North-South derby draws record URC crowd
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The Stormers and Bulls’ rescheduled round-one Vodacom URC clash at Cape Town Stadium last week set a new season-high attendance in the competition.
The North-South derby on Saturday delivered on its billing, drawing a record crowd of 47 171 for a URC match outside of Leinster's Croke Park showdown with Munster. The Bulls edged the Stormers 33-32 in a nine-try thriller, reinforcing the fierce rivalry between the two South African giants.
Speaking post-match, Bulls boss Jake White compared the spectacle to a Test match, praising the intensity and atmosphere. "These derbies are what it's all about. People will talk about this one for a long time. It felt like a Test match," said White.
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"Until the last play, it could have gone either way. That's what you want – great entertainment."
White also acknowledged the impact of the Cape Town crowd. "It's unbelievable to see a full stadium. It shows how important rugby is here and is a compliment to the Bulls. If this is the big fixture, then we're doing something right."
Stormers coach John Dobson lamented the close loss but found positives in his team's late charge: "It's disappointing to lose at home, but I'm proud of the fight at the end. We dominated the last 20 or 30 minutes and were so close to winning."
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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