Coming off a bruising defeat of 32-19 to the Stormers, the pressure was on the Bulls to respond – and they did so emphatically. Facing a Cardiff outfit missing several of their international stars, and sitting above them on the standings, the hosts seized the opportunity to reassert themselves.

The Bulls were in control for large periods of the match, asserting their physical dominance and dictating play. However, despite crossing the tryline five times in the first half, their execution left room for improvement. Only one try followed after the break, with several promising attacking opportunities going begging.

Ruan Nortjé. Photo: Bulls

The primary objective was achieved – a full haul of five log points and a much-needed confidence boost. While Cardiff posed little threat compared to the Stormers, the Bulls still had to do the job – and they did. The result also extended Pretoria’s unbeaten URC run against Cardiff to five matches.

There were several positives to take from the performance. The scrum remained solid despite the absence of Wilco Louw, and the return of Cameron Hanekom after a lengthy 10-month injury layoff added further encouragement. His physical presence was immediately noticeable, and his comeback will be a major boost if he continues to build momentum.

Among the standout performers, scrumhalf Embrose Papier made a lively return, while forwards Ruan Nortjé, Nizaam Carr, and Marcell Coetzee carried strongly throughout. Marco van Staden also made an impact off the bench with some big defensive contributions.

In the backline, Handré Pollard was reliable from the tee, David Kriel continued to impress, and Kurt-Lee Arendse was electric, consistently troubling defenders with his footwork. Canan Moodie showed his class, although Cheswill Jooste saw limited opportunities.

Cardiff’s only try came early after a handling error gifted Callum Sheedy a clear run to the line, but it proved to be their sole highlight. The Bulls quickly regained control, capitalising on a yellow card to Alun Lawrence with two maul-driven tries from Coetzee and Johan Grobbelaar.

Further scores followed through Kriel and Papier, while a fortunate but well-finished effort by Elrigh Louw just before halftime effectively ended the contest at 33-7.

Canan Moodie. Photo: Bulls

Ruan Vermaak added the final try in the second half, but the intensity dropped as errors crept in.

Ultimately, while not perfect, it was a result that delivered exactly what the Bulls needed – momentum, points, and renewed belief.

Meanwhile, the action continues for the other South African teams on Saturday. At 14:45, the Lions will tackle Sean Everritt’s Edinburgh at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. At 17:00, it’s over to Durban where the Sharks will entertain Munster.

On Sunday at 15:00, the Stormers will tackle the Dragons at the Cape Town Stadium in the Mother City.

Scorers:

Bulls: Tries - Marcell Coetzee, Johan Grobbelaar, David Kriel, Embrose Papier, Elrigh Louw, Ruan Vermaak Conv. - Handré Pollard 4, Kriel

Cardiff: Try - Harry Millard Conv. - Callum Sheedy

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs