What an evening in Durban. Historical past-making in how the outcome was determined. For the document it’s Leinster, the Bulls, in Pretoria, the Sharks and Glasgow, who advance to the semi-finals of the Vodacom URC. They had been additionally the highest 4 league groups after 18 rounds.
Durban was one thing else. Munster led 21-10 going into the final quarter. Then the Sharks led 24-21 with a couple of minutes to go. Then it was 24-all at full-time and 24-all after 20 minutes of additional time. Then to the farcical penalty kick-outs.
For a sport that appears intent to rid itself of penalty kicks and solely put worth in 5 level tries, the irony can’t be misplaced on anybody that what separated the Sharks and Munster in Durban was a soccer-type stage penalty shoot-out.
I’m all for the Golden Level on the finish of full time in a play-off.
Exterior of that, the group larger on the league desk, over 18 rounds on this occasion, advances.
That’s how I really feel it ought to have been determined in Durban.
To show the play-off right into a soccer penalty kick shoot out will not be rugby.
The correct group received 6-5 on penalties, and once I say the correct group I’m referring to 3rd place on the league desk towards six over 18 rounds.
That is no disrespect to the event and Munster’s effort in a 24-all draw. I had Muster to win, pre-game.
The Bulls had been a combination of sensible and unhealthy in seeing off Edinburgh 42-33 in Pretoria.
Leinster had been the equal of that in beating the Scarlets 33-21 in Dublin and Glasgow had been essentially the most emphatic winners in beating the Stormers 36-18 in Glasgow.
Leinster now host Glasgow and the Bulls host the Sharks in an all-South African derby and semi-final.
That is how the official URC website known as the matches:
Hollywoodbets Sharks make their first-ever look in a Semi-Closing, whereas remarkably, eight-time league winners Leinster are nonetheless chasing their first Grand Closing look within the Vodacom URC period.
The primary three seasons of Vodacom URC Play-Offs have produced a number of away wins — together with on the Semi-Closing stage — and these evenly poised match-ups may but see pleasure for the travelling groups.
2025 Vodacom URC SEMI-FINALS
Saturday, June 7
SF1: Leinster (1) v Glasgow Warriors (4)
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 14:45 UK & IRE / 15:45 SAST
Stay on RTÉ, Premier Sports activities, SuperSport, URC.television, FloRugby
SF2: Vodacom Bulls (2) v Hollywoodbets Sharks (3)
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17:15 UK & IRE / 18:15 SAST
Stay on SuperSport, Premier Sports activities, TG4, URC.television, FloRugby
The video games might be reside within the UK and Eire on Premier Sports activities, TG4, and RTÉ, with SuperSport broadcasting all of the motion in South Africa. FloRugby will carry the video games in the USA, whereas URC.television will stream matches in chosen worldwide territories, together with the Republic of Eire.
A full ‘the place to look at’ record is accessible right here
HOW WE CALLED THE PLAY-OFFS
Vodacom URC GRAND FINAL VENUES
Venues confirmed for the Grand Closing (based mostly on highest-ranked group)
Croke Park, Dublin – Leinster (1)
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – Vodacom Bulls (2)
Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – Hollywoodbets Sharks (3)
Because the No. 4-ranked group, Glasgow Warriors can’t host the Grand Closing.
For all of the match reviews, go to SA Rugby Magazine
