The Vodacom Bulls emerged triumphant with a convincing 36-14 victory over the Cell C Sharks in the final of the SA Rugby Under-19 Cup at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon, to seal their third straight triumph in this age-group competition.
The Vodacom Bulls' captain, Lukas Meyer, was the standout player of the match, inspiring his team to victory with an outstanding display that saw him score an impressive hat-trick of tries.
From the opening whistle, the hosts showcased their attacking prowess, applying relentless pressure on the Cell C Sharks’ defence. The attacking brilliance of the Vodacom Bulls led the visitors to concede six tries in total, which ensured a third consecutive title for the team from Pretoria.
After going down 15-0 at the break, the KwaZulu-Natalians fought back valiantly but struggled to contain the Vodacom Bulls' relentless offensive onslaught.
The side from Pretoria’s cohesive teamwork and precise execution allowed them to maintain control of the match. Their forward pack provided a solid platform, creating opportunities for the backs to exploit.
Despite the Cell C Sharks' best efforts to mount a comeback, the Vodacom Bulls’ defence held firm, denying them significant scoring opportunities. The visitors’ hopes were kept alive with two tries scored by Sphephelo Mbonambi and Spha Ngcobo, but it was not enough to stop the hosts.
As the final whistle sounded, Edgar Marutlulle’s team in blue erupted in joy as they celebrated a well-deserved victory. Meyer's exceptional performance and leadership were integral to his team's success, showcasing their determination to continue their winning streak and stake their claim as a force to be reckoned with, in the competition.
Scorers:
Vodacom Bulls 36 (15) – Tries: Lukas Meyer (3), Steven Nel, Michail Damon, Juanre Breitenbach. Conversions: Kobus Janse Van Rensburg (3).
Cell C Sharks 14 (0) – Tries: Sphephelo Mbonambi, Spha Ngcobo. Conversions: Stehan Heymans (2).