URC Season 2024/2025 Official Thread

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks should put 50 past Leinster C.

[Biffer]

Looks like a big crowd in Durban

[PCPhil]

Sharks should put 50 past Leinster C.

Yes, they should.

[fishfoodie]

Sharks should put 50 past Leinster C.

Yes, they should.

Well impressed with Cian Healy lasting 60 minutes in what looked like difficult, sticky conditions !

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks should put 50 past Leinster C.

Yes, they should.

Credit to Leinster C. They were in the Sharks faces all game long and played with a lot of passion.

Can see NieNaber's defensive poison in full flight.

Glasgow were all over the Lions. It's going to be a special team to beat Leinster A or Glasgow.

[Chilli2]

What a shit show from the Stomps, $harks and Lions.

[Sards]

Sharks should put 50 past Leinster C.

Yes, they should.

Credit to Leinster C. They were in the Sharks faces all game long and played with a lot of passion.

Can see NieNaber's defensive poison in full flight.

Glasgow were all over the Lions. It's going to be a special team to beat Leinster A or Glasgow.

Leinster were offside all game. Ref didn't see it. Our boys got ball and opposition tacklers at same time. Different ref would have seen it differently. Calling it Leinster C doesn't make the hiding the Stormers took look any better. Sharks also had a couple of double world cup winners missing so could argue a Sharks B side

[Uncle fester]

Sharks are hilariously inept. They have a lineup that would embarrass a lot of international sides but they play like a team who met in the changing rooms.

Happy enough with the McHale park game. Surface didn't look great but the performance was solid. That's not the first time Nanks has been done for this so he's going to have to change his ruck approach.

[GrahamWa]

That's not the first time Nanks has been done for this so he's going to have to change his ruck approach.

Don't know if its a lack of technique or he's a cheap shot merchant.

[PornDog]

Yes, they should.

Credit to Leinster C. They were in the Sharks faces all game long and played with a lot of passion.

Can see NieNaber's defensive poison in full flight.

Glasgow were all over the Lions. It's going to be a special team to beat Leinster A or Glasgow.

Leinster were offside all game. Ref didn't see it. Our boys got ball and opposition tacklers at same time. Different ref would have seen it differently. Calling it Leinster C doesn't make the hiding the Stormers took look any better. Sharks also had a couple of double world cup winners missing so could argue a Sharks B side

Sharks were offside an awful lot as well. You'd wonder what the ARs are actually doing during phase play. Once the ref sets the bar though of course players are going to take advantage.

[Uncle fester]

That's not the first time Nanks has been done for this so he's going to have to change his ruck approach.

Don't know if its a lack of technique or he's a cheap shot merchant.

Just careless and not bothered using proper technique I think.

[OomStruisbaai]

I am tired of lawn mowing on saturdays

With 4 games left to play, the run-ins are:

Leinster (62): Ulster (H), Scarlets (A), Zebre (H), Glasgow (H)
Glasgow: (54) , Zebre (A), Bulls (H), Benetton (A), Leinster (A)
Bulls (50): Munster (A), Glasgow (A), Cardiff (H), Dragons (H)
Sharks (45): Edinburgh (A), Ulster (A), Ospreys (H), Scarlets (H)
Munster (39): Bulls (H), Cardiff (A), Ulster (H), Benetton (H)
Ulster(37): Leinster (A), Sharks (H), Munster (A), Edinburgh (A)
Benetton (36): Lions (A), Stormers (A), Glasgow (H), Munster (A)
Edinburgh (36): , Sharks (H), Zebre (A), Connacht (A), Ulster (H)
Cardiff (36): Ospreys (A), Munster (H), Bulls (A), Stormers (A)
Stormers (35): Connacht (H), Benetton (H), Dragons (H), Cardiff (H)
Scarlets(33) Dragons (A), Leinster (H), Lions (A), Sharks (A)
Ospreys (33): Cardiff (H), Dragons (H), Sharks (A), Lions (A)
Connacht(33): Stormers (A), Lions (A), Edinburgh (H), Zebre (A)
Lions (30): Benetton (H), Connacht (H), Scarlets (H), Ospreys (H)
Zebre(27): Glasgow (H), Edinburgh (H), Leinster (A), Connacht (H)
Dragons(9): Scarlets (H), Ospreys (A), Stormers (A), Bulls (A)

[Sandstorm]

I am tired of lawn mowing on saturdays

With 4 games left to play, the run-ins are:

