URC Knockout Playoffs: Vodacom Bulls Expect War at Loftus Against Fearless Edinburgh
The Vodacom Bulls are no strangers to the rigours of knockout rugby. As they gear up for their United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final against Edinburgh, they understand that playing at Loftus Versfeld offers an edge. However, it is not a guarantee.
Vodacom Bulls vs Edinburgh Match Details
- Fixture: Vodacom Bulls vs Edinburgh
- Competition: United Rugby Championship – Quarter-Final
- Date: Saturday, 1 June 2025
- Kick-off Time: 13:30 (SAST)
- Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
- Broadcast: SuperSport Rugby and DStv Now
Home Comforts Can’t Replace Hunger
While the Pretoria-based side enjoys the comforts of their fortress and finished the regular season higher up the log, they are well aware that the play-offs demand a different mindset characteristic of the URC knockout phase. Director of Rugby Jake White has warned against complacency. He stresses that knockout matches are decided by urgency, composure, and relentless execution. This is not influenced by past form or home-ground advantage.
The Bulls will enter Saturday’s 13:30 clash with a near full-strength line-up. However, White’s emphasis has been on attitude and discipline. Edinburgh, although sneaking into the top eight, have built a reputation for disrupting more fancied sides. They are unlikely to be overawed by the occasion or the high altitude of Pretoria.
URC Knockout Rugby Calls for Ruthlessness
Jake White has been vocal about the need to start with intensity and apply scoreboard pressure early. This would stifle any confidence the Scots might build. Edinburgh have proven themselves resilient, with international pedigree scattered across their starting XV and bench. Players like Duhan van der Merwe, Hamish Watson, and Pierre Schoeman bring British & Irish Lions experience. They know what it takes to compete at the highest level.
White is adamant that the Bulls cannot afford to think ahead to potential semi-final opponents. “Edinburgh are full of internationals. They’ve got depth, resources, and they fight hard until the final whistle,” he said.
Maturity of a Growing Group
For White, this year’s quarter-final represents more than just another playoff fixture in the URC Knockout rounds. It’s a test of the team’s evolution. He reflected on their run to the final in their first URC season with a largely youthful squad. He believes the squad is now beginning to peak.
“Back then, the average age was just 23,” he explained. “Since then, we’ve added experience like Willie le Roux. Others like Johan Grobbelaar and Ruan Nortjé have grown into their roles. You can feel a different energy in the camp this time.”
That blend of youth and experience will be crucial. The Bulls will once again look to dominate up front. The return of Marcell Coetzee adds steel to the pack. Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw bolster the front row alongside Jan Hendrik Wessels. This forms a scrum unit capable of applying serious pressure.
Backline Firepower Returns
The Bulls backline, led by seasoned Springbok Le Roux at fullback, offers flair and firepower. Embrose Papier resumes his halfback partnership with Keagan Johannes, while Harold Vorster and David Kriel line up in midfield. Wingers Canan Moodie and Sebastian de Klerk round off a dangerous back three, ready to exploit space out wide.
Despite the return of key personnel, one poignant change remains. The No. 14 jersey, worn by the late Cornal Hendricks, will be respectfully retired for the remainder of the URC Knockout season. The chosen winger will instead don jersey 23 or 24. This is a tribute to Hendricks’ legacy.
Edinburgh Will Not Roll Over
Though some may see Edinburgh as underdogs, their record suggests otherwise. They bring physicality, experience, and an appetite for disruption. With nothing to lose, they will relish the role of party spoilers in Pretoria.
For the Bulls, success will come down to urgency, execution, and focus. They know knockout rugby in the URC Knockout phase is about seizing the moment. In this crucial home fixture, they must show they are ready to rise once again.
Also read: URC Knockouts: Are the Bulls and Stormers Built for Glory?
