LIONS ROAR PAST BULLS IN LOFTUS THRILLER

The Lions showed up full of fight and ran out 43–33 winners over the Bulls in a gripping Jukskei derby at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

What started as a tightly contested affair soon swung in the Lions’ favour, their forwards dominating and backs cashing in, ultimately six tries to five told the story.

Lions fly-half Chris Smith provided the early spark with a long-range penalty, and then scrum-half Nico Steyn dived over for a converted try soon after. From that point, the Johannesburg-based visitors looked sharper, and they never really let the Bulls climb back in.

The Bulls weren’t without bright spots. Embrose Papier bagged a brace, and prop Akker van der Merwe powered over for a try on the stroke of half-time. Both were among the few in blue-and-white who earned decent ratings, while others struggled with handling errors and inconsistent defence.

Still, it wasn’t enough. The Lions kept up the pressure after the break. Lock Etienne Oosthuizen was outstanding up front, even grabbing a try of his own, and winger Kelly Mpeku added to the visitors’ tally.

In the end, the Bulls were left regretting missed opportunities, sloppy ball retention and a forward pack that didn’t match up. The Lions, for their part, walked off with bragging rights restored and three wins in a row.

Image credit: The Citizen