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IOL News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
‘That's not a young team!' Leinster coach Cullen wary of Bulls ‘siege mentality' in URC final
Leinster flank Josh van der Flier is back from injury for the URC final against the Bulls. Photo: INPHO Image: INPHO Leinster coach Leo Cullen has warned his team not to have a 'false sense' of security that they will beat the Bulls in Saturday's United Rugby Championship final in Dublin (6pm SA time start. Calling the Pretoria side a 'juggernaut team', long-serving mentor Cullen is under pressure to deliver some silverware at Croke Park after a number of near-misses in the Champions Cup and URC over the last few years. Having won several PRO14 titles previously, Saturday's title decider will actually be Leinster's first URC final. So, in some ways, they are in a similar boat to Jake White's Bulls, who lost their two previous URC championship games – going down to the Stormers in 2022 and Glasgow last year. With loads of Irish internationals across the squad, Leinster are definite favourites to win on Saturday, but that doesn't mean it will be a stroll to victory. 'I feel like I'm being distracted from the Bulls now. But if you look through their team... Listen, they have a ton of experience,' Cullen said. 'I know Jake was saying they're a young squad. I'm not sure what squad he's talking about. That's not a young group. That's not a young team! He was talking about that on Tuesday. 'Is he trying to lure us all into some sort of false sense, is he? A young group. Do you see a young group there? Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'There's a serious, experienced group that we're up against. And a team that has unbelievably high standards, that is used to winning. 'It's in their blood, isn't it? It's rugby. It's on morning, noon and night (in South Africa), isn't it?' Cullen made a few changes to his team, bringing in experienced Test centre Garry Ringrose at No 13 and renowned openside flank Josh van der Flier after they recovered from injuries. Springbok giant RG Snyman will look to make a big impact off the bench as well against his former team, so Leinster are well equipped to put real heat on the Bulls. But the visitors have won four out of six games against the Irish province, including two semi-finals, and won't be overawed by the occasion. Heavy rain is forecast for Dublin on Saturday, which could level the playing field. 'Obviously, we played the Bulls in the semi-final last year and we lost, and we had to travel down to Pretoria and try to deal with some of those challenges. They look like they've got here okay,' Cullen said. 'From our point of view, does it (Bulls having to travel to Dublin) give us a slight advantage, extra day on the Monday... 'Obviously, they're together, time together, build a bit of a siege mentality from their point of view. 'The lads have trained well this week, put a good plan together, but we know you've got to deliver it. 'So, you can have a great plan, but you need to deliver with the right level of intensity on the day. 'If the conditions are like that (wet) on the weekend, we need to make sure we're able to adapt on the day, so getting the feel for conditions is important.'
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Leinster handed massive boost ahead of URC Grand Final as Leo Cullen announces team for Croke Park decider
LEO Cullen has been given a huge boost ahead of Leinster's URC final showdown with Bulls Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose have shaken off injury concerns to take their place in the 2 Leon Cullen and Leinster have been handed a huge boost ahead of the URC final against the Bulls 2 Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose have been passed fit for the decider at Croke Park But it's not all roses as the clash comes too soon for Meanwhile, 2022 World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier proved his fitness after picking up a hamstring knock in last week's semi-final win over Glasgow. Ringrose returns from a calf injury to a strong midfield pairing with Jordie Barrett. They are the only changes from last week's triumph at Aviva Stadium. read more on rugby On the bench, Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, and Rabah Slimani provide front-row depth, with RG Snyman and Max Deegan among the forward reinforcements. Jamie Osborne is joined by Luke McGrath and the departing Ross Byrne, who is set to make his 186th and final appearance for Leinster. The action gets underway from 5pm KO, live on TG4 and Premier Sports 1. Leinster team to face Bulls: Most read in Rugby Union Jimmy O'Brien; Tommy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan (capt). Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jamie Osborne. Bulls team to face Leinster: Willie le Roux; Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Sebastian de Klerk; Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier; Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw; Cobus Wiese, JF van Heerden; Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje (capt), Marcell Coetzee. Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Alulutho Tshakweni, Mornay Smith, Jannes Kirsten, Nizaam Carr, Zak Burger, Keagan Johannes, Devon Williams.
