Victor Matfield has a clear message for the Vodacom Bulls: Don't play into Leinster's hands in the upcoming URC final at Croke Park. With a history of losing three finals in the past four years, including a heartbreaker against Leinster in 2025, the Bulls are being urged to leverage their powerful pack and exert unyielding pressure to clinch the title.
Matfield, who captained the Bulls during their most successful years, reminisced about missed opportunities, particularly the 2023-24 final against Glasgow. "I haven’t looked too much at the previous finals, but the one they probably should have won was against Glasgow, where they had a great lead," he recalled, referencing the game where the Bulls surged ahead 13-0 only to stumble to a 21-16 defeat.
"It’s Bulls scrum vs Leinster attack"
Reflecting on the recent semi-final triumph over Glasgow, Matfield observed that the Bulls sometimes drifted from their strengths. "They had the upper hand with their forwards," he noted. "But between the two 10m lines they went to four lineouts off the top, with two turnovers and two tries against them." The legendary lock believes that a more conservative game plan would benefit the Bulls, especially when they dominate the forward battles.
Matfield argued for a tactical pivot, suggesting, "You’re not going to beat Leinster at their own game. They are just too good at it." Instead, he advocates for a strategy that utilizes the Bulls' formidable forward pack and physical prowess. "The Bulls do have the outside backs to hurt them from turnovers and from bad kicks at the back, but I would like the Bulls to really use their pack, their dominance up front and their physicality," he added.
"Nienaber will be at World Cup"
Matfield, a three-time Super Rugby champion and 2007 World Cup winner, emphasized the importance of momentum and pressure in finals rugby. "When you’re in front, how do you want to play? When you’re behind, what’s your plan?" He cited the Bulls' comeback from a 21-3 deficit against Glasgow as a testament to their resilience and belief in their strategy. "It’s all about momentum in these games," he concluded.
As the Bulls prepare for another titanic clash, the wisdom of one of their greatest could be the key to turning past disappointments into a celebratory victory. With the stage set at Croke Park, all eyes will be on whether the Bulls heed Big Vic's advice and finally turn their finals fortunes around.