Flyhalf Nico Steyn scored 13 points at Midstream College in Olifantsfontein on Friday night as the Lions handed the Bulls their first loss of the 2024 Currie Cup to climb to the top of the table.
The Lions ran in eight tries and conceded five in ambushing the Bulls for a 57-33 victory. Three of their eight tries came in the first 21 minutes – outside centre Enrich Cronje, flank Ruan Venter and hooker PJ Botha dotting down to give the Lions an early 19-0 lead.
Flanker Corne Beets responded for the Bulls but his contribution was undone when recently capped Lions Springbok Morne van den Berg scored a try for the visitors on the half-hour mark to secure the bonus-point.
Tapiwa Mafura was sin-binned and the Bulls awarded a penalty try after the Lions flyer was deemed to have deliberately knocked the ball out of Canan Moodie’s hands in the act of scoring. Botha went over for his second soon after to give the Lions a 33-14 lead at the break.
The Bulls struck twice in the third quarter with tries from hooker Joe van Zyl and wing Katlego Letebele bookending the Lions’ sixth touchdown, this time via Morgan Naude.
The Lions continued to dominate in the final quarter, with replacement flanker Renzo du Plessis powering across the line to continue his fine form.
Bulls replacement hooker Juan Else took the Herd’s tally to 33 but again the Lions replied with finisher Rabz Maxwane crossing the whitewash to clinch the win.
The Lions return to Johannesburg in the final round before the playoffs when they host the Griffons at Ellis Park on Sunday, while the Bulls face the Sharks at Kings Park.
Photo: Gallo Images
