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Bulls Dominated by Leinster a Disappointing Loss

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Leinster Crush Bulls to Seal URC Title in Ruthless Fashion

Leinster delivered a masterclass at a packed Croke Park on Saturday night, dismantling the Vodacom Bulls 32‑7 in the United Rugby Championship final to claim their ninth title and bring an emphatic end to their recent silverware drought.

With a blend of physical dominance and clinical precision, the Irish powerhouse blitzed the Bulls with three unanswered tries inside 23 minutes—effectively ending the contest before halftime.

🔹 Leinster Set the Tone Early

The tempo was set from the outset. Jack Conan powered over in the sixth minute to ignite the home crowd of 46,000, followed by Jordie Barrett pouncing on a loose ball for a clever opportunistic try. By the 23rd minute, Josh van der Flier had crossed the line off a well-executed lineout maul, pushing the lead to 19-0.

From there, Leinster simply never let go of the grip they had on the match.

🔹 Jake White: “That Was Test Match Rugby”

In a brutally honest post-match assessment, Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White refused to blame officiating, individual players, or tactical decisions for the loss.

“We were outplayed tonight,” White said. “We were beaten by a side that I know, when they find their mojo—which they did tonight in that first 40 minutes—they’re good enough to beat anybody.”

White emphasized that Leinster’s performance was on another level entirely: “I’ll make no bones about it. That was another level up. That was Test rugby.”

The veteran coach highlighted how the Bulls simply couldn’t match Leinster’s intensity, particularly in that blistering first half. “It’s the third final we’ve played in, and standing on the field watching another team lift the trophy… I suppose those are motivational moments sportspeople take forward.”

🔹 Bulls Falter Under Relentless Pressure

While the Bulls had their moments, they lacked accuracy and cohesion. Tactical kicks from Johan Goosen and Willie le Roux failed to generate attacking returns. The Pretoria side’s one-off runners were easily nullified by Leinster’s well-drilled rush defence—credit White gave to fellow South African and former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber.

“We didn’t have people around the ball to create pressure,” White admitted. “When you’re under the pump against a good team, that’s what happens.”

Even dominant scrummaging moments from Wilco Louw couldn’t translate into meaningful territory or points. Lineout execution was patchy, and the Bulls struggled to build any momentum.

“We were never going to win that game when they got that 14-point start,” White added. “Once they get that start, I can’t remember any team that’s come back from 19-0 down and beaten them.”

🔹 Praise for Leinster’s Class

White was generous in his praise for the opposition, calling Leinster “the benchmark” in the URC and noting the level of professionalism and quality throughout the squad.

“This is not a normal rugby team,” he said. “They’re well-coached. I saw Josh van der Flier today—world-class as a player and as a person. I can’t praise them enough.”

Despite frustration, White made it clear that the Bulls were simply outgunned by a side whose tempo, fitness, and cohesion reached an elite standard. “Even the players saw a different intensity and tempo they haven’t seen all season. Everything felt like it was in fast-forward.”

In Summary

Leinster found their long-sought fluidity and delivered one of the most dominant halves of rugby in recent memory to earn the title. The Bulls, brave but blunt, were outplayed across the park. Jake White’s reaction was mature and respectful, recognizing excellence when it presented itself: “They didn’t just win. They showed us what the next level looks like.”

Bulls Dominated by Leinster a Disappointing Loss

🏆 What It Means

  • Leinster’s strength: A balanced assault—physical forward dominance backed by incisive backline execution and tight defense—ultimately overwhelmed the Bulls.

  • Historical significance: This marks Leinster’s first URC trophy since 2021, putting an end to their recent final-game frustrations.

  • Bulls’ disappointment: Their third final defeat in four years underscores persistent challenges when it matters most.

 

📊 Match Highlights

Team Points Tries Conversions Penalty Goals
Leinster 32 Conan, Barrett, van der Flier, Gunne Prendergast (2), Byrne (1) Prendergast (2)
Vodacom Bulls 7 van der Merwe Goosen –
Athlete-Running-Image-Supplied-by-Kroko

Preparing for Comrades: The athlete’s toolkit for tackling foot care woes

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South Africa’s great climate and beautiful natural resources support a vibrant running community, with trail and road running races popular countrywide. As the Comrades Marathon approaches on 9 June, many runners are preparing to compete in The Ultimate Human Race, and along with increasing endurance, foot care will need to be a priority. Kroko, manufacturers of South Africa’s leading foot care products, have shared valuable tips for athletes preparing to compete.

“The almost 90km Comrades Marathon is considered one of the world’s toughest but most prestigious road races in the world,” noted Lynsey Hammond, MD for Kroko. “It takes months of preparation, but something as simple as a blister, corn, or callus can put a runner off their game and affect their finish time. With a 12-hour cutoff, every minute counts so to support all the athletes competing, we’re sharing some tips on keeping feet healthy ahead of – and after – the race.”

  1. Get the right footwear

For marathon runners, the most important investment is the right pair of running shoes which offer support, cushioning, and stability. Shoes need to be snug but not too tight, with your toes free to move so most runners wear a size bigger than their normal shoe size. It’s best to have a backup pair for rotation during training.

  1. Wear quality socks

An often overlooked but similarly important investment is good running socks that fit well. Socks that are too tight can also cause corns and calluses.  Ill-fitting, wet cotton socks will lead to several foot health challenges including blisters. Acrylic brands that are lightweight and breathable are a good option.

  1. Keep your feet clean and dry

Before slipping your feet into socks and shoes, clean them with soap and water before drying them thoroughly – particularly between the toes. People who wear closed shoes and sweat heavily can be more prone to fungal infections too so it’s important to keep your feet as dry as possible.

  1. Keep your toenails short

Many runners are familiar with the sight of black toenails after hours of training, and while this isn’t always avoidable, the risk can be diminished. Cut your toenails regularly as longer toenails will press into your socks and running shoes, causing inflammation of the nails.

  1. Use quality foot powder

A runner’s best foot care product is a quality foot powder which absorbs moisture in the shoe and prevents blisters. Kroko Foot Powder has anti-fungal ingredients to help prevent fungal infections and athlete’s foot. The purified talc and zinc stearate will help absorb excess moisture. For best results, sprinkle the powder directly onto the foot as well as in the shoes.

  1. Strengthen and stretch your feet

Prevent foot injuries by stretching your feet and toes such as flexing and pointing toes or rolling a tennis ball underfoot. Another great one is standing with both feet flat on the floor, and then slowly lifting the big toe only on each foot. This improves circulation, strengthens feet, and can reduce the risk of cramps when running. A magnesium supplement will also help prevent cramps in the feet and other muscles.

  1. Treat corns and calluses early

Many experienced marathon runners have experienced the discomfort of corns and calluses. These are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when the skin tries to protect itself against friction or pressure like from running shoes. It’s best to treat these quickly with effective products that yield results. Kroko’s flagship corn and callus remover has been the go-to treatment since 1936. The brand also has medicated Corn Plasters, Corn Protectors, and CornFix – an innovative liquid application with corn protectors included in the pack. Kroko’s corn and callus treatments are a runner’s best friend!

“The Kroko team would like to wish all Comrades Marathon runners success in this year’s race,” continued Hammond. “Know that Kroko is with you every step of the way!”

For more information, visit www.kroko.co.za or email info@kroko.co.za. Keep updated on all Kroko news by following Krokofootcare on Facebook or kroko_footcare on Instagram.