Rampant in every facet, the Vodacom Bulls laid down a strong marker in their season-opening Carling Currie Cup match against DHL Western Province in Cape Town on Saturday evening.
They scored six tries in a dominant 48-23 victory, highlighted by a sensational display by the backrow of Jeandre Rudolph, captain Nama Xaba and Junior Pokomela and an assured kicking display by flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain who contributed 18 points with the boot.
“I’m pretty chuffed,” said coach Phiwe Nomlomo, whose off-season work paid dividends in spades. The pack was powerful and the backs were sharp and fluent, expertly marshalled by Zak Burger at scrumhalf. For good measure, he scored a pair tries too.
Other tries were scored by Joe van Zyl, Sintu Manjezi and Rudolph (two), whose muscular display set the tone for a bustling team performance.
Additionally, there were seven debutants to warm the heart, something Nomlomo acknowledged as a key takeaway. “Some times we were incredibly brave,” he said, praising the quality of the set pieces and the overall cohesion.
“We were well tested in several departments, and the guys are in a good space mentally.”
The Vodacom Bulls now head home for their next assignment against the Hollywoodbets Sharks at home next weekend.
