A TASTE OF TEST RUGBY COMING TO LOFTUS IN INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP ROUND OF 16
Loftus Versfeld Stadium is all set to present another opportunity for locals to see international rugby stars run out at the fortress in a round of 16 Investec Champions Cup clash between the Vodacom Bulls and Lyon on Saturday 06 April, 13h30 kick-off.
The two teams are set to call on their big guns for a tantalising meeting where the victor will take a spot in the quarterfinal of rugby’s most coveted club knock-out competition. Tickets start at R 50.00c and are available from Ticketpro.
“With the July test match selling out, this is another opportunity for the Loftus faithful to come and experience more international quality rugby because that is what this competition is like. Our fans have been great to us all season long and we are asking them to come out in their numbers once more,” says club co-captain, Marcell Coetzee.
“We know what the stadium is like when it is full, the inspiration every one of them gives us. They become the difference in those moments when we have our backs against the wall, like an extra player on our side. There is no better occasion to try and fill it up than this Saturday. We need everyone’s support as we look to continue with our mission in this tournament” he concludes.
Coetzee and co have impressed throughout the 2023/24 campaign, narrowly losing out to the same opponents in round 2 before registering massive wins in rounds 3 and 4 respectively, to secure a home round of 16 fixture. Their French counterparts have had a season of mixed fortunes in the group stages, doing enough to book their spot into the knockout rounds.
All of that is old talk now and both sides are expected to line up their big guns.
AN INTERNATIONAL SHOWDOWN
Lyon boasts 21 International rugby stars on their roster, 13 of whom receive regular call-ups to their respective nations and are expected to all be on duty for this mammoth clash on Saturday. Despite not having as many internationals, the Vodacom Bulls had eight players in the most recent Springbok alignment camp, an indication of ability and mettle within the herd.
The French are expected to bring the likes of Demba Bamba, Sébastien and Romain Taofinenua, Dylan Cretin, Baptiste Couilloud and Ethan Dumortier (France), Martin Page-Relo (Italy), Monty Ioane (Australia), Beka Saginadze and Davit Niniashvili (Georgia), Jordan Taufua (Samoa), Feao Fotuaika (Tonga), Semi Radradra (Fiji) – all stars with a combined tally of 168 of international caps.
Combine this with the exciting and thrilling rugby that the South African hosts have played throughout this campaign, fans have an unrivalled opportunity to witness a rugby match of an international standard.
SUMMER SEND
The Loftus D-market will be a hype of activity, as always but this time around with a twist. A summer farewell party featuring entertainment from Canadian alternate pop duo, Neon Dreams who will be part of a performing lineup that also features the Saxby Twins, Vin Deysel and Thabiso Khambule.
Mix this with the offering of good food and drink as well as entertainment for the young, and Loftus is surely the only to be as you start your Saturday afternoon.
Issued by: Blue Bulls Rugby – Communication
IMAGE CREDITS: © Vodacom Bulls
