The Bulls mixed power with varying degrees of precision in booking their place in the Super Rugby playoffs with a rousing 48-27 win over the Lions at Loftus.
While they lacked discipline in the second and third quarters of the game, which allowed their game opponents to launch a fightback, they showed much class in turning on the heat almost at will just when they seemed to be in a bit of discomfort.
It means Pote Human’s troops will travel to Wellington to face the Hurricanes, a tough assignment but hardly an impossible given the skill and variety they showed in this game.
Who was the star in this match?
Marco van Staden might not be the most disciplined flanker around – he conceded three penalties – but his influence on this game simply couldn’t be denied. The bustling opensider was everywhere. He was a bulldozer in broken play, completed 12 tackles in a game where defence was neglected and made three turnovers. He’s most definitely back on the Springbok radar.
Key moments and themes
Point scorers:
Bulls – Tries: Hanro Liebenberg (2), Lizo Gqoboka, Burger Odendaal, Cornal Hendricks, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok. Conversions: Pollard (5). Penalty: Pollard.
Lions – Tries: Hacjivah Dayimani, Cyle Brink. Conversion: Elton Jantjies. Penalties: Jantjies (4). Drop goal: Andries Coetzee.
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