mens
United-rugby-championship
The Bulls and Stormers flexed their URC muscles with a pair of dominant wins over South African URC rivals, the Lions and Sharks, respectively.
At Loftus Versfeld, the Bulls thrashed the Lions 57-15 in a one-sided Gauteng clash that ultimately turned into something of an exhibition of Johan Ackermann’s praetorian attire.
The hosts struck first through Harold Vorster after prolonged pressure, but the Lions hit back when Siba Qoma finished in the corner after a series of tackles close to the line.
Indeed, for most of the opening half hour the visitors stayed in touch, but the contest swung dramatically after Morne van den Berg was booked for a deliberate tackle.
The Bulls used the extra man mercilessly. Johan Grobbelaar crossed before Cameron Hanekom grabbed a quick hold and the number 8 went through the contact for his second after passing an outstanding line of support.
Leading 24-10, the Bulls never looked back. Another score before the break from Jeandre Rudolph gave them a commanding lead and they carried that momentum into the second half, Canan Moodie finishing wide after another clever attacking move in the 43rd minute.
The Lions threatened briefly with a Morne Brandon try but it only delayed the inevitable. The Bulls’ superior strength and handling repeatedly opened up gaps as they dominated tackles and stretched the visitors across the pitch.
Cheswill Jooste’s attempt was disallowed by the TMO for obstruction, but it didn’t matter. JF van Heerden added another before the home side finished with a flourish, chipping in further scores to bring up his half-century.
Sebastian de Klerk had the last word, crossing after the siren as the Bulls ended an eight-try losing streak.
In Cape Town, the Stormers won Sharks 39-22 in a lively coastal derby at DHL Stadium.
The hosts made a quick start when Seabelo Senatla finished off a move set up by Damian Willemse, but the Sharks stayed in touch through a Manu Tshituka try and a Gianni Lombardo boot.
The turning point came either side of half time. With the Sharks reduced to 13 men following yellow cards for Matt Romao and Tshituka, the Stormers took control through dominant mauling and clinical finishing from close range.
Hacjivah Dayimani scored twice, Andre-Hugo Venter crossed from a driving kick and Leolin Zass scored shortly after the restart.
Dayimani added another before the Sharks hit back with tries from Matt Romao and Phepsi Buthelezi just six minutes later, but the damage was already done. Stormers’ whore substitute JJ Kotze then put the contest more or less to bed, resuming in the 62nd minute in what proved to be the final score of the match.