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URC history makers Leinster & Bulls chase a first title

Published

11 months ago

13th June 2025

Keo

URC history makers Leinster or the Bulls will win a first URC title. The two teams meet at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday. Here’s your Weekend Preview of all the play-offs around the world.

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URC

URC history makers Leinster, the top-ranked side, are desperate to claim their first title in the URC era after falling short in recent years. The Bulls, playing in their third final in four seasons, arrive with momentum and a 4–2 winning record against the Irish giants, having won four of their last five against the Irish giants.

It’s a clash of styles: Leinster’s structure and speed against the Bulls’ physicality and set-piece dominance.

With history on the line, expect a fiercely contested showdown in the Irish capital.

Our preview show for the big clash

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Super Rugby

Friday’s semi-final in Christchurch produced a brutal and tension filled finale when the hosts repelled 40 phases of Blues attack in the final five minutes to win for a 31st successive time at home in a play-off match.

The Crusaders, who trailed 14-12 at half-time, took a match-winning 21-14 lead in the 71st minute.

And then defended history in ensuring the match did not go to extra time and a possible first defeat against last season’s winners.

Saturday’s semi-final sees the Chiefs host the Brumbies in Hamilton. The Chiefs will back their all-court game and home support, while the Brumbies remain Australia’s last hope, armed with a smart kicking game and powerful pack. Two fierce encounters stand between these sides and a place in the final.

English Premiership

Bath and Leicester finished one and two in the Gallagher Premiership league and both hosted and won their respective semi-finals.

The final is at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, so no side is favoured as a host.

The South African influence will be big through Bath coach Johann van Graan and the in-form prop Thomas du Toit. Bath are chasing a first English league title since the game went professional in 1996.

Leicester, meanwhile, bring big-match experience and a cool head in the form of Springboks World Cup-winning flyhalf Handré Pollard. The Tigers are built for knockout rugby, and their tactical discipline has guided them past the league’s best to reach yet another final.

With contrasting styles and high-quality internationals on both sides, this final promises a fierce contest between two proud clubs with rich histories. Expect a packed Twickenham and a battle worthy of the occasion as the Premiership crowns its 2025 champion.