All the opposite factors at an empty Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria due to the coronavirus got here from boots of Bulls pair Chris Smith and Morne Steyn and Lions’ Tiaan Swanepoel.
Fly-half Smith slotted 4 penalties and a conversion earlier than being changed six minutes from time by veteran Steyn, who kicked a penalty.
Younger full-back Swanepoel, who can kick 60-metre penalties, managed 5 from various distances and angles and appears a possible Springbok.
It was a tense match, spoilt by fixed stoppages for reset scrums and 28 penalties, and the Bulls overcame a sluggish begin to look the likelier winners all through the second half.
The league section ends Sunday with the Bulls (39 factors) assured of first place and Western Province (37), Sharks (35) and Lions (34) the opposite qualifiers for the knockout stage.
Within the January 16 semi-finals, the Bulls face the Lions in Pretoria once more and Province can have residence benefit over the Sharks in Cape City.
If the Bulls attain the ultimate as they pursue a primary Currie Cup title since 2009, the title decider will likely be performed at Loftus Versfeld on January 23.
– Covid-19 outbreak –
Province had been scheduled to host the Sharks this weekend within the ultimate spherical of the league, however the match was cancelled and the factors shared after a Covid-19 outbreak on the Sharks.
“Our perspective was good as we fought again from 9 factors behind to guide at half-time,” mentioned Bulls skipper and quantity eight Duane Vermeulen.
“I anticipate extra of the identical after we meet the Lions within the semi-finals. Our victory margins in opposition to them just lately have been eight and 7 factors so one other shut encounter appears probably.”
Lions skipper and fly-half Elton Jantjies mentioned: “Given we had a tricky match final Saturday, I believed the bodily effort from the crew was magnificent.”
The distinction between the groups was the Papier attempt, the primary rating of the second half after the Bulls led 12-9 at half-time having trailed by 9 factors.
Taking a cross from veteran Springbok Vermeulen, he held off stronger and taller Lions centre Dan Kriel to attain.
A few Swanepoel penalties narrowed the deficit to 4 factors with 13 minutes left earlier than Steyn accomplished the scoring off a close-range penalty.
The Lions compelled three lineouts 5 metres from the Bulls tryline in further time as they sought the transformed attempt that will have earned a draw.
However the Johannesburg facet surrendered possession from the third lineout and Steyn calmly kicked the ball into contact to finish a match during which the Lions secured a bonus level.
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