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challenge cup
Lions look forward to home comforts after limping back from tour
The Lions return from their European tour with their Challenge Cup aspirations in tatters, as coach Ivan van Rooyen reflects on the team's struggles with identity and consistency following a disappointing defeat to Edinburgh
It’s all about ‘micro-comms’ for Bulls flyhalf Keagan Johannes in Munster URC clash
After a long wait, Keagan Johannes is ready to seize his moment as the Bulls flyhalf, facing a crucial challenge against Munster this weekend.
Keagan Johannes: Bulls feeling fresh on third tour week for Munster URC clash
The Bulls may have exited the Challenge Cup, but flyhalf Keagan Johannes insists they are poised to seize their moment in the URC, aiming for a top-two finish after years of near misses.
Bulls star Hanekom must find a way to play with two players on him, says Jake ahead of Munster URC clash
Bulls coach Jake White believes star No 8 Cameron Hanekom will learn to overcome opponents' targeting tactics, saying 'it's going to come with time' after the young forward struggled initially but later scored in their narrow 34-28 Challenge Cup loss to Edinburgh.
‘No right or wrong’: Bulls gain selection tips from Edinburgh Challenge Cup loss for Munster URC tie
Jake White's Bulls learned valuable selection lessons in their 34-28 Challenge Cup loss to Edinburgh, where bench players outperformed starters. After a poor first-half showing at Hive Stadium, White must now apply these insights as the team prepares for Saturday's crucial URC fixture against Munster in Limerick.
From buffet to ‘he’s got class’: Jake White praises Canan Moodie for Bulls impact in Edinburgh loss
After facing harsh 'buffet' criticism and a lengthy concussion layoff, Springbok Canan Moodie made a spectacular return for the Bulls against Edinburgh, prompting coach Jake White to declare: 'He's got class'. Despite the 34-28 defeat, Moodie's performance marks a triumphant personal comeback.
Bulls needed five more minutes to win Edinburgh Challenge Cup quarter-final, says disappointed Jake White
Bulls coach Jake White believes his team was just five minutes away from victory in their heart-breaking 34-28 Challenge Cup quarter-final loss to Edinburgh. Despite a spirited second-half comeback that saw them fight back from 31-7 down, the Bulls couldn't overcome costly yellow cards and missed opportunities in the attacking zone.
Bulls shoot themselves in the foot as second-half rally not enough in Edinburgh Challenge Cup loss
Not even a second-half rally from the replacements could rescue the Bulls from a 24-7 halftime deficit against Edinburgh as Jake White’s team missed out on an opportunity to claim some silverware.
‘He’s going to get banged and bruised’: Jake wants 80-minute Challenge Cup display from Bulls’ Hanekom against Edinburgh
Where is one-Test-cap Springbok Cameron Hanekom exactly with his fitness and game following a few stop-start months? He will hope to prove to Bok coach Rassie Erasmus that he is fine fettle for the Bulls against Edinburgh in the Challenge Cup quarter-final.
Bulls must take a chance even in knockout rugby, says Jake White on Edinburgh Challenge Cup quarter-final
The Bulls stunned with their four-try victory against Bayonne last week, but can they maintain that attacking flair on Edinburgh's fast 4G pitch? Jake White believes a balanced approach of calculated risk-taking and strategic defence will be crucial in Saturday's Challenge Cup quarter-final showdown.
‘It’s not about Jake White and Sean Everitt’: Selection juggling act for Bulls boss in Edinburgh Challenge Cup tie
Jake White dismisses the coaching rivalry narrative with former assistant Sean Everitt as he welcomes back captain Ruan Nortjé and star No 8 Cameron Hanekom to his starting XV for the Bulls' crucial Challenge Cup quarter-final against Edinburgh. With six Springboks on the bench, White reveals the delicate balance of team selection amid injury comebacks.
‘I feel like the old Stravino Jacobs’: Bulls flyer aims to run over Edinburgh in Challenge Cup quarter-final
It has taken Stravino Jacobs a while to find his feet again at Loftus Versfeld, but after a bit of a shaky return against Zebre a fortnight ago, he was back to his powerful best in the Bulls’ Challenge Cup victory over Bayonne.
Johan Goosen warns Bulls about Everitt’s Edinburgh Challenge Cup ‘tricks’
After making an emotional comeback from knee injury in France, Bulls flyhalf Johan Goosen warns teammates about former coach Sean Everitt's 'tricks' ahead of Edinburgh Challenge Cup quarter-final showdown.
What Johan Goosen thinks of Handré Pollard joining Bulls, and his ‘knee pain’
Johan Goosen will turn 33 in July, while Handré Pollard celebrated his 31st birthday in March, but Bulls coach Jake White will hope to have both playmakers at the top of their games for the Pretoria side to eye the Champions Cup title next season.
South African franchises must prioritise Champions Cup success over URC 2025/26 season
After three seasons in the elite European Champions Cup, there has been little success for the SA sides
Springboks shake-up on cards? Injuries, form may push Rassie Erasmus toward overhaul
Injuries, form fluctuations and emerging talent could force Rassie Erasmus into a dramatic Springbok team overhaul sooner than expected. From fullback to front row, established World Cup winners face intense competition for their Test jerseys ahead of critical 2025 fixtures against the Wallabies, All Blacks and Ireland.
Bulls defy odds with impressive away record: Marcell Coetzee shares team secret
Despite being knocked out of the Champions Cup after the group stage, the Pretoria side are sitting pretty in third spot on the United Rugby Championship log, and are now in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
Bulls wrecking ball Jan-Hendrik Wessels won’t try fullback in Edinburgh Challenge Cup quarter-final
Bulls front-row phenomenon Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who stunned Bayonne with his back-handed offload and dummy passes, discusses his dual role as hooker and prop ahead of the Challenge Cup quarter-final in Edinburgh.
Bulls have a plan to contain canny Scots in Edinburgh, says Marcell Coezee
The Bulls have won through to a Challenge Cup quarter-final against Edinburgh, and captain Marcell Coetzee says they are well prepared.
Mongalo praises Sharks youngsters for making Lyon sweat in Challenge Cup defeat
The Sharks were beaten by Lyon in a Challenge Cup match in France but defence coach Joey Mongalo says the young team learned plenty.
Bulls balance Challenge Cup and URC dreams: Jake White’s juggling act for Edinburgh
After a crucial win against Bayonne in France, the Bulls are now pursuing silverware on two fronts. Jake White faces challenging selection decisions for Saturday's Challenge Cup quarter-final against Edinburgh, while also preparing for critical upcoming URC fixtures against Munster and Glasgow that could determine their league position.
Sharks crash out of the Challenge Cup in Lyon as focus shifts firmly to URC
The Sharks rested top players for their Challenge Cup match in Lyon and it was no surprise when they lost.
He wasn’t sucked into the vibe – Bulls’ Jake White applauds referee Ridley after Bayonne Challenge Cup win
In a refreshing departure from coaching norms, Bulls head coach Jake White publicly praised referee Christophe Ridley following their 32-22 Challenge Cup victory over Bayonne, highlighting the official's ability to maintain clear judgment despite an intimidating atmosphere in France.
South Africa should look to the Leinster model to avoid hot-and-cold performances at provincial level
South Africa's provincial teams blow hot and cold over a season that extends from January to December, but there is a solution.
Opportunity knocks for youthful Sharks in Challenge Cup clash in Lyon
The Sharks play Lyon on Sunday night in a Challenge Cup knockout game and coach John Plumtree has sent a young side to do the job.