Bulls outmuscle Lions in high-stakes URC derby at Ellis Park

In a match of shifting momentum, the visitors were able to finish the stronger of the two teams, sealing victory with a flurry of tries in the final minutes.

The Bulls made a bright start to the match, finding some space in the wide channels and getting on the front foot via a Boeta Chamberlain penalty in the 10th minute.

That was followed by their first try shortly after when a scrappy turnover saw the Lions lose possession, allowing the Bulls to hack the ball forward for Sergeal Petersen to chase down before offloading to David Kriel for the score.

The Bulls looked well in control at that stage of the match but the Lions were able to get on the scoreboard with their first three-pointer of the match after gaining some solid field possession.

Flyhalf Sam Francis would slot another penalty kick for the Lions just before the half-hour mark after they enjoyed probably their best passage of play yet, a sign that the hosts were starting to find their way back into the match.

Six minutes before half- time, the Lions struck again, a simple chip over the top allowing Henco van Wyk to regather and run over for the try. Francis missed the conversion as it finished 11-10 to the home side at half-time.

The second half started badly for the Bulls as Springbok flanker Elrigh Louw left the field with what looked like a serious injury, before the two teams exchanged penalties on the scoreboard to keep it a one-point ball game.

The Lions re-established a four-point lead when Francis converted from the spot once more, but the Bulls would strike a significant blow just before the hour mark when big lock Cobus Wiese stretched over to score following a good period of attack. Chamberlain converted the try and then slotted another penalty shortly after as the Bulls led 23-17.

The Lions weren't done yet, however, hitting back with their second try via lock Etienne Oosthuizen after the forwards fought their way to the line courtesy of several pick-and-goes.

But Francis couldn't slot the conversion and the Bulls soon landed another decisive blow when Marcell Coetzee powered over the line for their third try.

And with the Lions looking fractured, substitute Akker van der Merwe would cross for the Bulls' fourth five-pointer of the afternoon to secure the bonus point victory, even if the scoreboard did end up flattering the visitors somewhat.

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