Mpilo Gumede struck twice as the unbeaten Vodacom Bulls ran in seven tries to overhaul Griquas at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night.

The log-leaders recovered from a slow start, digging themselves out of an early 14-point deficit to record a 47-24 bonus-point victory.

Griquas accelerated out of the starting blocks, with flanker Marco de Witt scoring within seconds of kick-off, and the visitors doubled their lead after Dylan Maart crossed the line to end the first quarter up 14-0.

The challenge lit the Bulls’ fuse and they made an explosive end to the first half. Jaco van der Walt, Chris Smit, Henry Immelman and Gumede each dotted down to secure the bonus point, Van der Walt adding the extras.

But with four minutes remaining before the break, Griquas strung together a 24-phase attack to sign off with a try from Thabo Ndimade that cut the Bulls’ advantage to 26-19 at half time.

The Bulls built on their momentum in the second half, with Gumede diving over for his second try shortly after the restart. Juan Else came off the bench to score for the Bulls before Griquas closed the gap after Maart dotted down for the second time.

The third quarter saw Else cross again to cap off a comfortable 47-24 win in Pretoria.

Griquas return to Kimberley in round 9 where they will host the Cheetahs, while the Bulls welcome the Lions to Loftus Versfeld next Friday.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix