RUGBY WRAP: Stormers crowned URC champions; Saders outclass Blues; Tigers tame Saracens

URC: Stormers edge Bulls in CT thriller

The Stormers beat the Bulls 18-13 in a thrilling United Rugby Championship final at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday to become the very first champions of the competition. John Dobson’s men, who headed into the match off the back of 10 straight wins, were outplayed in the first-half by a relentless Bulls outfit that scored early on through Harold Vorster and dominated territory. However, the hosts weathered the storm to trail by just 3-7 at the break.

The second half was almost an enitrely different ballgame and as the match opened up, the Stormers were able to create more opportunities and eventually scored tries through Evan Roos and Andre-Hugo Venter. The title is the Cape side’s first after falling to the same opposition in the Super Rugby final of 2010, and one that should signal the start of brighter things to come.

Saders just too good for Blues

The Blues had no answers for a Crusaders team at the top of their game in the latter’s 21-7 win in the Super Rugby Pacific final at Eden Park on Saturday. The result means a sixth-straight Super Rugby title in as many years for the Christchurch outfit since Scotty Robertson took over at the helm, a dynasty that looks set to continue given their performance on the weekend.

Tries to Bryn Hall and Sevu Reece, and 11-points off the boot of Richie Mo’unga was enough to see the Cantabrians home. Their 13-0 lead at halftime was always going to be a mountain to climb for the Blues, who were ultimately made to look like pedestrians on the night.

Burns’ late drop sinks Sarries

Replacement flyhalf Freddie Burns nailed a last-gasp drop goal to guide Leicester Tigers to a 15-12 win over Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership final on Saturday. Starting No 10 George Ford, who bagged 22 points in the semi-final win over Northampton, went off injured early on, but his deputy did a fine job in his absence to get the Tigers over the line.

Jasper Wiese was Man of the Match on the day, putting in a massive shift from the back of the scrum alongside fellow loosie try-scorer Hanro Liebenberg. The title is Leicester’s first since 2013 and marks a welcome return to glory for one of Europe’s most successful clubs.

Griquas and Pumas set for Currie Cup decider

The Griquas and Pumas will contest the Currie Cup final in Kimberley this weekend after both winning on the weekend. The former beat the Blue Bulls 30-19 at Loftus Versfeld on Friday to reach a first final since 1970. As for the Pumas, their 38-35 defeat of the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein marks their very first appearance in the title decider.