Bulls wear down brave WP
07/07/2024 10:58 AM
The Vodacom Bulls scored three tries but were made to work for a narrow win against Western Province in round 1 of the Currie Cup at a wet Cape Town Stadium on Sunday.
Leading 13-5 at half time, the Bulls scored two tries in the second 40 minutes and flyhalf Jaco van der Walt kicked 11 points as the men from Pretoria held off a late WP fightback in inclement Cape conditions to triumph 30-25.
A first-half try from hooker Joe van Zyl and two penalties and a conversion from Van der Walt powered the visitors in front, while a Jean-Luc du Plessis touchdown from a quick-tap penalty kept the hosts within touching distance at the break.
The Bulls drew first blood after the restart courtesy of a third Van der Walt penalty, before WP lock Gary Porter barged over from close range while No 10 Jurie Matthee was on target from the kicking tee to narrow the gap to three points.
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However, Bulls left winger Devon Williams and replacement flanker Mpilo Gumede dotted down, with substitute Chris Smith adding the extras, as the match entered the final 15 minutes.
Speedster Angelo Davids and loose forward Paul de Villiers crossed the whitewash for Province before the final hooter, but the Highvelders had done enough to kick off Phiwe Nomlomo's reign as Bulls head coach with a hard-fought victory.
WP will refocus for a trip to Bloemfontein to face defending champions the Cheetahs – who romped to a 82-20 home victory over the Griffons on Saturday – in six days' time.
The Bulls, meanwhile, hit the road again for a round 2 clash with the Griffons in Welkom next Sunday afternoon.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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