The Vodacom Bulls are URC semi-final bound after a pulsating 42-33 win over Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld, sending the Pretoria faithful into full voice after a six-try showcase that underlined their title ambitions.
Flyhalf Keagan Johannes was at the heart of it all—racking up 17 points with a combination of sharp kicking, slick distribution, and a brilliant solo try. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but the Bulls found a higher gear in the second half to power past the Scots and book a final-four spot for the second consecutive season.
Early Chaos, Then Composure
It was a nervy start for the home crowd as the Bulls were rocked by a third-minute yellow card to winger Sebastian de Klerk for a reckless shoulder charge on Darcy Graham. Edinburgh took full advantage of the extra man, with Wes Goosen finishing a slick backline move for the opening try.
Despite being a man down, Johannes slotted a penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking, but Edinburgh surged again—flyhalf Ross Thompson finishing off a move sparked deep in their own 22 to take a 14-3 lead.
Once back to full strength, the Bulls began to claw their way into the game. Cameron Hanekom muscled over after a lineout to score the hosts’ first try. Edinburgh struck again through Thompson, but the Bulls answered with quick-fire tries from David Kriel and Harold Vorster, sparked by the creative spark of Willie le Roux. Still, kicking woes saw the Bulls trailing 21-18 at the break despite outscoring Edinburgh three tries to three.
Second-Half Surge
The Bulls came out of the sheds with intent—and finally, execution to match. Le Roux’s vision once again unlocked space, this time putting Canan Moodie away in the 43rd minute. Johannes converted and then turned hero himself with a brilliant solo run just four minutes later, slicing through the Edinburgh defence for the Bulls’ fifth try.
With momentum fully swinging their way, Johannes added the extras and then set up the next phase. After a smart 50/22 from Embrose Papier, captain Ruan Nortje forced his way over for try number six. Suddenly, it was 42-26 and the Bulls were in control.
Edinburgh Keep Fighting
The Scots refused to lie down. Ewan Ashman barged over after a series of penalties and warnings to the Bulls, with JF van Heerden eventually being shown yellow for repeated infringements. Edinburgh looked to press their advantage, but a deliberate knock-on by Thompson flipped the momentum back to the hosts. Johannes slotted another penalty to extend the lead.
Goosen bagged his second try in the 63rd minute after a sweeping attack from deep, cutting the gap to nine points. But Akker van der Merwe’s crucial turnover in the red zone and strong defensive sets from the hosts shut the door.
With less than two minutes left, Edinburgh tried one final counter from their in-goal area, but De Klerk gathered a loose ball and booted it into touch, sealing a memorable Bulls win.
Next Up: The Semis
With their attacking rhythm hitting top gear, and key players like Johannes, Le Roux, and Nortje stepping up, the Bulls now await the winner of the Sharks vs Munster clash. The road to URC glory continues—and Pretoria is buzzing.
