The Bulls kicked off their title defence with a comfortable, if not convincing, 33-19 win against the Pumas in the 2022 Currie Cup opener at Mbombela Stadium on Friday night.

Without much fanfare and hype in the build-up, South Africa’s premier domestic competition got underway in Nelspruit and, much like the build-up, the first game was underwhelming. 

The defending champion Bulls were clear-cut favourites heading into this fixture and they lived up to expectation despite the wet weather conditions making it difficult to hold onto the ball.

A well-taken try by scrumhalf Embrose Papier and two penalties have give the visitors an 11-point lead.

The Pumas came back well with a penalty either side of the interval to cut that Bulls lead by six.

While not in full control of the contest, the Bulls managed to extend their advantage by 10. Ill discipline by the Bulls again allowed the Pumas back into the game as the home side doubled their tally with two more goal kicks.

With the action fading, the Bulls made the game safe when Johan Grobbelaar stormed over the tryline.

There was more to come from both teams in the final 12 minutes with the Bulls conceding a penalty try for a Lizo Gqoboka maul infringement. But they restored their advantage soon after when WJ Steenkamp crashed over from short range for the win.