11 October 2026
The Vodacom Bulls delivered a clinical performance to secure a 57-15 crucial victory over the 10bet Lions, executing their game plan flawlessly despite a highly challenging buildup.
Head coach Johan Ackermann praised his squad's maturity after the team battled severe travel fatigue and illness in the camp just before kickoff. The Pretoria side successfully neutralised their opponents' form by dominating the set pieces and tightly controlling the tempo from the opening whistle.
Ackermann remained grounded despite the win, noting that his team has not yet hit their peak.
"I am just proud of the guys. We knew we had to be at our best to beat a side that is in form," Ackermann said. "The focus was to make sure that we started well, that our set piece was sorted out, and everything."
The Bulls' tactical discipline upfront allowed the visitors to absorb intense pressure and anchor the game. While minor errors halted a few attacking phases, their exceptional defensive work at the breakdown nullified the opposition's momentum.
"So just credit to the players and the mentality and maturity they showed out there today, especially to stay in the fight," Ackermann added. "Not everything went our way. We had some opportunities where we lost a few balls. But we stayed on task, so I am very proud of the guys and their effort."
Returning Springbok eighthman Cameron Hanekom anchored the pack with a stellar Player-of-the-Match performance. The explosive loose forward consistently disrupted the opposition's defensive line and carried heavily across the gainline.
"Cameron has shown his strengths, and that stood out in some of the phases today," Ackermann remarked on the loose forward's impact. "He hasn’t played with us for a long time, but came in and slotted in nicely. I’m just proud of his effort, and everybody’s effort. Cameron is a quality player."
