Ulster, they could go on the road, & maybe even put the GAA knuckledraggers to the test, & look for similar permission to play outside Ulster Rugbys traditional comfort zone

Might Munster use the ground in Cork for a big game? 40k capacity, recently redeveloped, looks pretty good. Dragging Leinster over to Cork for a game with a big crowd would be great. The park in Waterford is being redeveloped at the moment as well, so I've just found out.

Don't know if the size difference between Thomond and Pairc Ui Caoimh (about 18k extra) would merit the extra rental costs they'd have to pay. Should probably still do it anyway, but it wouldn't be as cut and dried as the extra 30k Leinster get from moving from Aviva to Croke Park (or the 32k extra going from the RDS to the Aviva).

Waterford is tiny, the sportsground at the moment is only 5k capacity. No idea what size the redevelopment will be but would be amazed if they doubled it to 10k.

14-16,000 eventually

https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic ... 16509.html

[Uncle fester]

I thought the place was dog rough but it is a great idea. Whatever about Leinster but Ulster are really missing a trick playing all their games in Belfast.

The Leinster guys get the shakes if they're more than a Ben Youngs pass away from the Horse Show , but agree about Ulster, they could go on the road, & maybe even put the GAA knuckledraggers to the test, & look for similar permission to play outside Ulster Rugbys traditional comfort zone

Might Munster use the ground in Cork for a big game? 40k capacity, recently redeveloped, looks pretty good. Dragging Leinster over to Cork for a game with a big crowd would be great. The park in Waterford is being redeveloped at the moment as well, so I've just found out.

PUC is owned by GAA who would take their pound of flesh. Also suggest from some logistical issues that would make regular games there extremely painful for attendees.

[Uncle fester]

Seems Prendergast has signed for Munster.

Happy enough with that. Very good business.

[PornDog]

Seems Prendergast has signed for Munster.

Happy enough with that. Very good business.

naughty boy.

Nothing about him taking on the top seat though. You'd think that means they plan to bring someone in over him?

[Uncle fester]

Leamy has extended too.
Have to think they've got a plan in place if they are committing.

[fishfoodie]

Leamy has extended too.
Have to think they've got a plan in place if they are committing.

Munster ?, Plans ? .... is there another Province called that, that I'm unaware of ????

The Munster blazers get tapped on the knee with a little hammer, or a bell rings, & they make an instinctive reaction, because they didn't have a folder with, "Plan B", in big red letters on it, because that was what any competent Managers would have tucked away in their back pocket.

Even Ulster saw they were going to need a new coach, & I'm sure with a lot of cooperation, if not prompting, they got a new coach without a lot of pissing about, & wasting time.

I think Munster's fuckup was that they didn't need to actually replace their coach, they just needed to back him up with a better backroom; a bit like how Lancaster was brought in to help out Leo, because it was his first job. Rowntree could have worked out, but he needed some support, & no one was providing it.

[SaintK]

Juarno Augustus (Trokkie) heading to Ulster to the URC from Saints for next season.
Reckon Saints would have liked him extend along with the others who have re-signed but his agent obviously looking for a bigger payday so fair enough.
Very powerful ball carrier though has missed a few matches recently due to "collision" injuries.
Should definitely bring something to the Ulster pack that's for sure.

[OomStruisbaai]

Juarno Augustus (Trokkie) heading to Ulster to the URC from Saints for next season.
Reckon Saints would have liked him extend along with the others who have re-signed but his agent obviously looking for a bigger payday so fair enough.
Very powerful ball carrier though has missed a few matches recently due to "collision" injuries.
Should definitely bring something to the Ulster pack that's for sure.

I would think Trokkie want to play for the Springboks. The URC is a better platform to launch.

[SaintK]

Juarno Augustus (Trokkie) heading to Ulster to the URC from Saints for next season.
Reckon Saints would have liked him extend along with the others who have re-signed but his agent obviously looking for a bigger payday so fair enough.
Very powerful ball carrier though has missed a few matches recently due to "collision" injuries.
Should definitely bring something to the Ulster pack that's for sure.

I would think Trokkie want to play for the Springboks. The URC is a better platform to launch.

Not sure if he's up there with any of the SA backrowers we've recently seen here
At least he'll be more visible to the Saffer fans, rugby press and selectors
Good luck to him.

[JM2K6]

Those numbers are club players. Most of South Africa players are schoolboy players.

The English numbers are also uni guys getting counted three times and other absolutely bullshit measures. They're deliberately inflated for funding reasons and bear no resemblance to reality. The actual number once you dig around is about 220k.

And that reality is that there are far more active players in countries like France and SA, which makes sense given both countries attitudes to sport in general and rugby in particular, and the facilities available to them.

[Uncle fester]

Pretty sure the Irish numbers include tag rugby players.

[PornDog]

Pretty sure the Irish numbers include tag rugby players.

My sons primary school have tag rugby over the next couple of weeks as a part of their regular PE class - pretty sure they are counted as well, in both the individual playing numbers and the number of "rugby" schools. It will probably amount to less than 5 hours of 'rugby' for the entire year. It's all massively inflated.

