By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Vodacom Bulls put on an exceptional display as they smashed the 10bet Lions 57-15 in their United Rugby Championship Round 3 fixture at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Bulls ran in eight tries to the Lions’ two, delivering a commanding all-round performance to underline their superiority.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 10th minute when centre Harold Vorster regathered his chip kick over the last defender, flank JC Pretorius, following an attack down the blindside.
The Lions hit back with a clever lineout move. Having opted to drive from their previous two lineouts, they instead popped the ball down to flank Siba Qoma, who came charging around the front to score. Flyhalf Chris Smith added the extras to put the visitors ahead.
In a double blow for the Lions, scrumhalf Morné van den Berg was yellow-carded for a cynical infringement at the breakdown.
Wing Sebastian de Klerk then put Cameron Hanekom away for the Bulls’ third try, with flyhalf Curwin Bosch again adding the conversion.
Smith clawed three points back for the visitors with a penalty goal before Hanekom handed off Lions wing Richard Kriel to score his second.
With 15 minutes remaining, Bulls replacement wing Cheswill Jooste had a try disallowed for accidental obstruction at a maul, but lock JF van Heerden scored soon afterwards to end any hopes of a Lions comeback.
Sebastian de Klerk had the final say, crossing after the siren as the Bulls completed an eight-try rout.
Both teams now turn their attention to the Investec Champions Cup, with the Bulls hosting Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld next Saturday and the Lions travelling to France to face La Rochelle.
Point-Scorers:
Bulls — Tries: Harold Vorster, Paul de Wet, Cameron Hanekom (2), Jeandre Rudolph, Canan Moodie, Cheswill Jooste, JF van Heerden, Sebastian de Klerk. Conversions: Curwin Bosch (3), Handre Pollard (3)
Lions — Tries: Siba Qoma, Morne Brandon. Conversions: Chris Smith. Penalty: Smith.
In Cape Town, the Stormers gained a bit of a revenge with an impressive 39-22 win over their coastal rivals in a classic derby clash at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Stormers– Tries: Seabelo Senatla, Hacjivah Dayimani (2), André-Hugo Venter, Leolin Zas, JJ Kotzé. Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (3). Penalty: Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Sharks – Tries: Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Phepsi Buthelezi. Conversions: Gianni Lombard (2). Penalty: Lombard.