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Bulls face Warriors in URC semi-final showdown

BBC Sport •
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Glasgow Warriors navigated a challenging season after their European dreams ended with a narrow defeat to Toulon. Following three consecutive losses that threatened their campaign, Franco Smith's side steadied the ship with crucial wins over Cardiff and Ulster to secure top spot in the URC table. The Warriors' quarter-final victory against Connacht sets up a semi-final showdown against the Bulls at Murrayfield, with a potential final return to the same venue on June 20.

The Bulls arrive in formidable form, boasting seven consecutive URC victories including their dominant 45-14 dismantling of Munster in the quarter-finals. South African powerhouse leads the league in tries and points, with back-row Jeandre Rudolph (20 turnovers) and scrum-half Embrose Papier (11 tries) in stellar form. The teams share a recent history, with the Bulls defeating Glasgow in last season's URC final, creating a fascinating narrative for Saturday's encounter.

The venue shift from Glasgow's familiar Scotstoun to Murrayfield presents tactical considerations. The Bulls may view the neutral setting as stripping Glasgow of home advantage, while Warriors captain Kyle Steyn embraces the opportunity to grow rugby in Scotland. Both teams recognize the match's significance, with the winner advancing to a final that could crown the season's URC champions. The Bulls' physical style will test Glasgow's clinical approach in what promises to be an intense semi-final.