Naka Bulle en Northam Rhinos sit hul eindstryd-vete voort in Gold Cup

Naka Bulle to Defend National Gold Cup Title

This upcoming Saturday, Naka Bulle will have the opportunity to defend their title as champions in the national Gold Cup club rugby tournament on their home turf. They will face off against the Northam Rhinos in this year’s tournament final.

In a dominant display, Ruan (Bielie) Grundelingh and his team secured a convincing 59-30 victory over WP club Helderberg in the semi-finals over the weekend.

The home team showcased their prowess, scoring nine tries, with their formidable pack of forwards setting the foundation for victory by overpowering their opponents in the scrums. This allowed Naka Bulle’s dangerous backline to exploit the space and score tries.

Despite occasionally playing high-risk rugby, the outcome of the match was never truly in doubt. Leading 24-10 at halftime, the defending champions maintained their lead, withstanding a brief resurgence from Helderberg before crossing the try line regularly to extend the point difference.

In the end, the visitors fought hard but struggled with limited possession to mount a comeback. Although they managed to score twice, mainly due to individual efforts from their dangerous backs, the home team continued their attacking approach, resulting in four tries in the final quarter.

This victory sets up Naka Bulle for their fourth consecutive appearance in a significant final against the Northam Rhinos. Having previously defeated the Bosvelders three times (in 2021, 2023, and 2024) in Carlton Cup finals, the two rugby powerhouses will now clash in the national tournament final for the first time.

For Naka Bulle’s head coach, Marinus van der Watt, Saturday’s win was a personal triumph. He once again outperformed the esteemed former provincial and international coach, Phil Pretorius, who now leads Helderberg. Pretorius had previously coached the Rhinos in 2022 and 2023 when Naka Bulle defeated them in playoffs.

Last year, Naka Bulle overcame another WP club, False Bay, to qualify for the final.

Meanwhile, in Durban, the Northam Rhinos sought revenge against the Sharks’ College Rovers, who had eliminated them in the semi-finals of the previous season’s tournament. The Rhinos emerged victorious with a 38-26 win, securing their place in the final against Naka Bulle.

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Source: The Citizen