The Sharks made history by becoming the first South African team to win a European cup title, triumphing over Gloucester in the EPCR Challenge Cup final held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after 28 years. The Sharks dominated the match with a 16-3 lead at halftime, thanks to a try by Phepsi Buthelezi and Siya Masuku's perfect kicking performance. Vincent Koch's strong performance in the scrum, including a 50:22 kick, was pivotal to the victory. Captain Eben Etzebeth and coach John Plumtree praised the team's effort and adherence to the game plan.
𝑰𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 🏆 Watch Leinster vs Toulouse battle in the Champions Cup final 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 today from 1:30pm on TNT Sports & Discovery+ 🍿 https://t.co/iEkYqWVvLF
Leinster's showdown with Toulouse promises to be thrilling, tense affair: https://t.co/ymIZGbOacI
Rob Houwing offers his Sharks performance card after their brilliantly-engineered Challenge Cup final triumph over Gloucester. https://t.co/SxXVqAlNkq
Champions Cup: Serial winners Leinster and Toulouse a double act with a difference https://t.co/6xNWRvb8fp
In The Irish Times this weekend: Full coverage of Leinster v Toulouse in Saturday's talent-packed Champions Cup final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Subscribe now to read The Irish Times exactly as it appears in print on ePaper. https://t.co/cgSFsYqw85 https://t.co/VHOUZPE4kj
Gloucester reacting to their final defeat: “Once they got dominance at scrum it didn’t matter what we did." #ChallengeCup #GLOvSHA #rugby https://t.co/WQ8VtjNJOm
Sharks record historic Challenge Cup win https://t.co/9UN8c1N1HW
Skipper Eben Etzebeth described the Sharks’ Challenge Cup title win as his greatest club highlight, with head coach John Plumtree praising the team for “sticking to the plan”. https://t.co/Vznz3sr9hz
A maiden Challenge Cup title victory for the Sharks at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday night was widely acknowledged on social media. https://t.co/LFVwuxpUvE
Two-time Springbok world champion Vincent Koch said becoming the first South African team to win a European cup title with the Sharks was “unbelievable”. https://t.co/0uPC5BBVoK
Sharks record hiostoric Challenge Cup win https://t.co/9UN8c1N1HW
The big dance in the @ChampionsCup Final sees the 2 best teams going at it and it’s going to be mouthwatering! I’m backing @leinsterrugby by 6 over @StadeToulousain! Read my column for @RugbyPass on it here 👇🏼 https://t.co/9sNP7DwD9h
Jason Jenkins starts for Leinster in the final! #SaffasAbroad https://t.co/xmenUFwLb6
🦈 That one was for Durban! #ChallengeCupRugby winners! https://t.co/uASlx0DPCq
The moment @SharksRugby made history!!! https://t.co/4e4ld5gYXx
“LET’S GO” 😤 Eben Etzebeth is taking home the silverware for @SharksRugby 🏆 https://t.co/uxUepzVIAI
News24 | Sharks scrum Gloucester into London underground as continental glory finally comes after 28 years https://t.co/eDzZJ8f1ox
REPORT: The Sharks are the first South African side to win a European competition and the foundations for their victory were laid by the Bok ‘Bomb Squad’. #GLOvSHA | #ChallengeCup https://t.co/TP6LbZnxT2
Power from their @Springboks get a first Euro Cup for a SA team for @SharksRugby . Freddie Clarke stood out for @gloucesterrugby team that targeted Cup over @premrugby They have ground to make up in the summer https://t.co/HzmXQA1I60
RATINGS: Where has this Sharks team been all season? What a performance. Here's how we rated the Sharks 👨💼 #GLOvSHA #ChallengeCup #ChallengeCupFinal https://t.co/N9cDsM4qCi
Incredible Just incredible! Congrats @SharksRugby
A dominant showing from the URC side to take home the Challenge Cup trophy 🔥 🏆 #rugby #ChallengeCupRugby #GLOvSHA https://t.co/KBNTrsWjb1
History being made as the Sharks become the first South African side to win a EPCR trophy. They have come close (oh so close) in Super Rugby and were there very best in 2020 only to have the season cancelled. This team and their last few seasons makes this win so special
WHAT A TRY!!! Phepsi Buthelezi's with a brilliant dummy!! @SharksRugby have a 16-3 lead at the break of the Challenge Cup final! https://t.co/j2Ki4P89BN
That was a huge half of rugby for the Sharks. What was your favorite moment?