Leinster (62): Ulster (H), Scarlets (A), Zebre (H), Glasgow (H)
Glasgow: (54) , Zebre (A), Bulls (H), Benetton (A), Leinster (A)
Bulls (50): Munster (A), Glasgow (A), Cardiff (H), Dragons (H)
Sharks (45): Edinburgh (A), Ulster (A), Ospreys (H), Scarlets (H)
Munster (39): Bulls (H), Cardiff (A), Ulster (H), Benetton (H)
Ulster(37): Leinster (A), Sharks (H), Munster (A), Edinburgh (A)
Benetton (36): Lions (A), Stormers (A), Glasgow (H), Munster (A)
Edinburgh (36): , Sharks (H), Zebre (A), Connacht (A), Ulster (H)
Cardiff (36): Ospreys (A), Munster (H), Bulls (A), Stormers (A)
Stormers (35): Connacht (H), Benetton (H), Dragons (H), Cardiff (H)
Scarlets(33) Dragons (A), Leinster (H), Lions (A), Sharks (A)
Ospreys (33): Cardiff (H), Dragons (H), Sharks (A), Lions (A)
Connacht(33): Stormers (A), Lions (A), Edinburgh (H), Zebre (A)
Lions (30): Benetton (H), Connacht (H), Scarlets (H), Ospreys (H)
Zebre(27): Glasgow (H), Edinburgh (H), Leinster (A), Connacht (H)
Dragons(9): Scarlets (H), Ospreys (A), Stormers (A), Bulls (A)

Top 4 are probably thru already (Sharks may not stay in 4th), but the last 4 slots into the playoffs are going to be really tight!!

[OomStruisbaai]

I am tired of lawn mowing on saturdays

With 4 games left to play, the run-ins are:

Leinster (62): Ulster (H), Scarlets (A), Zebre (H), Glasgow (H)
Glasgow: (54) , Zebre (A), Bulls (H), Benetton (A), Leinster (A)
Bulls (50): Munster (A), Glasgow (A), Cardiff (H), Dragons (H)
Sharks (45): Edinburgh (A), Ulster (A), Ospreys (H), Scarlets (H)
Munster (39): Bulls (H), Cardiff (A), Ulster (H), Benetton (H)
Ulster(37): Leinster (A), Sharks (H), Munster (A), Edinburgh (A)
Benetton (36): Lions (A), Stormers (A), Glasgow (H), Munster (A)
Edinburgh (36): , Sharks (H), Zebre (A), Connacht (A), Ulster (H)
Cardiff (36): Ospreys (A), Munster (H), Bulls (A), Stormers (A)
Stormers (35): Connacht (H), Benetton (H), Dragons (H), Cardiff (H)
Scarlets(33) Dragons (A), Leinster (H), Lions (A), Sharks (A)
Ospreys (33): Cardiff (H), Dragons (H), Sharks (A), Lions (A)
Connacht(33): Stormers (A), Lions (A), Edinburgh (H), Zebre (A)
Lions (30): Benetton (H), Connacht (H), Scarlets (H), Ospreys (H)
Zebre(27): Glasgow (H), Edinburgh (H), Leinster (A), Connacht (H)
Dragons(9): Scarlets (H), Ospreys (A), Stormers (A), Bulls (A)

Top 4 are probably thru already (Sharks may not stay in 4th), but the last 4 slots into the playoffs are going to be really tight!!

4 SA teams in the top 8.

[OomStruisbaai]

Etsebeth, Fassi and Am back for Embra

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Etzebeth, Fassi and Am return to Sharks squad for tour
rugby14 April 2025 14:00
By:Gavi
Aphelele Fassi @ Gallo images
The missing pieces of the jigsaw have started to fit into place at last for the Hollywoodbets Sharks as they leave for a crucial Vodacom United Rugby Championship tour that features Friday night’s round 15 game against Edinburgh followed by Ulster in Belfast a week later.

The Sharks will need to win both games if they are to be sure of keeping ahead of fifth placed Munster in the battle for a top four finish that will secure home ground advantage in the first playoff game. There was a big gap between the Sharks and the rest of the chasing pack two months ago but thanks to the Sharks’ loss to Leinster the last time they played in the URC that gap has been cut to just six points.

To that end Sharks coach John Plumtree will be delighted to finally have the most capped Springbok and double SA Rugby Player of the Year award winner Eben Etzebeth back in tow. Etzebeth has been out of rugby since the opening Investec Champions Cup game against Exter Chiefs in Durban on 8 December - in other words an absence of four months.

Etzebeth’s return was expected initially to be January but he struggled with concussion symptoms and that delayed his return to play date. He returned to training a few weeks ago and could have gone with the squad to Lyon for last week’s EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 game but Plumtree decided getting Etzebeth to make his return to the Sharks team in France would be the wrong call.

