Poging GOUD - Vrij
Louw anticipates scrum showdown with Sharks' Springbok front row
The Mercury
|June 05, 2025
WHILE Wilco Louw didn't want to make Saturday's scrum duel with Ox Nche a two-man battle, the Bulls' hardman is eager to test himself against the front row of the Sharks in a high-stakes clash.
Loftus Versfeld (6.15pm kick-off) will host the second semi-final of the United Rugby Championship (URC) and while the match is already a high-profile one, the scrum battle between the two sides could enhance the clash.
Two Springbok front rows will go up against each other in all likelihood with Louw leading the Bulls' onslaught alongside young Boks hooker Johan Grobbelaar and loosehead prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels. On the side of the Sharks, it's a veteran front-row with Nche, and double World Cup winners Bongi Mbonambi (hooker) and Vincent Koch (tighthead) probably waiting on the Bulls.
According to Louw, who on Wednesday was selected in the URC Elite XV of the season, they are putting in the work to halt the Sharks' scrum come Saturday.
Dit verhaal komt uit de June 05, 2025-editie van The Mercury.
Abonneer u op Magzter GOLD voor toegang tot duizenden zorgvuldig samengestelde premiumverhalen en meer dan 9000 tijdschriften en kranten.
Bent u al abonnee? Aanmelden
MEER VERHALEN VAN The Mercury
The Mercury
New boy De Jong eyes league glory with 'exciting’ Pirates
OBAKENG MELETSE
2 mins
January 15, 2026
The Mercury
Los Angeles 2028 chiefs promise accessible tickets
LOS Angeles 2028 Olympics chiefs promised an “affordable and inclusive” Games as they prepared to open registration for a lottery to buy tickets.
2 mins
January 15, 2026
The Mercury
Can Hunt spark the revival of Stellies?
WHAT started as a minor stumble has grown heavier with each passing fixture, leaving an uncharacteristic Stellenbosch FC still searching for the rhythm that once defined them.
2 mins
January 15, 2026
The Mercury
EFF challenges Manamela over lack of post-school placements
THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has taken aim at the Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, questioning the government's commitment to absorbing all matriculants into post-school education.
1 mins
January 15, 2026
The Mercury
Geoeconomic confrontation tops global risk outlook: WEF
GEOECONOMIC confrontation has emerged as the most pressing global risk for 2026, underscoring a world increasingly shaped by rivalry, fragmentation and economic weaponisation, according to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Risks Report 2026 released on Wednesday.
2 mins
January 15, 2026
The Mercury
Ox Nche credits JP Pietersen for Sharks' newfound grit
SPRINGBOK prop Ox Nche has credited Sharks coach JP Pietersen with transforming the squad’s mindset since taking over from John Plumtree.
2 mins
January 15, 2026
The Mercury
Sub-Saharan Africa growth set to strengthen, but risks cloud region's recovery, says World Bank
ECONOMIC growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) strengthened in 2025 and is expected to pick up further over the next two years, supported by easing inflation, improving financial conditions and stronger investment and exports.
3 mins
January 15, 2026
The Mercury
World Cup crisis as thousands cancel US trip
Safety fears prompt international fans to rethink travel plans
3 mins
January 15, 2026
The Mercury
Reframing results: why your matric pass is not the end of your future
THE release of the National Senior Certificate results is often treated like a high-stakes sports final.
2 mins
January 15, 2026
The Mercury
Trail goes cold in UK abandoned babies mystery as investigation stalls
TWO years after a newborn baby was found abandoned on a freezing winter's night, London police look set to shelve their investigation despite having discovered that she is the sibling of two other babies found in similar circumstances.
2 mins
January 15, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size