The Vodacom Bulls XV produced a stirring second-half comeback to beat the Lions XV in an exciting SA Rugby U23 Cup closing at Ellis Park on Friday.
Trailing by 9 factors at half-time, the younger Bulls turned the match on its head with three tries after the break to grab a 33-32 victory and hand the Lions their first defeat of the competitors.
The hosts dominated the opening 40 minutes and had been rewarded within the thirteenth minute when lock Marco Ferreira crossed for the primary strive, with flyhalf Matt Coetzee including the extras.
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The Lions struck once more simply earlier than the half-hour mark as winger Jason Hugo completed off a affected person assault to increase the result in 14-0.
The Bulls responded with two fast tries to swing the momentum. Fullback Henry Immelman darted over from a fast faucet earlier than winger Ruan Enslin completed within the nook to chop the deficit to 2 factors.
However the Lions had the ultimate say earlier than the break when centre Likhona Finca beat a number of defenders to attain and provides the house facet a deserved 21-12 half-time benefit.
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Coetzee added a penalty early within the second half to stretch the result in 24-12, however that proved to be the Bulls’ wake-up name.
Substitute prop Alulutho Tsakweni sparked the comeback with a close-range strive, earlier than fellow heavy Khutha Mchunu and reserve scrumhalf Brooklyn Newman additionally crossed.
Flyhalf Keagan Johannes transformed all three tries because the Bulls surged right into a 33-27 lead with 10 minutes remaining.
The drama was removed from over.
Two late yellow playing cards decreased the Bulls to 13 males, and the Lions took full benefit as fullback Gilermo Mentoe scored within the nook after sustained stress.
Coetzee, who had been flawless from the tee, pushed the conversion broad, permitting the Bulls to cling on for a one-point win.
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LIONS XV – Tries: Marco Ferreira, Jason Hugo, Likhona Finca, Gilermo Mentoe. Conversions: Matt Coetzee (3). Penalties: Coetzee (2).
BULLS XV – Tries: Henry Immelman, Ruan Enslin, Alulutho Tsakweni, Khutha Mchunu, Brooklyn Newman. Conversions: Keagan Johannes (4).
Picture: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Pictures
