Photo Credit - Speedshots.co.za
The race for the top spot in the PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA was decided when the Bulls scored three tries in the first 20 minutes of the second half. The Vodacom Bulls eventually the winner with 34-22.
The Bulls deservedly crowned as the winners of the Pro14 Rainbow Cup South Africa and definately the best team to defend South Africa's pride at Treviso, Italy.
10:00 The Bulls showed that they did not travel to Durban to earn the necessary one league point they needed to secure their place in the Pro14 Rainbow Cup final. The Bulls set up camp in the Sharks half for the first 10 minutes of the match and dominated all facets of play.
17:22 Morne Steyn convert a penalty for the Bulls, (00-03)
20:00 The Sharks got their hands on more ball later in the first quarter, however, the Bulls were still well in control of the match with 20 minutes to go in the first half.
25:35 Morne Steyn added a second converted penalty to increase the Bulls' lead, (00-06).
27:35 JJ vd Mescht scored the Sharks first points with a try. A scrappy 5m line-out by the Sharks led to several attempts by the Sharks' forwards to score, with vd Mescht eventually crossing the line, (09-06).
34:46 A kick from Curwin Bosch was charged down in the Bulls half, after which Cornal Hendriks gathered the ball and ran for a good 70m to score the Bulls first try of the match, (07-13).
38:29 Curwin Bosch convert a penalty for the Sharks, (10-13).
40:00 With 40 minutes gone in this match, the Sharks are back into the game after being dominated by the Bulls earlier on. The momentum with the Sharks at the end of the first half.
49:25 David Kriel takes a quick tap from a penalty to score the Bulls' second try, (10-20). The Sharks not converting their chances into points at this stage while the Bulls score points whenever it is on offer.
52:05 The Sharks' answer to the Bulls try was quick. Siya Kolisi scores a try after great work by Am on the attack, (15-20).
55:43 Stravino Jacobs scores the Bulls third try after a brilliant set-piece move by the Bulls in the Sharks 22. The Bulls need only one try to secure the much-needed bonus point, (15-27).
60:00 Janko Swanepoel scored the Bulls fourth try to secure the Bulls place in the Pro14 Rainbow Cup final next weekend. The Bulls has scored three tries in the first 20 minutes of the second half, (15-34).
66:00 A yellow card to Marco van Staden following several penalties conceded by the Bulls in their red zone.
71:50 Another yellow card against the Bulls when Trevor Nyakane was penalised for cynical play by the Bulls. The momentum at this stage squarely with the Sharks.
73:30 Anthony Volmink scored the Sharks third try after the Sharks set up camp in the Bulls 22m, (22-34).
Scorers:
Vodacom Bulls: Tries: Cornal Hendricks, David Kriel, Stravino Jacobs, Janko Swanepoel. Conversions: Morne Steyn (4). Penalties: Morne Steyn (2).
Cell C Sharks: Tries: JJ van der Mescht, Siya Kolisi, Anthony Volmink. Conversions: Curwin Bosch, Many Libbok. Penalty: Curwin Bosch.
Vodacom Bulls: 15. David Kriel, 14. Madosh Tambwe, 13. Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12. Cornal Hendricks, 11. Stravino Jacobs, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Ivan van Zyl, 8. Marcell Coetzee (C), 7. Ruan Nortje, 6. Marco van Staden, 5. Janko Swanepoel, 4. Walt Steenkamp, 3. Mornay Smith, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 1. Gerhard Steenekamp. Replacements: 16. Schalk Erasmus, 17. Jacques van Rooyen, 18. Trevor Nyakane, 19. Nizaam Carr, 20. Muller Uys, 21. Keagan Johannes, 23. Gio Aplon, 24. Robert Hunt, 25. Jan Uys, 26. Dawid Kellerman, 27. Richard Kriel.
Cell C Sharks: 15. Aphelele Fassi, 14. Anthony Volmink, 13. Lukhanyo Am (C), 12. Marius Louw, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Curwin Bosch, 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 8. Phepsi Buthelezi, 7. Thembelani Bholi, 6. Siya Kolisi, 5. Hyron Andrews, 4. JJ van der Mescht, 3. Khutha Mchunu, 2. Kerron van Vuuren, 1. Khwezi Mona. Replacements: