Sports
Thrills Await in Bulls vs Lions URC Rematch with Rising Springbok Stars!
As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on the Bulls and Lions as they face off in an eagerly anticipated United Rugby Championship (URC) rematch at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. With a 2pm kick-off, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter, though rain could affect the speed of the game.
The Bulls, still in third place on the URC log, are coming off a disheartening loss to the Sharks at their supposed fortress, Loftus Versfeld. This loss has put a dent in their momentum as they fight to catch up with the Glasgow Warriors (second) and Leinster (first). The team desperately needs a victory to get back on track and reaffirm their place as South Africa’s top rugby side this season.
On the other hand, the Lions will enter the match with a boost in confidence following their first-ever win against the Stormers at Ellis Park. Several players have also been invited to the Springbok alignment camp, adding extra motivation to the team. However, questions remain about their ability to string together consecutive wins on home soil, a challenge they must overcome if they hope to secure a playoff spot.
The Lions will face a tough challenge, especially in the scrums, lineouts, and rolling mauls. If they can hold firm in these areas, they will have a strong chance of keeping the Bulls at bay.
Springbok Alignment Camp: Rassie Erasmus Expands the Pool of Talent
The Springboks are preparing for the new international season, starting in July, with 82 players attending various alignment camps. Of these, 56 will meet in person in Cape Town, while 18 World Cup winners and several other players will participate virtually.
One of the standout stories coming from the alignment camp is the inclusion of Jonathan Roche, the rookie centre for the Stormers, who has been excelling in the URC and European Champions Cup. The 22-year-old is part of the virtual camp starting on March 27, and his inclusion is a testament to his remarkable development over the past year.
Picture: BackpagePix
A year ago, Roche was making his mark in the Varsity Cup. Fast-forward to now, and he has caught the attention of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus with his performances for the Stormers. Initially on a junior contract, Roche was nearly not offered a new deal after its expiration. However, his stellar performances have shown the coaches’ faith in him was well-placed.
Having partnered with the likes of Ruhan Nel, Wandisile Simelane, and Dan du Plessis, Roche has developed into a key player for the Stormers. His ability to break tackles, excel at the breakdown, and deliver strong defensive performances has drawn comparisons to former UCT centre and World Cup winner Damian de Allende.
Roche’s inclusion in the virtual alignment camp alongside 18 World Cup winners is an opportunity to further refine his skills and push for the coveted No 13 jersey at the Stormers for the remainder of the season. With key players like Nel, Willemse, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu unavailable for the next month, Roche’s role is set to grow even more crucial for the Stormers.
Rassie Erasmus has invited a group of 26 players, consisting mainly of overseas-based players, as well as some talented youngsters and injured players, to the first 𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗟 Springbok alignment camps of the year
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— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 19, 2025
56 locally-based players have been invited to the first Springbok alignment camp of the year, set to take place in Cape Town next month
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 14, 2025
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