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The bizarre Loftus Versfeld factor that potentially played into Glasgow's hands
By Ben Smith
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.
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.
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.
Others chimed in with agreement, with the music at Loftus becoming a gripe over "a few seasons".
He's 100% right. Had that at the Champions Cup Final a few weeks ago too. Why does anyone think it's a good idea?— Declan Higgins ☘ (@declan1968) June 23, 2024
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Yes the Boks have been destroying the All Blacks in South Africa this season with walloping victories by 4 and 6.
Go to commentsBongi doesn't score. Goal line drop out. Statistically the Boks score off 50% goal line dropouts. If you auntie had gonads she'd be your uncle. Now go and polish your reverse crystal ball. And next time round try to beat the BI Lions, and don't let the Aussies get to within a whisker and don't get clobbered at home by the Argies and don't lose a home series to a NH side and until 1970 the Boks were way ahead of the AB's and yes otherwise a very good question. But when you wake up tomorrow morning the Boks will have beaten the AB's five times out of the last six and the are the champions of the world and of the SH. Now make up another "if" and then sing: "No I don't believe in if anymore - if's an illusion - if is for children."
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