[assfly]

Sharks going full noise for Stormers. Setting us up nicely for a loss.

Can't wait for the "Bok-Laden" headlines.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Emmanuel Tshituka, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Jordan Hendrikse.

[TheNatalShark]

Sharks going full noise for Stormers. Setting us up nicely for a loss.

Can't wait for the "Bok-Laden" headlines.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Emmanuel Tshituka, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Jordan Hendrikse.

Sad to see Bongi unavailable for bereavement. Eben would have been good.

Given Masuku was released, would have though Jordan would start to minimise disruption. Hooker aside it is literally the Bok B team backline.

[assfly]

Sharks going full noise for Stormers. Setting us up nicely for a loss.

Can't wait for the "Bok-Laden" headlines.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Emmanuel Tshituka, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Jordan Hendrikse.

Sad to see Bongi unavailable for bereavement. Eben would have been good.

Given Masuku was released, would have though Jordan would start to minimise disruption. Hooker aside it is literally the Bok B team backline.

I got this team from Rugby365. But the team release on Reddit has Eben starting at 4 as captain, with Jason Jenkins on the bench. So not sure which one is correct.

[TheNatalShark]

I got this team from Rugby365. But the team release on Reddit has Eben starting at 4 as captain, with Jason Jenkins on the bench. So not sure which one is correct.

Sharks socials have Eben as injured.

[OomStruisbaai]

Date: Saturday, November 30
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Christopher Allison (South Africa), Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)


TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

Sards favorate ref luckily for him Bonkers will cancel Marius.

Sharks by 50

[Sards]

Sharks going full noise for Stormers. Setting us up nicely for a loss.

Can't wait for the "Bok-Laden" headlines.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Emmanuel Tshituka, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Jordan Hendrikse.

It's what we have available. Only a strong side because we have such depth
So far we have downed the Warriors...URC Champions
Munster.......ex URC Champions
Setting us up nicely for the Stormers to complete the tri factor.
Plum is not vokking around. There must be results. I don't feel fear or pity for any side in the URC. I only fear the refs and cards.

So excited to see Hooker back. Love watching this kid play. Gives 100 percent. I hope his injury did not have an impact on him. Jordan covers 15 and 10 at the Sharks. Perfect bench player.

[OomStruisbaai]

The Sharks havent beat the Stormers in URC rugby. If the Stormers pull this one through, it will be a massive upset.

[Sards]

The Sharks havent beat the Stormers in URC rugby. If the Stormers pull this one through, it will be a massive upset.

Things are different. The only really decent player you have that I like is Sacha.
Who's reffing. I want to see something

[OomStruisbaai]

The Sharks havent beat the Stormers in URC rugby. If the Stormers pull this one through, it will be a massive upset.

Things are different. The only really decent player you have that I like is Sacha.
Who's reffing. I want to see something

The two Mariusse, your favorate. Thought you always rated Dan Doep

[OomStruisbaai]

DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis (captain), 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Manie Libbok.

[Sandstorm]

DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis (captain), 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Manie Libbok.

Ugh...Could be a good side.....but if Galant kicks everything back, Herschel meerkats and Dweba throws like a drunken donkey.....

then Sharks by 10

[OomStruisbaai]

DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis (captain), 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Manie Libbok.

Ugh...Could be a good side.....but if Galant kicks everything back, Herschel meerkats and Dweba throws like a drunken donkey.....

then Sharks by 10

I am just glad SMZ get his big chance starting against the Springboks. The Stormers should run every single ball and defend all day long. Hope our under rated backline gets enough possession.

[Sandstorm]

Hope our under rated backline gets enough possession.

Agreed. Our back 3 is lethal, but we need to give them lots of ball in space.

[OomStruisbaai]

HT Ulster 13-10 Leinster
Glasgow 7-8 Scarlets

[fishfoodie]

HT Ulster 13-10 Leinster
Glasgow 7-8 Scarlets

Two real contests tonight, with the Internationals mostly being rested

[Slick]

HT Ulster 13-10 Leinster
Glasgow 7-8 Scarlets

Two real contests tonight, with the Internationals mostly being rested

Glasgow game is a bit low on excitement

[TheNatalShark]

Plum and coaches ability to turn Bok front row into useless bystanders continues

[Sandstorm]

2 tries already for Sharks. Stormers not at the races today.

[Sards]

Fassi. The new try assist king.
Stormers trying to bully him

[Sandstorm]

Marius riding the Stormers pack like a cheap whore. 6 penalties to 1 so far.

[Sandstorm]

Monster drop goal from Sasha. 14-3
25 mins

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers destroy the Bok scrum. Neethling Fouche is the only TH to give Ox a hard time

[Sandstorm]

Stormers destroy the Bok scrum. Neethling Fouche is the only TH to give Ox a hard time

[Sandstorm]

TMO checks high shot and gets one right!!

[Sandstorm]

Galant you plum

[TheNatalShark]

Really good cover defence from Stormers along the touchline there I think, not many that would have stopped that combo of players

[Sandstorm]

Estherhuizen passing the ball is totally confusing the Stormers defence and everyone in the stadium.

[OomStruisbaai]

Gelant is on the moon.