Zak Burger and the Kriel brothers scored tries as the Bulls claimed a bonus-point victory over the Lions in Pretoria on Sunday.

The 40-21 result saw the game-shy Bulls, who last played a Currie Cup match on 25 June, climb up to second place on the table, one point off the Sharks, while the Lions are at the bottom on the log, joint on 10 points with the Cheetahs.

Matchflow:

The Bulls flew into a 14-0 lead thanks to tries from Harold Vorster and Burger’s first score, before the Lions hit back through standout flank Vincent Tshituka.

The first-half continued to be closely fought as the two teams exchanged scores when Johan Grobbelaar went over for the Bulls, before Courtnall Skosan marked his return to the Lions starting lineup with a try. The Bulls had the final say of the half as Burger went over for his second try to give the hosts a 14-0 lead.

The Bulls would take control of the second half as backline brothers Richard and David Kriel scored quickfire tries, giving them a comfortable 26-point buffer and all but securing the victory.

The Lions did make a late charge to secure their own four-try bonus-point, with prop Sti Sithole scoring their third try in the 77th minute, but that would only serve as a consolation.

Vermeulen cameo:

Duane Vermeulen made an interesting cameo in the game as the Bulls’ water-carrier. The Springbok No 8 has been continuing his rehab from ankle surgery with his domestic team as he tries to make a late bid to play against the British & Irish Lions.