Phenomenal from Phepsi Buthelezi and @SharksRugby 🔥 Watch the @ChallengeCup_ final live on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK 📺 https://t.co/BEKddRihKI
The Sharks back row has been quietly excellent. Actually scrap that, they’ve been pretty loud. Love the way the Tshituka brothers play. #ChallengeCup
Siya Masuku is 100% off the tee with four from four and add a brilliant Pepsi Buthelezi try to the mix and the Sharks take a good lead into the break 📲 https://t.co/USAibncXoP https://t.co/MaH7LPQyeO
H-T: Gloucester 3, Sharks 16. What a first half from Sharks tighthead prop Vincent Koch. Has a big hand in the try from No 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, takes a pivotal role in a dominant scrum and puts in a 50:22 kick!
This is a mighty Sharks scrum.
Siya Masuku lands the first points of the @ChallengeCup_ final for @SharksRugby 🦈 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK https://t.co/00mDmLFWX3
🗣️ "The superstar will have an influence on the game – whether he scores or assists remains to be seen and if Toulouse win it’ll have Dupont’s fingerprints all over it." 📋 The combined Leinster and Toulouse XV is out of this world! ... https://t.co/QWiffreMGG
The Sharks defence has been incredibly disciplined one post tackle set and line speed
“Everything is on the line” 👊 George Skivington believes his @gloucesterrugby side have got to step up physically to take home the @ChallengeCup_ trophy 🏆 https://t.co/RnkkSj1qHK
What a stadium. 🔥 #ChallengeCup #SHAvGLO #PlanetRugbyPitchSide https://t.co/3llCHfAVgc
Your 15-minute warning courtesy of @ugomonye 🚨 Watch the @ChallengeCup_ final final 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK 🍿 https://t.co/RArJZeDjO2
Will Connors starts for Leinster in Champions Cup final against Toulouse https://t.co/FdAze2wNIi
The boozy lunch and the 10m tablecloth – why Toulouse reign supreme This is a great read from @AlexMLowe before the #ChampionsCup final, on the philosophy behind Toulousain rugby. @TimesSport 👇🏼 https://t.co/3ocMv1NxkQ
What a game we have in store this week in the Champions Cup final as Leinster take on Toulouse It's time for the @Oval_Insights data preview, as we look at the stats underlying two of rugby's best club sides 1/ https://t.co/aQbatYpNiw
'We can put a score on them if we start well.' 'No matter what happens, you can’t wait for next year.' @jamestracy02 & @bernardjackman talk tomorrow’s Champions Cup Final and the signings of RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett 🏉 The full free pod is available on all platforms. https://t.co/6Fs7pVtqff
A top-of-the-table clash you won't want to miss 🔥 Watch @SaracensWomen vs @gloshartpury tomorrow from 11:30am 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK 🍿 https://t.co/oT00Cg1kE2
Four teams. Two trophies. Kings will be crowned. 👑 Watch the @ChallengeCup_ and @ChampionsCup finals 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK 📺 https://t.co/loGASdm96K
Leinster v Toulouse: Cullen calls for bench impact with Ryan, Conan and van der Flier among the replacements https://t.co/9G311RgRsB
ANALYSIS: Saving James Ryan, the Trevor Brennan link, and the Leinster bomb squad... - 3️⃣ talking points as Leinster and Toulouse name cup final teams, from Liam Heagney 👨💻 #ChampionsCup #LEIvTOU #Leinster #Toulouse #rugby Tap below for more ⬇️ https://t.co/vIhbMWi1mV
ANALYSIS: Saving Ryan, the Brennan link, and the Leinster bomb squad... - 3️⃣ talking points as Leinster and Toulouse name cup final teams, from Liam Heagney 👨💻 #ChampionsCup #LEIvTOU #Leinster #Toulouse #rugby Tap below for more ⬇️ https://t.co/vIhbMWi1mV
