The Vodacom Bulls are determined to conquer Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (18:00) as they host the Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship (URC) grand final.

Their sights are firmly set on becoming the second South African team to lift the trophy, after the Stormers in 2022.

A Bulls victory would hold immense significance for South African rugby. It would solidify the nation’s status as a global powerhouse, following the Springboks’ consecutive Rugby World Cup victories and the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ triumph in the EPCR Challenge Cup last month. The Sharks’ 36-22 victory over Gloucester marked the first time a South African domestic team claimed this title.

The Bulls enter the clash as favorites. Home advantage and a second-place finish in the pool stages (two spots above Glasgow) bolster their position. However, an epic battle awaits, as both teams boast 15 wins each this season. Fortunately for Jake White’s men, they ride a wave of momentum after securing home victories in their last two playoff matches against Benetton and Leinster.

The newly crowned SA Shield winners further benefit from boasting the competition’s most potent attack, amassing 694 points compared to Glasgow’s 563. Additionally, they’ve only lost once at Loftus Versfeld all season. They even secured a 40-34 win over Glasgow in a similar encounter during the pool stages.

However, the Bulls shouldn’t underestimate Glasgow’s defensive prowess. They’ve conceded only 373 points in their 20 matches this season, compared to the Bulls’ 476. Notably, the Bulls only edged out the Scottish team by seven points in their previous meeting.

Despite this, Glasgow has only beaten the Bulls once in their last three URC encounters dating back to 2022, with that sole victory coming at Scotstoun Stadium. While Glasgow has shown effectiveness on the road this season, winning six of their 10 away matches, they fell short in both their South African fixtures against the Emirates Lions and the Bulls.

History holds little weight in this championship decider. With the coveted URC title on the line, a captivating final is guaranteed.

Picture courtesy of www.inpho.ie