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Shock as Bulls lose unbeaten record to Lions
By PA
The Bulls suffered their first defeat of the PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA as they were beaten 34-33 by the previously winless Lions in Johannesburg.
A loss for the Sharks against the Stormers earlier in the day had opened the door for the Bulls to take a step closer to next month’s final, but a late Fred Zeilinga try – which he converted himself – checked their momentum.
A tight first half opened with Ruben Schoeman going over for the Lions, but while Jordan Hendrikse was able to add the extras, they were quickly pegged back by tries from Elrigh Louw and David Kriel.
A wonderful solo run from Rabz Maxwane down the right wing, finished off with a chip and chase, helped the Lions into a 17-12 lead and, although the Bulls edged back in front following a Madosh Tambwe try soon after, it was the hosts who held a narrow half-time advantage thanks to a Hendrikse penalty.
The Bulls then threatened the kind of second-half surge that steered them to victory over the Sharks last weekend, as Chris Smith and Kriel went over early on, but MJ Pelser responded as the Lions pulled back to 33-27.
The Lions then decisively nudged in front when Zeilinga exploited a gap in the Bulls defence and split the posts himself with six minutes to play.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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