Elrigh Louw scored a 71st-minute try to help a strong Vodacom Bulls team claim a 35-21 bonus-point victory over the Sharks in a rain-drenched Currie Cup clash in Pretoria on Wednesday night.
The result has the Bulls leapfrogging the Sharks into second place on the Currie Cup table and close the gap on the Cheetahs to just two points.
Having named a powerful starting lineup featuring several first-choice Vodacom United Rugby Championship players, including Morne Steyn, Harold Vorster and captain Arno Botha, the Bulls were always favourites to claim a win over the Sharks.
Gert Smal’s team did not always have it their own way and trailed 18-14 at the break, but scored 21 points in the second half without conceding a try to take the game.
Despite losing both Celimpilo Gumede and Hyron Andrews to yellow cards in the first half, the Sharks did really well to take a lead into the break. The visitors got off to a dream start through Murray Koster’s try in the first 90 seconds, while Marnus Potgieter added a try against his former team just before half time.
However, the Bulls were just too strong in the second half as Keagan Johannes, Botha and Louw all scored to seal the victory.
#BULvSHA FT: And the Vodacom Bulls bag that win at Loftus. They beat the Cell C Sharks 35-21 in rainy conditions.
Yes, we take the Carling Currie Cup very seriously! @SharksRugby #TrueToTheBlue #CarlingCurrieCup @Vodacom @TheCurrieCup pic.twitter.com/EIqW1A12ao— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) March 16, 2022
Despite the result we are proud of #OurSharks team, who put in a gallant effort, with four U20 players making their debuts🖤🤍#OurSharksForever #CarlingCurrieCup #BULvSHA pic.twitter.com/Jnmi1LpLoj
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) March 16, 2022
