Cameron Hanekom was the standout performer as the Bulls dismantled the Lions 57-15 at Loftus Versfeld in the URC on Saturday, with the number eight delivering moments that left opponents second-guessing — none more so than a hand-off on Richard Kriel for his second try that drew particular notice.
Willie le Roux, at 37, drove much of the Bulls' attacking intent not through pace but through his reading of the game, acting as the primary playmaker and repeatedly unpicking the Lions defence. Curwin Bosch, back in South African rugby after a stint in France, complemented Le Roux well across a contest the Bulls controlled for long stretches.
On the right wing, Canan Moodie was sharp and largely error-free — an improvement on a trait that has cost him in recent seasons — while Sebastian de Klerk, returning from an injury-interrupted previous campaign, looked back to his best with his pace and footwork causing the Lions consistent problems. Harold Vorster opened the scoring with a chip and regather and continued his good form from the back end of last season.
Paul de Wet, standing in for the absent Embrose Papier, was lively and accurate at the base throughout. Jeandre Rudolph continued his run of strong form, with the loose forward again one of the Bulls' best in both phases. Johan Grobbelaar was excellent in the first half before a few lineout issues crept in after the break.
The Lions did find some foothold around the hour mark, prompting a wave of Bulls replacements that ultimately killed off the contest. Handré Pollard, Cobus Wiese, Elrigh Louw and wing replacement Cheswill Jooste — who crossed for a try — all made strong impacts off the bench as the Bulls closed out with three late tries.