The Vodacom Bulls coaches spoke all week about the fierce challenge the Airlink Pumas would present.
Now we know why.
The Pumas brought a simple but effective game plan to Loftus Versfeld, playing direct, low-error rugby with excellent set piece play the cornerstone of their rugged approach in this vital Carling Currie Cup fixture, which they won 41-7.
The home side was shackled for most of the match, unable to launch their usually expansive ambition. They were often stopped at source, the breakdowns a case in point where the Pumas got stuck in.
Jaco van der Walt enjoys a rare moment of ascendancy by the Vodacom Bulls.
There was a rare exception in the first half when Riyaad Bam, a late addition to the team after Aphiwe Dyantyi fell ill, skinned the Pumas on the outside for an outstanding score.
The Bulls toiled hard under the winter sun, but it was the Pumas who turned opportunity into points. They were 10-7 up at the break, but then pulled ahead in the third quarter to leave the Vodacom Bulls with a mountain of work.
Battle-hardened by the rigours of the recent SA Cup, the Pumas made it count. They scored five tries in the second half and played heroically for a vital away win in the single-round competition.
BULLS SCORERS
Tries: Riyaad Bam.
Conversions: Boeta Chamberlain (1).
