The 2023/24 losing finalists ran in five tries as they returned to winning ways following a somewhat surprising 29-19 home defeat to the Sharks a week earlier.

A few weeks ago the Bulls won the first Jukskei derby 37-22 at Ellis Park

The Bulls got off to a flying start, racing to a 17-0 lead within the first 12 minutes against their neighbours. In this early blitz, Springboks Canan Moodie and Willie le Roux, along with Sebastian de Klerk, all crossed the whitewash – much to the delight of the Loftus faithful.

The Lions showed resilience and clawed their way back into the contest. Henco van Wyk powered over for their first try, and with Bulls centre Stedman Gans in the sin bin, PJ Botha added a second, reducing the deficit to just three points at half-time, with the Bulls leading 17-14.

In the second half, the hosts quickly regained control, with Moodie completing his brace and Marco van Staden muscling his way over to stretch the Bulls’ lead to 31-14, effectively sealing the result.

The Lions responded with a try from Richard Kriel and thought they had a fourth, only for it to be disallowed due to foul play in the build-up.

Ultimately, the Bulls' early dominance and clinical finishing proved too much for their Jukskei rivals, strengthening their playoff ambitions with a crucial win in Pretoria.

Scorers:

Bulls: Tries – Canan Moodie (2), Willie le Roux, Sebastian de Klerk, Marco van Staden Conv. – David Kriel (3)

Lions:  Tries – Henco van Wyk, PJ Botha, Richard Kriel Conv. – Gianni Lombard (2)

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg