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The bizarre Loftus Versfeld factor that potentially played into Glasgow's hands

Glasgow Warriors players celebrate with the trophy after winning the United Rugby Championship (URC) final match between The Bulls (Pretoria) and Glasgow Warriors (Glasgow) at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria on June 22, 2024. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP via Getty Images)

Many expected the Blue Bulls to hold a significant home field advantage over the Glasgow Warriors at Loftus Versfeld in the United Rugby Championship final, in part due to the altitude.

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The famous stadium on the High Veld has the altitude level bannered above the entry to the field play, telling visitors that “it matters”.
The altitude factor was attributed in playing a role of the Bulls’ victory over Leinster in the semi-final last weekend.

Glasgow Warriors prop Jamie Bhatti shared a playful post after the Warriors’ 21-16 upset win, taking a photo with the signage.

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But some have tabled a new theory that led to fortress Loftus becoming “night club Loftus”, with interference from the stadium DJ contributing to an atmosphere that took away the intimidation factor.

South African rugby writer Brendan Nel penned a column for SuperSport highlighting that the DJ attempted play music for the entire 80 minutes.

“When you have a partisan home crowd backing you, playing 80 minutes of music takes them out of the fight,” he wrote.

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Others chimed in with agreement, with the music at Loftus becoming a gripe over “a few seasons”.

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Comments

3 Comments
S
SteveD 272 days ago

Totally agree. But at least watching the game on TV I could turn the sound down a bit! Mind you, while I'll probably get lambasted for saying this, the Northern Transvaal/Gauteng has always been a bit of a nuthouse and their supporters likewise. Bless them.

J
John 273 days ago

The music constantly playing so that there isn’t 4 seconds of dead air is a bit stupid but the words clutching and straws come to mind.

S
Schalk 274 days ago

That’s more like it Benny :)

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