Bulls outdo Waratahs with 16-13 defeat

The Bulls kept their side of the bargain by beating the Waratahs 16-13

The Blue Bulls have beaten the Waratahs at Loftus Versveldt by 16-13. With the victory the Bulls may just have prevented the embarrassment of going from first to last in one season - and it could possibly help the Stormers and Sharks' semifinal chances.

The unseasonal rain gave the traditional strong Bulls pack a bit of an advantage, but a defensive blunder negated that and the Waratahs quickly took a 7-0 lead. The Bulls limited their mistakes after this, especially when it came to turnovers.

Some ill discipline by the visitors gave Morne Steyn opportunities at goal and at half time the Bulls were 7-6 behind, but within touching distance. After the break the Waratahs were on the attack but this time good defence turned the tide and Derrick Kuhn rounded off an excellent counterattack by the Bulls.

In the 73rd minute the pressure was eventually converted through a drop kick by Steyn and the Bulls led by 16-13. They managed to hold off the Waratahs in the final minutes. The victory was celebrated from Loftus to Durban and all the way down to Cape Town.

Lions succumb to Hurricanes
The Lions ended a miserable overseas tour with a 38-12 loss against the Hurricanes in Wellington, New Zealand. The Hurricanes scored five tries for a bonus point and are firmly in contention for a place in the top four. The Lions scored two tries to add a bit of respectability.

In Perth Australia, the Western Force gave their own and the Sharks and Stormers chances for a semifinal spot a boost, by beating the Waikato Chiefs 22-21. A last minute penalty by Matt Gitau sealed the victory.