Akker emphasizes the Bulls need for dominance throughout the URC final at Croke Park.
Hooker Akker van der Merwe says it is crucial the Bulls’ reserves maintain scrum dominance throughout the URC final at Croke Park.
The Bulls are preparing for a third appearance in the URC final in four seasons and come in with confidence after a 25-13 win over the Sharks. They also hold a 4-2 record against Leinster, including two semi-final wins – a famous victory at the RDS Arena in 2022, and against Loftus last season.
We pride ourselves on our set piece,” said Van der Merwe. “It’s Bulls’ tradition to be forward dominant.”
With tighthead prop Wilco Louw buckling the Sharks’ Springbok duo of Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi, the Bulls scrum dominated the first half of the semi-final but relinquished that control after half time when Van der Merwe jogged on with the reserve front row.
“There were a few scrums this week we weren’t proud of,” he added. “It needs to be better, especially in a final. There can’t be any soft moments.”
Leinster arrive in their first URC final after blowing away defending champions Glasgow 37-19 at the Aviva Stadium. The Irish giants have fallen short in recent playoffs despite a squad stacked with internationals and one of the best overall records in the competition.
“They’ve got threats everywhere, at the scrum, lineout and open play. It’s going to be tough for the entire game,” Van der Merwe said.
It’s not just about the starting team. The bench is massive. It’s a 23-man game, and everyone’s made a step up this season.”
While Leinster are the favourites, the Bulls have focused on staying grounded.
Appreciating the moment is something we’ve been driving since Munster and Glasgow,” said Van der Merwe.
“Have a smile on your face, enjoy it, but stay in control. The ref is outside of our control, so we just have to do what we can and make his life just a bit easier.
“It is a big occasion,” added the veteran rake. “But we don’t need to make the moment bigger.
“There are no egos here. Everyone always talks about brotherhood and I think that we have it. If we control what we can, we’ll be all right.”
