The Vodacom Bulls’ powerful scrum and Leinster’s clinical attack are set to determine Friday night’s Vodacom URC final at Croke Park. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports.
According to former Bulls captain Victor Matfield and ex-Leinster skipper Isa Nacewa, both sides possess a clear strength capable of deciding the contest.
“If you only had to pick one weapon for the Bulls, it would be the scrum,” said Matfield on Tuesday.
“They’ve got the same front row that really destroyed Ireland on the end-of-year tour. They’ll want penalties and maybe even yellow cards from their scrum.”
Nacewa agreed, saying: “The Bulls scrum is the uppercut, the left hook and the right hook against most teams. It’s a huge strength and they use it as a weapon consistently.”
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Leinster’s threat, meanwhile, lies in their ability to punish teams inside the opposition 22.
“When Leinster get into your 22, their execution is unbelievable,” Matfield said. “Their conversion rate is excellent. If you give them too many opportunities there, you’re in trouble.”
Nacewa highlighted scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park as the key figure behind Leinster’s attacking game.
“He’s the heartbeat of their attack. The tempo he brings is massive and when Leinster are firing, a lot of it starts with him.”
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Both men also believe the opening exchanges will be critical.
“I think Leinster will be aware of the start they got in last year’s final [a 19-0 lead after 22 minutes],” said Nacewa. “The first 20 minutes really intrigues me.”
Both Matfield and Nacewa noted how the Stormers physically challenged Leinster in the semi-final two weeks ago which nullified the Irish club’s renowned fast start.
“The Stormers made them grind for large parts of that game. The Bulls have been one of the most consistent teams in the competition over the past five years and they’ll look to do something similar,” Matfield said.
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But he warned that if the Bulls allow soft entries into their 22, they could be punished.
“If Leinster start building a lead, you’re in big trouble. That’s why the start and the physical battle up front are going to be so important.”
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Photo: Vodacom Bulls
The post Big Vic: It’s Bulls scrum vs Leinster attack appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Vodacom Bulls’ powerful scrum and Leinster’s clinical attack are set to determine Friday night’s Vodacom URC final at Croke Park.
The post Big Vic: It’s Bulls scrum vs Leinster attack appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
