Tafel Lager Griquas hosted the Vodacom Bulls today in Kimberley. The Vodacom Bulls included several URC players and dominated most of the play to score seven tries on their way to an easy 53-29 bonus-point win.
The Vodacom Bulls was ahead with seven points at halftime only thanks to two long-distance tries. The host managed to hang on for dear life at a stage, however, towards the end of the first half they started to play constructive rugby.
The Vodacom Bulls took control in the second half to outscore a fighting Griquas side with 31-12 in the second half.
09:46 Simphiwe Matanzima scored the Bulls' first try of the match with a barnstorming run from the back of a 5m lineout. (00-07)
13:51 Zander du Plessis scored a brilliant fifteen man try for the Griquas which started in their own half. Poor defence by the Bulls also made it easy for the hosts. (07-07)
20:00 The Bulls are dominating, however poor defence by the Bulls made it easy for the Griquas to attack with purpose, whenever they were able to put their hands on some quality attacking ball.
21:23 Fiela Boshoff slots a dropgoal to put the Griquas in the lead for the first time of the match. (10-07)
23:49 Chris Smith level the scores with a converted penalty for the Bulls (10-10)
24:40 A movement started by Kurt-Lee Arendse in his own 22m is finished off by Cornal Hendricks in the corner. (10-15)
28:14 Walt Steenkamp scored the Bulls' third try. Yet another try that started for the Bulls in their own half. (10-22)
36:54 Hanru Sirgel scored a try for the Griquas after a patient build-up by the hosts. (15-22)
40:00 The Vodacom Bulls was ahead with seven points at halftime only thanks to two long-distance tries. The host managed to hang on for dear life at a stage, however, towards the end of the first half they started to play constructive rugby.
42:50 Arno Botha scored the Bulls' fourth and bonus point try. (15-29)
49:22 Zander du Plessis scored Griquas' third try after a break from Rynard Jonker. (22-29)
53:31 Canan Moodie strolls over after a great pass by Cornal Hendricks to score the Bulls' fifth try. (22-36)
58:39 Chris Smith converted his third penalty. (22-39)
60:00 The Vodacom Bulls at this stage are in control on the scoreboard, however, the Griquas are still not out of the game yet. Unfortunately, the penalty count against the Griquas is starting to cost the host momentum and scoring opportunities.
62:15 Bismarck du Plessis scored from the back of a 5m lineout-maul. (22-46)
73:50 Keagan Johannes scored another try for a rampant Bulls. (22-53)
77:15 Michael Amiras scored the host's bonus point try. (29-53)
Scorers:
Tafel Lager Griquas: Tries: Zander du Plessis (2), Hanru Sirgel, Michael Amiras. Conversions: Zander du Plessis (3). Drop Goal: Fiela Boshoff.
Vodacom Bulls: Tries: Simphiwe Matanzima, Cornal Hendricks, Walt Steenkamp, Arno Botha, Canan Moodie, Bismarck du Plessis, Keagan Johannes. Conversions: Chris Smith (6). Penalties: Chris Smith (2).
Tafel Lager Griquas: 15. Rynhardt Jonker, 14. Munier Hartzenberg, 13. Christopher Hollis, 12. Zander du Plessis, 11. Luther Obi, 10. Fiela Boshoff, 9. Stefan Ungerer, 8. Siba Qoma, 7. Hanru Sirgel, 6. Niel Otto (c), 5. Derik Pretorius, 4. Mzwanele Zito, 3. Janu Botha, 2. Janco Uys, 1. Eddie Davids. Replacements: 16. Gustav du Randt, 17. Kudzwai Dube, 18. Andries Schutte, 19. Johan Retief, 20. Michael Amiras, 21. Reagan Oranje, 22. Andre Swarts, 23. Sango Xamlashe.
Vodacom Bulls: 15. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14. Canan Moodie, 13. Stedman Gans, 12. Cornal Hendricks, 11. Richard Kriel, 10. Chris Smith, 9. Embrose Papier, 8. Muller Uys, 7. Arno Botha, 6. Marcell Coetzee (c), 5. Janko Swanepoel, 4. Walt Steenkamp, 3. Robert Hunt, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Simphiwe Matanzima. Replacements: 16. Schalk Erasmus, 17. Lizo Gqoboka, 18. Kowie Roos, 19. Reinhardt Ludwig, 20. WJ Steenkamp, 21. Keagan Johannes, 22. Juan Mostert, 23. Lionel Mapoe.