STAYED BACK WITH FRONTLINE SQUAD

When Plumtree sent an understrength team to Lyon Etzebeth stayed behind with the frontline players to get ready for the important business of finishing the URC season with a flourish, with this tour being followed by two home games in May. Apparently the Bok behemoth has been training well and is hungry to play.

The same can be said for Aphelele Fassi, another frontline Bok who returns for the tour after being out for about three weeks longer than Etzebeth has been. Fassi has been training with the Sharks for the last month after recovering from the injury he sustained playing for the Sharks against the Stormers in Cape Town just after Christmas and is likely to take up position in his regular No 15 jersey against Edinburgh.

Fassi’s influence as an attacking force from the back is invaluable to the Sharks, as is Etzebeth’s obvious influence in the forward assault. With double World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am also returning to add to the midfield options, and another Bok in scrumhalf Grant Williams also making his return, the Sharks are starting to head back to full strength at just the right time as most positions are well covered and mostly filled with international players.

Hollywoodbets Sharks touring squad

Forwards: Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, James Venter, Jason Jenkins, Manu Tshituka, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka.

Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Ethan Hooker, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Yaw Penxe.

[fishfoodie]

I am tired of lawn mowing on saturdays

With 4 games left to play, the run-ins are:

Leinster (62): Ulster (H), Scarlets (A), Zebre (H), Glasgow (H)
Glasgow: (54) , Zebre (A), Bulls (H), Benetton (A), Leinster (A)
Bulls (50): Munster (A), Glasgow (A), Cardiff (H), Dragons (H)
Sharks (45): Edinburgh (A), Ulster (A), Ospreys (H), Scarlets (H)
Munster (39): Bulls (H), Cardiff (A), Ulster (H), Benetton (H)
Ulster(37): Leinster (A), Sharks (H), Munster (A), Edinburgh (A)
Benetton (36): Lions (A), Stormers (A), Glasgow (H), Munster (A)
Edinburgh (36): , Sharks (H), Zebre (A), Connacht (A), Ulster (H)
Cardiff (36): Ospreys (A), Munster (H), Bulls (A), Stormers (A)
Stormers (35): Connacht (H), Benetton (H), Dragons (H), Cardiff (H)
Scarlets(33) Dragons (A), Leinster (H), Lions (A), Sharks (A)
Ospreys (33): Cardiff (H), Dragons (H), Sharks (A), Lions (A)
Connacht(33): Stormers (A), Lions (A), Edinburgh (H), Zebre (A)
Lions (30): Benetton (H), Connacht (H), Scarlets (H), Ospreys (H)
Zebre(27): Glasgow (H), Edinburgh (H), Leinster (A), Connacht (H)
Dragons(9): Scarlets (H), Ospreys (A), Stormers (A), Bulls (A)

Top 4 are probably thru already (Sharks may not stay in 4th), but the last 4 slots into the playoffs are going to be really tight!!

4 SA teams in the top 8.

Now that Connacht are out of the Challange Cup, they have to throw everything they have at the last four games, & that means a full beans side for the two SH games.

They could still end up top 8 or 2nd last, so there's no point in half measures in team selection !

[OomStruisbaai]

Neethling Fouche 4 match ban is a big loss for the Stormers. However they will have JD Schickerling also back this weekend.

[Chilli2]

Neethling Fouche 4 match ban is a big loss for the Stormers. However they will have JD Schickerling also back this weekend.

Pity that Schikerling isn't a tighthead prop.

[OomStruisbaai]

Neethling Fouche 4 match ban is a big loss for the Stormers. However they will have JD Schickerling also back this weekend.

Pity that Schikerling isn't a tighthead prop.

Luckily we have a few Bergies

[Tichtheid]

Next season, but Leinster have signed Rieko Ioane for the 25/26 term.

[SaintK]

Next season, but Leinster have signed Rieko Ioane for the 25/26 term.

How can they keep affording these marquee signings?
Must have found some more dosh down the back of the settee

[Sandstorm]

Next season, but Leinster have signed Rieko Ioane for the 25/26 term.

He won't fit in at a team that is renowned for being good tacklers.

[OomStruisbaai]

Now that Connacht are out of the Challange Cup, they have to throw everything they have at the last four games, & that means a full beans side for the two SH games.

They could still end up top 8 or 2nd last, so there's no point in half measures in team selection !

They left their BI Lion players at home.

[robmatic]

Next season, but Leinster have signed Rieko Ioane for the 25/26 term.

How can they keep affording these marquee signings?
Must have found some more dosh down the back of the settee

They did sell out Croke Park earlier this season.