Eyes on the prize 👀 Gloucester & Hollywoodbets Sharks have been testing out the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium pitch ahead of tonight's Challenge Cup final. 📺 TNT Sports & Discovery+ https://t.co/iFevi6TTm4
Enjoyed chatting to @LewisLudlow94 and @fuctifano about @gloucesterrugby ahead of tonight's @ChallengeCup_ final. Plenty riding on the match - but maybe not the be-all and end-all? How Gloucester's 'balls out for the Challenge Cup' attitude won fans over (https://t.co/WiEm0YnRoM)
Sarries and Glaws are not holding back with squad selections for this huge @ThePWR clash in N. London tomorrow. Sarries need two points to secure a home semi-final. Glaws gunning for an unbeaten league season. On air 11.30am on TNT / BBC. 💥 https://t.co/U2N8iurWuj
"Leinster continue to look very good with ball in hand and a lot more aggressive without it. There is a seek and destroy element to their defence now." @BrendanFanning savours a @ChampionsCup Final for the ages. https://t.co/zFrv7NVLM8
𝑻𝑶𝑵𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻 🏆 Can Gloucester secure their third Challenge Cup trophy? Watch the final 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 from 6pm tonight on TNT Sports & Discovery+ 🔥 https://t.co/YQz3BpR5I3
🏆LEINSTER vs TOULOUSE 📄Your teams for the 2023/24 Champions Cup Final 📲Live updates, scores, stats and news in app
Leo Cullen says Leinster think they have a good balance in their matchday 23. "We need to make sure we have that level of experience coming off the bench. We need James Ryan there to come on and help us win the game at the end. "Ross Molony is incredibly unlucky."
Caelan Doris captains Leinster in tomorrow's #InvestecChampionsCup final 🏆 #LEIvTOU https://t.co/NlYokwSd2e
TEAM NEWS: 3️⃣ changes for Leinster, who also go with a six/two forwards/backs bench split. #ChampionsCup #LEIvTOU #IrishRugby #rugby Tap below for more ⬇️ https://t.co/d4WnbFoYGv
Jason Jenkins gets the nod in the second row as Leinster go 6/2 with Will Connors starting. Jimmy O'Brien and Ross Molony miss out on the 23. https://t.co/hsc97PZrZo
Jenkins and Connors start for Leinster with Ryan on the bench: https://t.co/D8Gv1Y2iMm
Matt Williams: Toulouse are formidable, but Leinster’s mentality monsters could earn fairy-tale ending https://t.co/9kd5DU0CYq
Inside the ‘Boksification’ of Leinster under super coach Jacques Nienaber ✍️ @CharlieFelix #TelegraphRugby
🏉🏆 Champions Cup Final 🏆🏉 🇮🇪 Leinster 🆚 Toulouse 🇫🇷 📺 Live on ITV4 ⏰ Saturday - 14.00 #ITVRugby | #InvestecChampionsCup https://t.co/6mLZRXzogK
The Sharks hoist the Challenge Cup, while Leinster claim a fifth Champions Cup trophy, according to the https://t.co/f7LjILzDuw team and readers. https://t.co/Yx82vm1BF6
Can Toulouse extend their lead with a 6th star or will Leinster take a 5th star to equal Toulouse at the top? 👀 Stats via the Rugbypass match centre 📊 #rugby #InvestecChampionsCup https://t.co/doKpPo6U0m
The Leinster and Ireland fullback will take up with the Olympic Sevens squad after the Champions Cup final https://t.co/KVPqCgzaKW
Saturday's final is an opportunity for the world’s best rugby player to offer up something legendary. An unforgettable Toulouse display has been a long time coming. But if they retreat into their shadows, they will lose to Leinster, writes @SBarnesRugby https://t.co/R7EyWLi9pQ
"It does feel as though there is vulnerability or frailty at scrum time in a blitz defence..." - INTERVIEW: The Brian O'Driscoll verdict on the Jacques Nienaber Leinster blitz, with Liam Heagney 👨💻 #ChampionsCup #LEIvTOU #rugby Tap below for more ⬇️ https://t.co/PFKZgVoa5F
