Report by David van der Merwe
The Bulls made the great trek for the Jukskei Derby to Coca-Cola Park. On their minds were revenge for the loss at Loftus earlier this year to the Lions. The Lions only wanted to keep their home record clean. The match promised to be a spectacular one as is normally the case with this Derby.


The first half made for good rugby by both sides. At one stage I wonder if the teams switched jerseys as the Lions played kicking rugby and the Bulls the running style. The Bulls scored first through a Jano Vermaak try that Louis Fouche converted. Jano showed that he had no more feeling for the Lions and would not give them an inch. This was followed by a Elton Jantjies penalty to make it 7-3. From here on in it was all Bulls. They run in another try and two penalties making it 18-3. The Lions decided against poles on 5 occasions when given the penalties. And every time they turned the ball over to the Bulls. Dean Greyling got yellow carded just before the break leaving the Bulls with 14 men. On the stroke of halftime Elton Jantjies added 3 to the Lions' telly making the halftime score 18-6.

The teams went into the changing rooms to have energy drink and listen to the coaches' speeches. To be honest I didn't envy the Lions who had to face John Mitchell. What Mitchell said I don't l know but I bet my bottom dollar it wasn't: "Well played, Boys."


The second half saw a different Lions side take the field. John's speech sure did the trick. The Lions ran in a quick try and Elton converted to make it 18-13. Wynand Olivier got yellow carded just as Greyling came back onto the field. The lions scored an unconverted try to level the scores. The Bulls nearly scored but the ball was lost as they went over the line. After a back and forth fight at pace, Louis Fouche attempted a drop goal but missed. Minutes later he succeeded to make it 21-18. Again the Lions opted to go for the try instead of the 3 points. After 8 minutes of camping on the Bulls line the ball was turned over once again. The Bulls taking the game 21-18 in the end.


The referee showed a lot of inexperience and nearly had more comments on the game than the commentators. That he can debate is clear. If he debate the laws less with the captains, the game would have been 5-10 minutes quicker.


The Bulls have a real chance of making the semi's, but will have to work at their discipline. the two yellow cards could have cost them the game. This is a weekly problem that needs to be sorted and quick. I must say I'm starting to like the style of rugby they play.

The Lions will have to wait another week to secure that home semi. If they however keep on leaving points on the ground and then losing this might not happen. They will also have to look at their discipline as this cost them points in the first half.


All and all a beautiful display of good entertaining rugby. And to the next guy that complains about colour in our sport I have this to say: "Boet, look at all those different coloured boots. I'm sure Smarties sponsors them."