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5h ago

Leinster v Bulls: Croke Park Final Hinges on Scrum and Home Edge

Set-piece control at Croke Park will likely decide whether the Bulls win their first URC title.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - JUNE 14: Willie le Roux of Vodacom Bulls before the United Rugby Championship, final match between Leinster and Vodacom Bulls at Croke Park on June 14, 2025 in Dublin Ireland. (Photo by Seb Daly/Gallo Images)
Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
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BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 23: Joe McCarthy of Leinster scores his team's second try during the Investec Champions Cup Final match between Leinster Rugby and Union Bordeaux Begles at San Mames Stadium on May 23, 2026 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The URC final is set for Friday night, June 19, at Croke Park and the Bulls arrive at full strength after an eight-game winning run.
  • Former Bulls captain Victor Matfield predicts a one-point Bulls win and says their scrum and set-piece play can earn penalties and turnovers that decide the match.
  • Former Leinster captain Isa Nacewa predicts a one-point Leinster win, citing strong home support, James Lowe’s farewell and Leinster’s drive to atone for recent European disappointment.
  • The Bulls have reached four of the last five URC finals but are still seeking their first title; Leinster beat the Bulls 32-7 at the same venue last year.
  • Scrum performance, penalty count and referee decisions are likely to be decisive factors, and the Croke Park atmosphere is expected to amplify pressure on the visiting forwards.