The Vodacom Bulls were crowned champions on Saturday after securing an impressive 29-10 win over Western Province in the final of the SA Rugby U20 Cup.
Having lost their only match of the round-robin stages to Western Province, the Bulls managed to turn the tables and were rewarded with an addition to the growing trophy cabinet at Loftus Versfeld.
Despite trailing 7-10 at half time, the side from Tshwane showed their intentions from early on in a dominant second-half performance to gallantly claim the 2022 SA Rugby U20 Cup bragging rights.
“We are most proud of the feat achieved by this talented group of youngsters, who have shown great determination and diligence throughout the season,” said satisfied Bulls U20 head coach Wessel du Plessis after the game.
“There has been a lot of hard work that has gone on behind the scenes to ensure that we reach the final of this tough competition. To be crowned champions is just the cherry on top, and reward for all the efforts of everybody involved in this special team.
“It has not been an easy road. We have come up against some stiff competition right up until the end. Western Province have been worthy competitors throughout the season and also deserved their place in the final showdown. Looking at all the teams that participated, we can rest assured that the future of South African rugby is in good hands with the immense talent that has been on display.”
The rainy weather conditions could have been misconstrued as a buildup to a dull affair at Loftus Versfeld for the season finale of the national junior competition, but action on the field was contrary to this.
The home side got first points on the scoreboard when they were rewarded with a penalty try in the 16th minute. The visitors responded in the 39th minute when fullback Luke Burger dotted down for Western Province U20. After converting the try, flyhalf Sasha Mngomezulu added a penalty in the 40th minute to give the visitors a 7-10 lead at half time.
The Bulls returned to the field motivated for the second half. The home side ensured that no further points were scored against them in the final 40 minutes while they added four tries through Cameron Hanekom, who scored twice, Rowan Cloete and Quewin Nortje.
The dominant second-half performance by the Bulls proved to be enough to claim the 2022 crown.
Photo: Bulls/Johan Rynners
