Rampant Lions end Bulls’ playoff hopes with six-try mauling in Currie Cup derby clash

The Lions put an end to the visiting Bulls' slim Currie Cup playoff hopes with a commanding 42-5 victory in the Round Six Jukskei Derby on Saturday afternoon. The result lifted the Joburg-based side to third place on the log, above the Cheetahs on points difference, as they continued to show their dominance in the competition.

The match began with early tension, as Lions flyhalf Chris Smith kicked a penalty in the first minute following a breakdown infringement by the Bulls. Both sides played cautiously in the opening exchanges, unable to assert clear control.

However, it was the Lions who struck first with a scrappy try. A loose pass found its way to Smith, who dotted down under the posts and converted his own try to make it 10-0.

The Bulls responded quickly. A powerful forward carry by centre Cornel Smit and prop Simphiwe Matanzima set up flyhalf Jaco van der Walt, who powered over for the Bulls' only try of the match. Van der Walt’s score narrowed the gap to 10-5.

However, a second penalty by Smith stretched the Lions' lead to 13-5, and they started to build momentum.

The Lions' tactical play paid off in the 24th minute when Smith executed a brilliant 50:22 kick, allowing his side to set up a rolling maul. The Bulls defended gallantly, but it was the Lions who capitalised on the pressure, with prop SJ Kotze crashing over for his team’s second try after a quick lineout maul. The Lions went into the break with a 20-5 lead, despite the Bulls’ resilient performance in the set piece.

The second half began with the Lions continuing to pile on the pressure. A kick deep into the corner and another rolling maul forced the Bulls into a yellow card for Matanzima, who was penalised for a no-arms tackle. The Lions took advantage of the extra man, and after another lineout maul, it was skipper PJ Botha who crossed the line for his side’s third try, making it 25-5.

The game began to feel inevitable as the Lions pressed for a bonus point, with the Bulls rarely threatening a comeback. Despite being restored to 15 players, the visitors struggled to build any momentum, with key errors undermining their efforts.

A key turnover by Botha thwarted a period of sustained pressure from the Bulls, and shortly after, the home side earned a yellow card for Lions' No. 7, Ruan Venter, reducing both teams to 14 players.

With the game winding down, the Lions capitalised on the Bulls’ disorganisation. A quick tap penalty caught the Bulls napping in their own 22, and winger Angelo Davids set up centre Richard Kriel for the bonus-point try in the far left corner.

Fullback Quan Horn then showed his class with a brilliant step, acceleration, and a perfect assist to Sam Francis, who scored the Lions' fifth try in the 70th minute. The Bulls’ frustration continued as replacement Marco Ferreira was also shown a yellow card, leaving them a man down once again.

Junior Springbok star Hashim Pead rounded off a dominant performance with a try in the dying minutes of the match, securing a 42-5 victory for the Lions.

The Lions’ comprehensive victory over the Bulls was a testament to their strength in both attack and defence, as they moved one step closer to securing a playoff spot. The Bulls, on the other hand, will be left to reflect on their inability to capitalise on their early opportunities, with crucial errors in key moments costing them dearly.

Point-scorers:

Lions 44 (20) - Tries: Smith, Kotze, Botha, Kriel, Francis.Conversions: Smith (2), Francis (2). Penalties: Smith (2).

Bulls 5 (5) - Try: Van der Walt