RTÉ News
12-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Leinster pair Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier passed fit for URC final
Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose have overcome injuries to take their place in the Leinster team for Saturday's BKT URC final against Bulls. However, the game comes too soon for fellow British and Irish Lions duo Tadhg Furlong and Hugo Keenan, who miss out on the Croke Park showdown (Saturday 5pm) with calf issues. Ireland flanker Van der Flier suffered a hamstring injury in the quarter-final against Scarlets, while centre Ringrose has recovered from a calf injury. They are the only changes to the side that beat Glasgow in the semi-final. Joe McCarthy and James Ryan continue their partnership in the second row with Andrew Porter and Thomas Clarkson scrumming down either side of hooker Dan Sheehan. Ringrose partners Jordie Barrett in the centre, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast the half-backs. Tommy O'Brien and James Lowe continue on the wings with Jimmy O'Brien named at full-back once more. Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle and Rabah Slimani provide the front row reinforcements with RG Snyman and Max Deegan providing cover from the bench. Jamie Osborne moves to the replacements alongside Luke McGrath and the departing Ross Byrne, who is set to make his 186th and final appearance for Leinster. Meanwhile, Bulls coach Jake White has made one change to the team that beat the Sharks last weekend. Marco van Staden comes into replace injured back row Cameron Hanekom, with Marcell Coetzee moving to number 8. Leinster: Jimmy O'Brien; Tommy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan (capt). Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jamie Osborne. Bulls: Willie le Roux; Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Sebastian de Klerk; Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier; Jan-hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw; Cobus Wiese, JF van Heerden; Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje (capt), Marcell Coetzee.
Irish Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Six of the best games between Leinster and Bulls ahead of URC final
September 25th, 2021, Aviva Stadium Leinster 31 Bulls 3 It was all about the frontrow in terms of some of the headline makers from a Leinster perspective in a first competitive league meeting between the teams, the Bulls having arrived in Dublin as recently crowned Currie Cup champions. Andrew Porter had a good first outing after switching back to loosehead prop, new signing Michael Ala'alatoa impressed on his debut while Cian Healy's cameo at tighthead prop went well. No one caught the eye more than Josh van der Flier who simply resumed where he left off the previous season, with an all-action, try-scoring, multi-purpose man of the match display. Porter, replacement hooker James Tracy and Ross Byrne scored Leinster's other tries. Leinster: H Keenan; R O'Loughlin, G Ringrose, C Frawley, J Lowe; J Sexton (capt), L McGrath; A Porter, D Sheehan, M Ala'alatoa; R Molony, J Ryan; R Ruddock, J van der Flier, C Doris. Replacements: E Byrne for Porter (26-40 mins), M Deegan for Doris (34 mins), J Tracy for Sheahan (51 mins), J Gibson-Park for McGrath (53 mins), C Healy for Ala'alatoa, R Byrne for Sexton (both 58 mins), R Baird for Ryan, J Osborne for Lowe (both 68 mins). READ MORE Vodacom Bulls: D Kriel; C Hendricks, L Mapoe, H Vorster, M Tambwe; J Goosen, Z Burger; G Steenekamp, B du Plessis, M Smith; W Steenkamp, R Nortje; M Coetzee (capt), A Botha, E Louw. Replacements: J du Plessis for Botha (48 mins), J van Zyl for du Plessis, J Swanepoel for Steenkamp (both 51 mins), S Matanzima for Steenekamp, J van Rooyen for Smith (both 63 mins), K Johannes for Burger (66 mins), S Gans for Mapoe (69 mins), C Smith for Goosen (72 mins). June 10th, 2022, RDS Leinster 26 Bulls 27 Leinster's Garry Ringrose dejected after losing to Bulls in 2022. