In a significant weekend for South African rugby, the Bulls secured a commanding 25-10 victory over the Lions in Johannesburg, leading 5-3 at halftime. This bonus-point win, highlighted by tries from Canan Moodie, Akker van der Merwe, Marcell Coetzee, and David Kriel, propelled Jake White's Bulls to the top of the United Rugby Championship (URC) standings, marking their second triumph over the Lions this season in the Jukskei Derby. Meanwhile, the Stormers continued their dominance over South African teams by defeating the Sharks, marking their 15th consecutive win over local opposition. The weekend's results have intensified the competition within the URC, with both the Bulls and Stormers showcasing their strength and depth.
Jake White tore into suggestions that the Lions are a dangerous team with ball-in-hand, while opening up on why the @Vodacom Bulls did not return to the changeroom during half-time at Ellis Park. #URC https://t.co/sJpe2L0YFv
The Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers made it two out of two against the Lions and Sharks, respectively, heading into a week's pause in the @Vodacom #URC. https://t.co/8eQDzIOp4S
🙌 The Sharks boss sees the Stormers as the benchmark in South Africa. READ: https://t.co/k77mwcrgZy https://t.co/6LPDjos1om
Italian International and #SaffasAbroad Ross Vincent scoring his sixth try of the Premiership Rugby Cup season. Such a massive talent for Italy. https://t.co/BfXk7byoI4
🗣️ “The Stormers, where they are right now as a team is where we want to be.” 🦈 John Plumtree gave an honest assessment of his Sharks side after another loss. #URC https://t.co/xZaHsDCHLy
Nico Janse van Rensburg scoring his third Top 14 try of the season for Montpellier. Big Nic 👊🏼 #SaffasAbroad https://t.co/JFLFGEpq87
🗣️ "Even the most optimistic Sharks' fans will have written off any chance of a URC title challenge this season, but on Saturday, building blocks for the future began to appear." #SHAvSTO 5⃣ Takeaways from Sharks v Stormers. #URC ✍️ @jaredwright17 https://t.co/NRnfrON9bz
The Vodacom Bulls did the Jukskei derby double over the Lions before the DHL Stormers inflicted more misery on the Sharks in Saturday’s @Vodacom #URC clashes. https://t.co/aC9p85Aclt
The Sharks were very good, but this is a DHL Stormers side that, in the history of the club, will set the standard of excellence, writes @mark_keohane. https://t.co/s2trKwgDsC
John Dobson says the impressive performance of the DHL Stormers youngsters in Durban has tightened up the competition for places. https://t.co/axjl8m1ib3
After a big Jukskei derby win for the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday, Jake White is relishing the pressure of expectation that comes with leading SA teams in the @Vodacom #URC title race. https://t.co/20iFfMLiBA
MATCH REPORT: Ben Loader try decisive as Stormers inflict more URC woe on the Sharks. #URC #SHAvSTO Click below for more ⤵️ https://t.co/e1IfdYrBDF
🌩️ Today's result marks the Stormers' 15th successive win over South African opposition. #SHAvSTO 5⃣ Takeaways from Sharks v Stormers. #URC ✍️ @jaredwright17 https://t.co/NRnfrOMBm1
The DHL Stormers held out for a hard-fought victory against a resurgent Sharks in Durban on Saturday to continue their winning run in local derbies. https://t.co/hfNqR1ETrl
MATCH REPORT: Lions tamed as Jake White's Bulls keep URC play-off hopes on track. #URC #LIOvBUL Click below for more ⤵️ https://t.co/r9gjalZhEL
The Vodacom Bulls made it two wins against the Lions in the Jukskei Derby this season with a bonus-point triumph in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon. @Vodacom #URC https://t.co/AmC1GPwop9
Bulls get the bonus point. Great to see Akker van der Merwe scoring again. Canan Moodie is also racking up his scoresheet.
F-T: Lions 10, Bulls 25 A bonus point win that sees the Bulls from Pretoria go top of the @URCOfficial for the time-being. Tries for wing Canan Moodie, hooker Akker van der Merwe, back row Marcell Coetzee and centre David Kriel take them to victory in Jo’burg
🐂 BULLS PROVE TOO STRONG FOR THE LIONS AND SEAL BONUS-POINT VICTORY IN JOHANNESBURG! #LIOvBUL #URC https://t.co/G0wGc8BWS9
David Kriel secures victory for the Bulls with a spectacular solo effort to get a bonus point win at Ellis Park. #LIOvBUL https://t.co/Czc1dVIKdE
Follow the live action as the Sharks host the DHL Stormers at Kings Park. @Vodacom #URC #SHAvSTO https://t.co/sXnj9TLRKs
A seventh league touchdown of the season for Bulls front row man Akker van der Merwe. Hooker is just about the most prolific try-scoring position in the URC!
Embrose Papier and Canan Moodie link up to give the Bulls a slender lead at Ellis Park going into the break. #LIOvBUL https://t.co/fTGhc49Z1K
A tight old affair at half-time in the first of the day’s two South African URC denies. The Bulls leading the Lions 5-3 in Jo’burg thanks to a try from winger Canan Moodie.