I don't know enough about their finances to know if they are sustainable without IRFU subsidy but attendance and merchandising-wise they must be doing better than almost every other club in Europe.

[fishfoodie]

Next season, but Leinster have signed Rieko Ioane for the 25/26 term.

How can they keep affording these marquee signings?
Must have found some more dosh down the back of the settee

They did sell out Croke Park earlier this season.

I don't know enough about their finances to know if they are sustainable without IRFU subsidy but attendance and merchandising-wise they must be doing better than almost every other club in Europe.

The IRFU must be pretty confident of the Provinces finances, as they're upping the percentage of players contracts that the Provinces have to fund themselves.

The IRFU have confirmed that provinces will have to make a greater contribution towards the cost of central contracts from next year following a review of the national player contracts system.

The change, which will be implemented from August 2026, will see provinces pay 40% of the wages for their players who are contracted to the union, up from the 30% figure which was announced in May of last year.

The money generated by the increase will be invested towards the player pathways at Munster, Connacht and Ulster.

"Since last year, we have worked tirelessly with the provinces, players, and our various stakeholders to design a funding model that balances the demands of national and provincial success," Irish Rugby performance director David Humphreys (below) said.

"With a changing landscape, it is critical that we remain flexible in our approach, which is why the provinces will contribute 40% of National Player Contracts.

...

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2025/041 ... contracts/

[Uncle fester]

Now that Connacht are out of the Challange Cup, they have to throw everything they have at the last four games, & that means a full beans side for the two SH games.

They could still end up top 8 or 2nd last, so there's no point in half measures in team selection !

They left their BI Lion players at home.

Their coach has departed with immediate effect. What's going on there fishy?

[Guy Smiley]

Next season, but Leinster have signed Rieko Ioane for the 25/26 term.

[fishfoodie]

Now that Connacht are out of the Challange Cup, they have to throw everything they have at the last four games, & that means a full beans side for the two SH games.

They could still end up top 8 or 2nd last, so there's no point in half measures in team selection !

They left their BI Lion players at home.

Their coach has departed with immediate effect. What's going on there fishy?

He was out of his depth as Head Coach, & the strain was telling on his health, & he'd lost the faith of a number of players; so from the sounds of it, he went to the blazers looking for their full support, & he didn't get it .... exit stage left.

He's a decent coach, so he should get a gig elsewhere, but he doesn't have what it takes when it comes to working thru others, & making the big decisions.

[Sandstorm]

Next season, but Leinster have signed Rieko Ioane for the 25/26 term.

[Uncle fester]

They left their BI Lion players at home.

Their coach has departed with immediate effect. What's going on there fishy?

He was out of his depth as Head Coach, & the strain was telling on his health, & he'd lost the faith of a number of players; so from the sounds of it, he went to the blazers looking for their full support, & he didn't get it .... exit stage left.

He's a decent coach, so he should get a gig elsewhere, but he doesn't have what it takes when it comes to working thru others, & making the big decisions.

It's a tough ole gig really.

[Tichtheid]

Their coach has departed with immediate effect. What's going on there fishy?

He was out of his depth as Head Coach, & the strain was telling on his health, & he'd lost the faith of a number of players; so from the sounds of it, he went to the blazers looking for their full support, & he didn't get it .... exit stage left.

He's a decent coach, so he should get a gig elsewhere, but he doesn't have what it takes when it comes to working thru others, & making the big decisions.

It's a tough ole gig really.

It is a tough ole gig right enough

Ex Edinburgh and Scotland scrum half Mike Blair was head coach at Embra for two seasons. By all accounts he's a top bloke and he certainly comes across that way. He got Edinburgh firing and scoring tries but he hated telling players they weren't playing on the weekend. His second season wasn't good and he left the head coach gig soon after. He's now coaching skills with Dave Rennie at Kobe Steelers in Japan.

[fishfoodie]

He was out of his depth as Head Coach, & the strain was telling on his health, & he'd lost the faith of a number of players; so from the sounds of it, he went to the blazers looking for their full support, & he didn't get it .... exit stage left.

He's a decent coach, so he should get a gig elsewhere, but he doesn't have what it takes when it comes to working thru others, & making the big decisions.

It's a tough ole gig really.

It is a tough ole gig right enough

Ex Edinburgh and Scotland scrum half Mike Blair was head coach at Embra for two seasons. By all accounts he's a top bloke and he certainly comes across that way. He got Edinburgh firing and scoring tries but he hated telling players they weren't playing on the weekend. His second season wasn't good and he left the head coach gig soon after. He's now coaching skills with Dave Rennie at Kobe Steelers in Japan.

