Leinster are undoubted favourites, but the Bulls will be going all out to end their United Rugby Championship trophy drought by emerging victorious in Saturday’s final against Leinster in Dublin.
Here are five terrific player match-ups that will have a major influence on proceedings at Croke Park (6pm SA time kick-off)…
Canan Moodie v James Lowe
Springbok wing Moodie has spent quite a bit of time at outside centre this year, but is back in his favourite No 14 jersey in what will be a thrilling duel against Irish star Lowe.
Moodie’s biggest strength will be contesting the ball in the air, and he will be chasing those up-and-unders from Embrose Papier and Johan Goosen with glee.
The 22-year-old from Paarl must also take on Lowe with ball-in-hand, as his 1.9m frame will be hard to mark for Lowe.
But the former Chiefs speedster from New Zealand has the pace and huge kicking game to be a constant threat on attack for the hosts too.
Embrose Papier v Jamison Gibson-Park
While the forwards will feel they decide the results of rugby matches, the two scrumhalves will have a massive effect on the final.
Papier is in the form of his life at the moment, and he produced an outstanding display in last week’s semi-final win over the Sharks with his incredible speed.
Papier has improved his box-kicking significantly in recent seasons as well, and always provides an extra layer to the defence due to his pace.
Gibson-Park has revolutionised his career in Ireland after leaving the Auckland Blues, and his ability to maintain a high tempo on attack is what makes Leinster tick.
Marcell Coetzee v Jack Conan
Coetzee has been in superb form for the Bulls this season, which has even resulted in calls for his return to the Boks.
The experienced loose forward has excelled at openside flank, but will also bring his energetic approach to No 8, where he will be more involved in the carrying.
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Coetzee puts his body on the line on attack and defence, and will need to fill the boots of the injured Cameron Hanekom to stop the physical Conan, who is one of the hard men of Irish rugby and never shirks his defensive duties.
Johan Grobbelaar v Dan Sheehan
Grobbelaar produced arguably his finest performance against Sheehan in the 2022 semi-final at the RDS Arena, and will hope to carry those memories into the Croke Park final.
He has fallen out of the Bok reckoning this year, and will want to prove to Rassie Erasmus that he should be in the national squad by getting the better of Ireland’s first-choice hooker once more.
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Both No 2s are quick across the pitch and have a high work-rate, and are renowned for their accuracy with their lineout-throwing.
But Grobbelaar may have the edge in contesting the breakdowns…
Wilco Louw v Andrew Porter
If ever Louw wanted to secure the Springbok No 3 jersey this year, this is the game to do it.
The Bulls stalwart has been destructive throughout the campaign, with his powerful scrummaging earning a series of penalties and inspiring the rest of the front-rowers in Pretoria.
Louw is a serious unit at 144kg, and those massive thighs will go to work on Porter, who has a 21kg weight disadvantage, in the set-piece.
But Porter has built a long Test career in refining the ‘dark arts’ in the front row, coming up with all sorts of tricks to keep much bigger tightheads in check.
