Vodacom Bulls Hang On For Deserved Bonus Point Win Against Cell C Sharks

 

The sixth round of the Premier Division commenced with a well-deserved and important 24-20 bonus point win for the Vodacom Bulls over the Cell C Sharks in Durban.

The Vodacom Bulls started the match using a strong wind in their backs to launch several high kicks which the home team struggled to control. Unfortunately, several penalties were conceded by both teams, making the first half a stop-start affair as both teams struggled to establish any control. The Vodacom Bulls led 19-03 going into the second half and although their first two tries were a little opportunistic they dominated the last 10 minutes going into the halftime break.

The Cell C Sharks started the second half looking a lot better, reverting to a well-structured attack and defensive game plan, which resulted in them taking early control of the match. However, the solid defence by the Vodacom Bulls resulted in several attacking turnover ball, which the Vodacom Bulls attacked and scored great tries to keep defending their lead. Despite the Cell C Sharks' efforts on the attack during the final 10 minutes, the defence of the visitors secured a 24-20 bonus point victory for the Vodacom Bulls.

It took the Cell C Sharks 12 minutes to enter the Vodacom Bulls 22m and took immediate advantage of a penalty when Fred Zeilinga converted an early penalty.

The Vodacom Bulls struck back from the kickoff when the Cell C Sharks could not control a Morne Steyn up and under and Sibongile Novuka opened the Vodacom Bulls account with an opportunistic try.

Jan Hendrik Wessels broke away from the back of a 5m lineout-maul to score the visitors' second try to lead 12-03 and seven minutes of play left in the first half.

Sibongile Novuka scored his second try of the match as the Vodacom Bulls started to put several phases together and go into the second half leading 19-03.

Phikolomzi Sobahle scored a brilliant try in the corner for the Cell C Sharks, brushing two defenders aside. Great hands from the Cell C Sharks from a scrum in the 22m of the Vodacom Bulls.

Fred Zeilinga converted his second penalty to reduce the Vodacom Bulls' lead to six points, 19-13. The Cell C Sharks are slowly taking control of the match at this stage.

Sibongile Novuka scored his hat trick try, and bonus point try in the corner for the Vodacom Bulls after spending only a few minutes in the hosts' 22m.

The Cell C Sharks launched wave after wave of attacks and eventually, they once again use their speed out wide when replacement winger Zee Mkhabela score an easy try in the corner. This was the second try the Cell C Sharks' hands beat the defenders of the visitors from a scrum.

Scorers:

Cell C Sharks: Tries: Phikolomzi Sobahle, Zee Mkhabela. Conversions: Fred Zeilinga (2). Penalties: Fred Zeilinga (2)
Vodacom Bulls: Tries: Sibongile Novuka (3), Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Conversions: Morne Steyn (2).

Teams

Cell C Sharks: 15. Nevaldo Fleurs, 14. Phikolomzi Sobahle, 13. Josh Jonas, 12. Murray Koster, 11. Yaw Penxe, 10. Fred Zeilinga, 9. Bradley Davids, 8. James Venter, 7. Ockie Barnard, 6. Tinotenda Mavesere, 5. Reniel Hugo (c), 4. Corne Rahl, 3. Hanro Jacobs, 2. Dan Jooste, 1. Dian Bleuler. Replacements: 16. Fez Mbatha, 17. Khwezi Mona, 18. Khutha Mchunu, 19. Athi Khethani, 20. Mpilo Gumede, 21. Tiaan Fourie, 22. Lionel Cronje, 23. Zee Mkhabela.

Vodacom Bulls: 15. Franco Knoetze, 14. Sibongile Novuka, 13. Lionel Mapoe, 12. Chris Barend Smit, 11. Wandisile Simelane, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Izak Burger, 8. Nizaam Carr (c), 7. Reinhardt Ludwig, 6. Cameron Hanekom, 5. Janko Swanepoel, 4. Jacques Du Plessis, 3. Sebastian Lombard, 2. Jan Hendrik Wessels, 1. Simphiwe Matanzima. Replacements: 16. Jacques van Rooyen, 17. Tiaan Lange, 18. Robert Hunt, 19. Phumzile Maqondwana, 20. WJ Steenkamp, 21. Bernard van der Linde, 22. Cornal Hendricks, 23. Kabelo Mokoena.