And while the likes of Lancaster has now "failed" twice as a Head coach; he was excellent as a development, & call it senior advisor coach @ Leinster, but a complete novice like Leo Cullen's job isn't under threat.

It takes a lot of different skills to succeed at the different levels, & it's a mugs game to guess who'll be successful.

For me, I'd take the ROG approach & be meticulous, & get out of your comfort zone & gradually learn your trade at the feet of the best people you can find !

[Tichtheid]

It's a tough ole gig really.

It is a tough ole gig right enough

Ex Edinburgh and Scotland scrum half Mike Blair was head coach at Embra for two seasons. By all accounts he's a top bloke and he certainly comes across that way. He got Edinburgh firing and scoring tries but he hated telling players they weren't playing on the weekend. His second season wasn't good and he left the head coach gig soon after. He's now coaching skills with Dave Rennie at Kobe Steelers in Japan.

And while the likes of Lancaster has now "failed" twice as a Head coach; he was excellent as a development, & call it senior advisor coach @ Leinster, but a complete novice like Leo Cullen's job isn't under threat.

It takes a lot of different skills to succeed at the different levels, & it's a mugs game to guess who'll be successful.

For me, I'd take the ROG approach & be meticulous, & get out of your comfort zone & gradually learn your trade at the feet of the best people you can find !

I remember watching a Leinster game and particularly how Leo Cullen managed the ref and Leinster during it. I thought then that Cullen was going to be a success as a head coach/DOR.
He was no POC as a player but he has that thing about him, imo ... coach material.

[fishfoodie]

It is a tough ole gig right enough

Ex Edinburgh and Scotland scrum half Mike Blair was head coach at Embra for two seasons. By all accounts he's a top bloke and he certainly comes across that way. He got Edinburgh firing and scoring tries but he hated telling players they weren't playing on the weekend. His second season wasn't good and he left the head coach gig soon after. He's now coaching skills with Dave Rennie at Kobe Steelers in Japan.

And while the likes of Lancaster has now "failed" twice as a Head coach; he was excellent as a development, & call it senior advisor coach @ Leinster, but a complete novice like Leo Cullen's job isn't under threat.

It takes a lot of different skills to succeed at the different levels, & it's a mugs game to guess who'll be successful.

For me, I'd take the ROG approach & be meticulous, & get out of your comfort zone & gradually learn your trade at the feet of the best people you can find !

I remember watching a Leinster game and particularly how Leo Cullen managed the ref and Leinster during it. I thought then that Cullen was going to be a success as a head coach/DOR.
He was no POC as a player but he has that thing about him, imo ... coach material.

It takes all sorts !

My niece, who is a massive rugby fan, went to college in Limerick, & she knew Fla's GF, now wife, & used to go see Felix Jones gigs, & while Fla's going into coaching was zero surprise, when Felix had to retire & became a coach, she was,

... and while Fla is doing well, Felix is the hot coaching property.

[OomStruisbaai]

Springboks lucky to get Felix Jones back.

Rassie Erasmus without a doubt a successful Springbok player and by far the best coach in rugby. Since his start at the Cheetahs, he had immediate success winning the CC in his debut season. He started with Jacques Nienaber.

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassie, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikste, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 James Venter, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius

Edinburgh: 15⁠ ⁠Wes Goosen, 14⁠ ⁠Harry Paterson, 13⁠ ⁠Matt Currie, 12⁠ ⁠James Lang, 11⁠ ⁠Ross McCann, 10⁠ ⁠Ross Thompson, 9⁠ ⁠Ali Price, 8. ⁠Magnus Bradbury, 7⁠ ⁠Ben Muncaster, 6⁠ ⁠Jamie Ritchie, 5 ⁠Grant Gilchrist, 4 ⁠Sam Skinner, 3 ⁠D’arcy Rae, 2 ⁠Ewan Ashman, 1 ⁠Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: 16 ⁠Dave Cherry, 17⁠ ⁠Boan Venter, 18 ⁠Angus Williams, 19⁠ ⁠Glen Young, 20⁠ ⁠Freddy Douglas, 21 ⁠Charlie Shiel, 22 ⁠Cammy Scott, 23 ⁠Mosese Tuipulotu

Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Mike Adamson (Scotland), Jonny Perriam (Scotland)
TMO: Brian McNeice (Ireland)

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks by 20

[fishfoodie]

Sharks by 20

and the rest !

[Sandstorm]

9/10 cripple fight.

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks by 20

and the rest !

All SA teams to win this weekend.