"I watched back the semi-final last year (versus Toulouse) and Conan was so good..." - Brian O'Driscoll, with Liam Heagney 🎙️, names the Leinster team he wants to see play in this Saturday's Champions Cup final. #ChampionsCup #LEIvTOU #rugby https://t.co/9Dz6yZ7eKn
European club rugby’s two most successful teams will meet in the Champions Cup final for the first time when Toulouse take on Leinster in London on Saturday. https://t.co/PEuJEEPfYP
Champions Cup: Leinster lock Joe McCarthy looks forward to playing key role against Toulouse https://t.co/kPpaygOpvA
A potential EPCR title win for the Sharks in London on Friday cannot detract from their dismal performances in the Vodacom URC this season, writes MARK KEOHANE. https://t.co/Mt4P62Wc10
News24 | Sharks on the cusp of history as Challenge Cup final stage looms https://t.co/HloFnlMocA
Four #SaffasAbroad feature on the @premrugby Team of the Season Thomas du Toit has been absolutely brilliant for Bath. Jasper Wiese - not the ending he wanted with a six-game ban, but a terrific season with Tigers. Benhard jv Rensburg - Superb for Bristol. Really helped… https://t.co/cWWyGLD8Kn
Gerry Thornley: Leo Cullen and the Leinster thinktank have had a number of options to consider when devising their selection strategy for Saturday’s Champions Cup final against Toulouse in north London. https://t.co/Uz9XMYJIxw
James Tracy unfurling clips about how Leinster's attack will seek to unpick Toulouse. Make sure to listen to our podcast of the entire live podcast, which will go out free tomorrow #rugbyweeklylive
Champions Cup final: Leinster ponder team selection calls as Will Connors pushes for starting berth https://t.co/jKbZ4moVYP
The big Champions Cup final selection call wanted by the legendary Brian O'Driscoll. #ChampionsCup #LEIvTOU #rugby https://t.co/YCPcJQ1Pe8
Leinster set to start Connors in Champions Cup final against Toulouse: https://t.co/fofWw8RzHt
Only a few more hours to go until #ChallengeCupFinal Who is your money on? ⏱️ Live Updates 🔢 Scores 🧮 Stats 🗣️ Reaction & More
Champions Cup View from France: Toulouse ‘unbeatable’ in finals (unless they meet Munster) https://t.co/yig4ltEidh
Eben Etzebeth has acknowledged the magnitude of the Sharks’ European cup decider on Friday, as John Plumtree looks to his Springbok world champions to “drive the passion”. https://t.co/HRZwl6QYLT
Gloucester lock Freddie Clarke believes that Friday’s EPCR Challenge Cup final against the Sharks is “pretty close” to being a season-defining game https://t.co/WtKrTBE4xf
Etzebeth to lead the Sharks in Challenge Cup final https://t.co/Mejf48zWSn
𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘 𝗚𝗢 🍒 Your Cherry & Whites for the @ChallengeCup_ Final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 🏆 📰 https://t.co/l8V2aZFiSf 🎟 https://t.co/emaXhuPkYW 🤝 @BPE_Solicitors #GLOvSHA | 🍒🦈 | #ChallengeCupRugby https://t.co/jlowtCvGAw
As anticipation builds towards Saturday's final, both Leinster and Toulouse have been rotating their sides to try and hide any hints from analysts. Looking back through the season, here's a move from each side that they may use in the final and why. #LEIvST #ChampionsCup 1/3 https://t.co/kH03QoJdHH
This team knows how to get the job done in finals 💪 Will they be able to do the same this weekend 🏆 #ChampionsCup #ToulouseRugby #FranceRugby https://t.co/UBLkyKXzBQ
World Cup-winning Springbok No 8 Jasper Wiese headlines a formidable four-man South African contingent in the Premiership Team of the Season for 2023-24. https://t.co/17RvWz0V8V
Can the Sharks claim a maiden #ChallengeCupRugby trophy, and will Toulouse win a sixth Champions Cup? Pick your winners! 🏆https://t.co/WdXwVSJpaA