Lions overcome Bulls in pulsating Jukskei derby

Jake White’s Bulls suffered their first defeat in the Pro14 Rainbow Cup SA going down 34-33 in a pulsating match against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Pro14 Rainbow Cup SA: Lions 34-33 Bulls

The Lions made the better start and were rewarded when Reuben Schoeman powered over from close range after a maul was stopped short.

The Bulls have shown great composure throughout the campaign and didn’t panic, working their way back into the contest in quick time.

Elrigh Louw dived over after a quick-tapped penalty and the conversion levelled the scores.

Jordan Hendrikse put the Lions back in front on 20 minutes but three points was scant reward for a period of dominance and six minutes later the Bulls took the lead.

Ding dong contest

The Lions managed to repel the Bulls maul after the visitors turned down a shot at goal in favour of setting the lineout, but the Bulls had the numbers out wide and David Kriel completed the score that put his team ahead.

Rabz Maxwane then produced a moment of magic to allow the Lions to inch in front, with a chip and chase executed with aplomb before he went over. The conversion made it 17-12 in favour of the Lions.

The Lions didn’t have time to pat themselves on the back though as a steal from Duane Vermeulen allowed Madosh Tambwe to go over in the corner and Chris Smith’s conversion put the Bulls back ahead.

Hendrikse slotted a penalty late in the half to ensure the Lions held a 20-19 half time lead.

The Bulls started the second half switched on and scored twice in quick succession to take control of the game. Smith crossed after a sustained Bulls attack to retake the lead before a superb Tambwe break set up Kriel’s second try. 

It wasn’t all over though as the Lions were shocked into life, they made some questionable red zone decisions, but eventually MJ Pelser went over after a lineout five out. The conversion made it a six-point game with the Bulls holding the edge.

Smith missed a long attempt at goal with 15 minutes left and the Lions took that as a signal to open up the game.

A failed captain’s challenge from the Bulls was followed by a bad missed kick from Lions’ replacement flyhalf Fred Zeilinga, but the Lions kept coming.

Zeilinga made amends when he went over with six minutes to go after a solid Lions scrum five metres out. He then added the two to give the Lions a single point lead.

Kriel made a mess of a catch on his own 22 to gift the Lions an attacking scrum with less than three minutes to play. They would grind down the clock succesfully to hold on for their first win in the Pro14 Rainbow Cup.

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