SES VANNIE BESTES

THE Bulls put in a workmanlike performance to beat a brave Western Province 48-23 in a Currie Cup match at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo’s manne came into the match as heavy favourites after selecting a very strong team filled with a lot of quality and experience, and fielded seasoned pros Marvin Orie, Boeta Chamberlain and Sintu Manjezi.

Province, on the other hand, fielded seven debutants in their run-on span, including a few Blitzboks, who have been roped in to bolster their squad.

And it was clear from the first minute that WP were going to be under the pump, especially at set-piece time. The Bulls scored five of their six tries in the first half, dominating the collisions and getting penalties as WP tried to stop the bleeding.

WP had two players – Gary Porter and Alex Groves – sent to the sin bin in the first half and paid a heavy price.

The Bulls went into the break 38-16 in the lead following a brace of tries from scrumhalf Zak Burger and efforts from Joe van Zyl, Sintu Manjezi and Jeandre Rudolph.

WP scored one of their two tries in the first half, with SA Sevens ace Shilton van Wyk dotting down.

The home team were actually the better side for much of the second half after the Bulls were reduced to 14 players as Chris Smith was sent to the sin bin.

However, WP could only capitalise once from their one-man advantage as wing Courtnall Skosan went over to score.

Rudolph scored his second try with 12 minutes left to play.

OTHER RESULTS: Pumas 49, Griquas 28; Lions 46, Sharks 5; Boland 37, Cheetahs 35