URC Final: Bulls v Leinster – Key Battles

Johan Grobbelaar v Dan Sheehan

One of the unluckiest players to miss out on a place in the Springbok squad named last Thursday, Grobbelaar will want to send a message to Rassie Erasmus with a repeat of his Man of the Match performance in the Bulls’ shock 27-26 semi-final triumph over Leinster in Dublin three years ago.

The 27-year-old’s omission is quite baffling given he was part of the national set-up last year and has been the best locally-based hooker this season. In Sheehan, he’s up against arguably the best hooker in world rugby, a top athlete who has an uncanny ability to score tries. Outplaying him would do Grobbelaar’s hopes of a Bok recall the world of good.

Wilco Louw v Andrew Porter

The Bulls boast the best scrum in the league and Louw is the main man behind the wrecking machine.

Back in 1995, All Black great Jonah Lomu struck fear into the hearts of the opposition. Now, there’s no scarier sight than the 138kg Bulls behemoth, who has dominated everyone who’s stood across from him.

Fresh off overpowering none other than Ox Nche in the 25-13 semi-final win over the Sharks last weekend, Louw has lined up his next victim in Porter. A powerhouse in his own right, the 29-year-old has won 75 Test caps for Ireland.

You don’t play that many Tests if you’re not one of the very best, but Louw is a one-of-one juggernaut and he’s out to clear the Pretoria side’s path to the silverware.  

Every scrum from last night's semi-final 💥

The power from the Bulls in those first few battles is scary 💪

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby)

Embrose Papier v Jamison Gibson-Park

These two key cogs will have to be clinical and as well as clever as their decision-making and execution will go a long way towards determining the outcome of the contest.

Forgotten Springbok Papier has had an excellent season, reminding everyone of his attacking prowess and overall quality. He sparked two of the Bulls’ three tries last weekend and bested Jaden Hendrikse at his own game in the kicking department.

Gibson-Park is coming off a terrific performance as well, which highlighted his high rugby IQ as he put over Sheehan and Jamie Osborne with money balls. A visionary and tactician rolled into one, the New Zealand-born star pulls the strings like few others can.

Harold Vorster v Jordie Barrett

The clash at inside centre pits an unheralded journeyman against an international superstar.

Vorster may not be the flashiest and he’ll probably never realise his Springbok dream, but he’s a dependable veteran who does the basics extremely well. He’s effective with ball in hand, trustworthy on defence and a cool customer who doesn’t let big moments get to him.

All Black ace Barrett has been brilliant for Leinster, giving the Irish giants even more firepower, as if they needed it. Big, strong and dynamic, he’s in Ireland for a good time, not a long time, with this being his swansong at the club. Best believe he’ll do everything in his power to add the URC title to his list of accolades. 

Canan Moodie v James Lowe

Moodie is back to his best this season, running freely and causing all sorts of chaos with his attacking flair. The 22-year-old is tied with five other players at the top of the leading try-scorer list and can set himself apart if he dots down for a 10th time in the decider.

Leinster boast one of the best wings in the world in Lowe. A pure predator with size, speed and flair – along with a solid left boot – the Kiwi is hard to contain and a man for the big occasion. Will his experience enable him to get one over Moodie, or will the prodigy’s exuberance see him electrify? It’ll be exciting either way.