The Bulls made a powerful statement on the opening weekend of the United Rugby Championship, cruising to a 47-13 victory over Zebre Parma in Italy on Saturday.
The Pretoria side scored seven tries and produced a ruthless attacking display after initially being made to work by their hosts.
Reinhardt Ludwig scored twice, while Paul de Wet, Ruan Vermaak, Harold Vorster and Zac Burger also crossed the line as the Bulls secured a bonus-point victory.
Bulls overcome early frustration
Zebre made the brighter start, with Tommaso Allan opening the scoring from the kicking tee after the Bulls were punished for early handling errors.
The visitors soon found a way back into the contest when Zebre lock Matteo Canali was shown a yellow card for illegally stopping a driving maul. The decision resulted in a penalty try for the Bulls.
Ludwig then powered over following a Zebre restart error, with Curwin Bosch adding the conversion to put the Bulls 14-6 ahead.
The Pretoria side finished the half strongly. Scrumhalf Paul de Wet intercepted a loose pass before racing approximately 40 metres to score, and Bosch’s successful conversion sent the Bulls into halftime with a 21-6 advantage.
Bulls turn the screw after halftime
The Bulls returned from the break with even greater attacking intent.
Ruan Vermaak scored just a minute into the second half, extending the visitors’ advantage before centre Harold Vorster crossed soon afterwards after finding himself with a clear path to the try line.
Zebre briefly responded through captain Alessandro Fusco, but the Italian side struggled to contain the Bulls’ sustained pressure.
Ludwig completed his brace with four minutes remaining before replacement wing Zac Burger scored after the final hooter to put the finishing touch on a commanding performance.
The Bulls had already secured their bonus point before the final stages and eventually ran out 34-point winners.
Munster next for the Bulls
The result gives the Bulls an ideal start to their URC campaign and provides early evidence of the depth available within the Pretoria squad.
Their ability to turn pressure and set-piece opportunities into points proved decisive in Parma, while the impact of the replacements helped them maintain their intensity deep into the match.
The Bulls will now face another major test when they travel to Limerick to take on Munster next Saturday.
