The Vodacom Blue Bulls XV were in fine form when they dispatched the Emirates Lions XV 33-22 (half-time 12-12) in a preseason warm-up match on Loftus B field on Friday, 17 January 2020.
The first half proved to be horses for courses as the two teams tried to assert dominance but had their efforts thwarted by unforced errors.
The Emirates Lions XV struck first through hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg but the Vodacom Blue Bulls XV responded in kind through wing Sebastiaan Jobb and fullback Richard Kriel.
Replacements flyhalf Vaughen Isaacs slotted one conversion to ensure a 12-5 lead.
It was the visitors who had the last say in the first half as inside centre James Mollentze crossed the whitewash with flyhalf Shaun Reynolds knocking over the conversion to level the scores at half-time.
The second half belonged to the men in blue though as wing Jade Stighling touched down with replacement utility back Dawid Kellerman grabbing a brace.
Isaacs was on target with all three conversion attempts to inflate the score to 33-12.
The men from across the Jukskei ensured they finished with a flourish as replacements Travis Gordon and Mandisi Mathiyane scored unconverted tries to end proceedings with the Vodacom Blue Bulls XV winning 33-22.
Scorers
Vodacom Blue Bulls XV – Tries: Sebastiaan Jobb, Richard Kriel, Jade Stighling, Dawid Kellerman (2); Conversions: Vaughen Isaacs (4).
Emirates Lions XV – Tries: Marko Janse van Rensburg, James Mollentze, Travis Gordon, Mandisi Mathiyane; Conversion: Shaun Reynolds.