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho The first of two URC semi-final clashes between the teams with Jake White's Bulls coming up with a smart game plan that declawed Leinster's set piece and in particular the lineout. The South African side's maiden victory on Irish soil was sealed by a late Morne Steyn penalty. A Bulls purple patch, midway through a rain-hit first half, delivered tries from hooker Johan Grobbelaar and captain, the ex-Ulster flanker Marcell Coetzee for a 17-14 half-time lead. Leinster suffered a double whammy of a penalty try and a yellow card for captain James Ryan. Incidentally Saturday's referee Andrea Piardi presided over this game. For the first time in six seasons, Leinster ended a campaign trophyless. Leinster: J O'Brien; J Larmour, G Ringrose; R Henshaw, R O'Loughlin; R Byrne, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J McCarthy, J Ryan (capt); C Doris, J van der Flier, J Conan. Replacements: M Ala'alatoa for Furlong (51 mins), R Molony for McCarthy, J Sexton for Byrne (both 54 mins), L McGrath for Gibson-Park (66 mins), R Ruddock for Conan (70 mins), C Frawley for O'Loughlin (77 mins), C Healy for Porter (79 mins). Bulls: C Moodie, D Kriel, C Hendricks, H Vorster, M Tambwe, C Smith, Z Burger; G Steenekamp, J Grobbelaar, M Smith; W Steenkamp, R Nortje; M Coetzee (capt), A Botha, E Louw. Replacements: K-L Arendse for Kriel (37 mins), S Matanzima for G Steenekamp, R Hunt for M Smith, J Swanepoel (all 57 mins), E Papier for Burger (64 mins), B du Plessis for Grobbelaar (66 mins), WJ Steenkamp for Botha (71 mins), M Steyn for C Smith (74 mins). April 22nd, 2023, Loftus Versfeld Bulls 62 Leinster 7 Canan Moodie of the Vodacom Bulls scores a try despite Dave Kearney of Leinster in 2023. Photograph: Deon van der Merwe/Steve Haag/Inpho The Bulls inflicted a first defeat in the URC for Leinster that season when they thrashed a callow visiting side that included several academy players Leinster lost for the first time in the United Rugby Championship that season. Bulls hooker Johan Grobbelaar showed how much he enjoyed playing against Leinster with a brace of tries – he has four in total in matches against Leo Cullen's teams – while Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse also chipped in with a brace each. Prop Michael Milne scored Leinster's only try as the Irish province rested their senior players, having already secured first place in the URC table. Sam Prendergast, who kicked a conversion, was winning just his second cap having made his debut against the Lions the previous week. Bulls: C Moodie; D Kriel, C Hendricks, H Vorster, M Tambwe; C Smith, Z Burger; G Steenekamp, J Grobbelaar, M Smith; W Steenekamp, R Nortje; M Coetzee (capt), A Botha, E Louw. Replacements: B du Plessis, S Matanzima, R Hunt, J Swanepoel, WJ Steenkamp, E Papier, M Steyn, K-L Arendse. Leinster: C Cosgrove; T O'Brien, L Turner, B Brownlee, D Kearney; S Prendergast, N McCarthy; E Byrne, T McElroy, T Clarkson; A Soroka, B Deeny; J Culhane, W Connors, M Deegan. Replacements: L Barron, M Milne, T Lasisi, C O'Tighearnaigh, L Molony, B Murphy, C Tector, R Russell. March 29th, 2024, RDS Arena Leinster 47 Bulls 14 Leinster's Liam Turner celebrates scoring their seventh try with Rob Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park in 2024. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho Leinster managed to shake off scrum issues to come through and win at a canter in the end. On three occasions the home side were penalised at scrum time early on leading to a formal warning, but they managed to subsequently address the problems. The Irish province who scored seven tries, five in a second-half blitz, went into the game at the head of the league table and four points ahead of their second placed South African opponents. Josh van der Flier, Rónan Kelleher, James Lowe, Michael Milne, Dan Sheehan, Jack Conan and Liam Turner were the try scorers. Leinster: J Larmour; R Russell, R Henshaw, J Osborne, J Lowe; H Byrne, L McGrath (c); C Healy, R Kelleher, M Ala'alatoa, R Moloney, J McCarthy, R Baird, J van der Flier, J Conan. Replacements: D Sheehan for Kelleher (45 mins); M Milne for Healy (45 mins); T Furlong for Ala'alatoa (45 mins); J Jenkins for Molony (45 mins); J Gibson-Park for McGrath (45 mins); L Turner for Henshaw (51 mins), R Byrne for H Byrne (54 mins), C Doris for van der Flier (67 mins). Bulls: W Le Roux; K Lee Arendse, C Moodie, D Kriel, D Williams; J Goosen, E Papier; G Steenekamp, A van der Merwe, W Louw; R Vermaak, R Nortje; M van Staden, E Louw, M Coetzee (capt). Replacements: M Gumede for van Staden (22 mins); H Vorster for Williams (51 mins); J Grobbelaar for van der Merwe (52 mins); M Smith for Steenekamp (52 mins), S Matanzima for W Louw (62 mins); R Ludwig for R Vermaak (62 mins); Z Burger for Papier (65 mins); C Smith for Goosen (65 mins). June 15th, 2024, Loftus Versfeld Bulls 25 Leinster 20 James Ryan of Leinster dejected after the match in 2024. Photograph: Christiaan Kotze/Steve Haag Sports/Inpho Johnny Watterson wrote: 'From the beginning, the Bulls opted to test Leinster under high balls and crossfield kicks from Willie le Roux and outhalf Johan Goosen, their tactics spelling out from early on and throughout