Since the competition began in 2021/22, at least one South African franchise has reached the final every season, and both teams will be determined to keep that impressive record intact.

The Bulls are first in action when they face defending champions Glasgow Warriors at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. Later, the Stormers travel to Dublin for a daunting clash against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium. With a place in the Grand Final at stake, both sides face their biggest tests of the season.

Bulls versus Glasgow Warriors. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Bulls head into their semi-final brimming with confidence after winning seven matches in a row. Their impressive 45-14 victory over Munster in last weekend’s quarter-final reinforced their credentials as genuine title contenders.

However, Glasgow will provide a stern challenge. The Scottish side finished top of the regular-season standings and have been exceptionally difficult to beat throughout the campaign. 

Although they are playing away from their usual home ground, the Warriors remain unbeaten at home in the competition this season and will enjoy strong support in Edinburgh.

Embrose Papier in the 2024 final at Loftus Versfeld. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Pretoria outfit will also be motivated by memories of their defeat to Glasgow in the 2024 final. A victory on Saturday would not only secure a third successive appearance in the championship decider but also move them one step closer to a first URC title.

The semi-final promises to be a fascinating contest between attack and defence. The Bulls have been among the most potent attacking teams in the tournament, while Glasgow have built their success on a disciplined defensive system.

The Stormers, meanwhile, face a huge task against a Leinster side eager to bounce back after losing the Investec Champions Cup final to Bordeaux. The Irish giants will be determined to keep their title defence alive on home soil.

Leinster versus the Stormers in Dublin. Photo: URC

John Dobson’s team earned their place in the last four with a convincing 44-21 victory over Cardiff in Cape Town. However, they know they will need to produce one of their best performances of the season to overcome Leinster in Dublin.

The Cape side have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, winning only two of their last five matches. Their preparations have also been disrupted by the loss of Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who suffered an injury in the quarter-final.

Despite that setback, the Stormers have reasons to be optimistic. They have performed well away from home this season and can take confidence from their emphatic 35-0 victory over Leinster earlier in the campaign.

Jurie Matthee will start at flyhalf with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu being injured. Photo: Stormers

Leinster are expected to be a far tougher proposition in Dublin, but the memory of that result could provide an important psychological edge for the visitors. While Leinster have excelled on attack throughout the season, the Stormers have been one of the competition’s strongest defensive teams.

A Stormers victory would secure their first appearance in the Grand Final since the 2022/23 season, while a Bulls win would keep their quest for a maiden title on track.

With two blockbuster semi-finals on the schedule, South African rugby supporters can expect a thrilling Saturday as both teams look to continue the country’s strong tradition in the competition.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg