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

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.

Not for the wa’s pic.twitter.com/UUcorShsKJ

— jamie bhatti (@jamiebhatti) June 23, 2024

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”.

Sounds like Loftus was not the place to be last night … @Brendennel having a full go at the stadium DJ … It’s like they don’t think the actual game is entertainment enough. Drives me mad … pic.twitter.com/19kaA0jD9K

— Front Row Grunt (@FrontRowGrunt) June 23, 2024

People have been complaining about this for a few seasons. Bulls and Loftus management so out of touch. It's meant to be a fortress of rugby, not a discotheque! https://t.co/39CUf4ryZJ

— Dan Retief (@Retief_Dan) June 23, 2024

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