FOSROC Super Series Sprint: Who will come out on top?

Heriot’s will be looking to make Super Series history by claiming the Sprint Winner’s title. This will be the first time the Edinburgh side have made it into the top two playoff spots in either a Super Series Sprint or Championship.

After winning the then Super6 Championship in 2021, Bulls will be keen to add the accolade of 2023 Sprint Winner to their winning titles as they begin their preparations ahead of the Championship this summer.

The competitiveness of rugby played between the two teams is on an even footing. Looking back at the top performers for each team across the Sprint, both teams are neck and neck.

Bulls’ Grant Stewart and Elias Caven have accrued 35 points apiece during the 2023 Sprint. Stewart holds the title of top try scorer for Bulls with seven to his name across the current tournament.

Heriot’s Captain Iain Wilson equally has a total of 35 points under his belt from across the Sprint from his seven tries.

The teams last met in Round 5 when Heriot’s made the journey to Millbrae to face the Bulls. The game ended in a 26-26 draw between the two teams with four tries scored each.

Reflecting on their last meeting with Heriot’s in Round 5 Ayrshire Bull’s Head Coach Pat McArthur said:

“Two weeks ago, we saw the quality Heriot’s possessed to come back to draw the game after being 21 points down in the first 30 minutes of play. Discipline and concentrating for 80 minutes are key for our success this week.”

Heriot’s Rugby Head Coach, Ben Cairns commented on their last journey to Millbrae:

“Our biggest reflection from two weeks ago and indeed last week’s match was the need to start better. This will be huge for us if we are to have any chance of causing an upset.

“Both teams will have a really good idea of what is needed off the back of our match at Millbrae only a fortnight ago. The biggest difference between that meeting and this week is what is at stake. The team that can deal best with the inevitable pressure this brings will give themselves a really good chance of taking the title.”

FOSROC Super Series Sprint – Round 4 – Ayrshire Bulls v Heriot’s Rugby (Image Credit George McMillan)

Looking ahead to Friday evening’s match Pat discussed the high stakes that Bulls find themselves in as they are looking to regain the title of Sprint Winners.

“Emotions will be high at Millbrae on Friday with the Sprint trophy and title on the line, with the additional emotions of it being Frazier Climo’s last game. The players are looking forward to the challenge, having an opportunity to play in a final is what we all strive for.”

Looking to make Super Series history by taking the title for the first time, Ben said:

“We know it’s a massive challenge to go away from home to win the title however we remain unbeaten since our defeat in Round 1 against Edinburgh A. We’ve come a long way since then and we will be doing all we can on Friday night to hold on to that unbeaten record.

“Last week we talked about making history by making a final for the first time at this level for our club. This week it’s about making the most of that opportunity.”

The game will be shown live on BBC Alba and BBC iPlayer and will be available to those outside the UK on the Scottish Rugby website.

The Super Series Sprint Playoff’s excitement doesn’t end on Friday as we have the remaining four teams playing in a Super Series Saturday double header at Meggetland this weekend.

Boroughmuir Bears welcome Southern Knights in a repeat of last weekend’s fixture for the 5th v 6th playoff spot, kick off 3pm. The final playoff fixture for the weekend sees Watsonians take on Stirling Wolves in the 3rd v 4th playoff fixture

For more information on the remaining playoff games this weekend, click here .