The Bulls secured a convincing 54-26 victory over Scarlets at Loftus Versfeld, propelling them to second place on the United Rugby Championship log. Jeandré Rudolph's all-round performance was instrumental in the win, scoring the opening try, making a crucial try-saving tackle, and providing a beautifully timed offload for another score. At 32, Rudolph appears to be playing the best rugby of his career, drawing comparisons to the enduring Deon Fourie.
The Bulls got off to a flying start, with Rudolph scoring the opening try in the 10th minute after Khutha Mchunu won a scrum penalty. Curwin Bosch kicked to the corner, and several forward drives later, Rudolph wriggled over for the try. The Bulls' big ball-carriers, led by Cameron Hanekom, were causing chaos in the Welsh defence, creating space for the backs to attack at pace, and Willie le Roux capitalized on a gaping hole to score the second try.
The Bulls' third try was a highlight, with Le Roux launching a counterattack with a perfectly weighted cross-kick to Stravino Jacobs. The ball then swept through several pairs of hands before Rudolph produced a delightful offload to send Dylan Maart over. Bosch converted, but the Bulls' momentum was briefly halted as they switched off defensively, allowing hooker John McKee to score in the corner.
The Scarlets took encouragement from the gift and Tongan international Sam Lousi scored a superb try after the Bulls' midfield defence was breached. However, Lousi injured himself reaching for the line and left the field. The Scarlets' resurgence continued, with Carwyn Leggatt-Jones chipping over the defence for Gareth Davies to gather and score, but the try was disallowed due to a Welsh player being ahead of the ball.
The Bulls regained their rhythm after introducing regular captain Marcell Coetzee from the bench. Coetzee made an immediate impact, bulldozing over for a try within seconds of his introduction. The Scarlets refused to give up, and another kick-through into the Bulls' in-goal area produced a close call, but no try was awarded.
The game swung in the Bulls' favour when Steadman Gans was yellow-carded for a professional foul. The Scarlets capitalized on the extra-man advantage, putting Archie Hughes into space for an unopposed finish. However, the Bulls' depth proved decisive, with Springbok call-up Sebastian de Klerk producing a neat finish, and Johan Grobbelaar making a statement with a powerful try.
The Bulls ultimately secured a convincing victory, with Maart completing his brace as the Bulls pushed their tally beyond 50. The win marked a statement performance for the Bulls, with Rudolph's outstanding display leading the charge. The Scarlets, who had pushed the Stormers hard the previous weekend, were unable to replicate that form against the Bulls.
Key points
- Jeandré Rudolph's all-round performance was instrumental in the Bulls' victory.
- The Bulls' depth proved decisive in securing the win.
- The Scarlets' resurgence was led by Tongan international Sam Lousi and hooker John McKee.