the opening 40 minutes the variety of play they were offering.' This URC semi-final was notable for the return of Garry Ringrose from injury for the first time since January, two tries from Bulls right wing Sergeal Petersen, who also got a yellow card and the avalanche of criticism that referee Sam Grove-White endured post-match from the local scribes who felt the visitors got away with blue murder. Petersen broke the deadlock, 20-20, on 66 minutes with the match-winning score. Bulls: W Le Roux (C Smit 55); S Petersen, D Kriel, H Vorster, D Williams; J Goosen, E Papier; G Steenekamp (S Matanzima 60), J Grobbelaar (A van der Merwe 41), W Louw; R Vermaak (R Ludwig 65), R Nortje (capt); M van Staden (N Carr 60), E Louw (F Klopper 60), C Hanekom. Leinster: J O'Brien (C Frawley 51); J Larmour, G Ringrose (J Osborne 68), R Henshaw, J Lowe; R Byrne, J Gibson-Park (L McGrath 55); A Porter (C Healy 73), D Sheehan (R Kelleher 51), T Furlong (M Ala'alatoa 51); J McCarthy, J Ryan (capt) (R Molony 68); R Baird, J van der Flier (J Conan 60), C Doris. March 22nd, 2025, Loftus Versfeld Bulls 21 Leinster 20 The Bulls team celebrates as the referee awards a penalty to them in the last seconds of the match. Photogrpah: Christiaan Kotze/Steve Haag Sports David Kriel's 84th-minute penalty inflicted a first URC defeat of the season when these side met earlier in the campaign in Pretoria. Leinster lost two players to injuries in the first 10 minutes -James Culhane and Max Deegan. Leo Cullen admitted: 'We were very close to winning the game, but some penalties let the Bulls back into the contest. There were some discipline issues, and the Bulls' main strength is that they get you down in the corner and then drive for the line. You just need to get the balance right between the effort part and being disciplined in what you do, especially away from home.' The Bulls managed to pull out the win despite having Sebastien de Klerk sent off late on. Bulls: W Le Roux; S de Klerk, D Kriel, H Vorster, S Jacobs; K Johannes, E Papier; A Tshakweni, A van der Marwe, W Louw; R Vermaak, JF van Heerden; M Coetzee (capt), J Kirsten, C Hanekom. Replacements: J Wessels for Kirsten (19 mins), J Grobbelaar for Van der Merwe (40), M Van Staden for Hanekom (47), M Smith for Louw (52), Z Burger for Papier (60), D Williams for Johannes (70), N Carr for Kirsten (74). Leinster: J O'Brien; T O'Brien, H Cooney, J Barrett, A Osborne; R Byrne, L McGrath (capt); J Boyle, J McKee, R Slimani; RG Snyman, D Mangan; M Deegan, W Connors, J Culhane. Replacements: A Soroka For Culhane (7 mins), S Penny for Deegan (10), C Frawley for Byrne (21-30), F Gunne for Osborne (27), S Smyth for McKee, T Clarkson for Slimani, B Deeny for Soroka (all 47), I Soroka for Boyle 60 mins.
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Leinster issue worrying injury update ahead of URC Grand Final against Bulls as Leo Cullen made to sweat on key players
LEINSTER boss Leo Cullen is sweating on the fitness of several key stars ahead of Saturday's United Rugby Championship Grand Final against the Vodacom Bulls. Advertisement 2 Leinster boss Leo Cullen issed an injury update ahead of the URC final against the Bulls 2 Josh van der Flier is one of a number of players that are facing a fitness battle for Leinster ahead of the decider against the Bulls Cullen confirmed that Tommy O'Brien came through last weekend's Jordan Larmour is also back in the mix after being named in the extended match day squad last time out. The winger is expected to be in contention for a place in the 23. But it's far from plain sailing elsewhere, with four big names being closely monitored. Advertisement read more on rugby Tadhg Furlong, Garry Ringrose and Hugo Keenan are all nursing calf injuries and will undergo further assessment during the week. Meanwhile, 2022 World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier is facing a race against time to prove his fitness after picking up a hamstring knock. Leinster said a final call will be made on their availability closer to kick-off. There's no change on the status of Will Connors, Brian Deeny, Caelan Doris, and Robbie Henshaw, who all remain doubtful at this stage. Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union With a historic final taking place at Croke Park, Leinster are desperate to end their recent run of near-misses, and land the But they may have to do it without some of their biggest names at the historic venue. 'Big weekend' - Peter O'Mahony embarking on hectic gardening project as he aims to add '300 plants' The action get underway from 5pm KO, live on TG4 and Premier Sports 1.
