Flyhalf Johan Goosen scored 14 points as the Vodacom Bulls secured a vital Currie Cup victory over the Pumas at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
The Bulls team laden with the stalwarts of their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign needed a late David Kriel try to break the deadlock and secure a 24-17 victory.
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An entertaining first half saw the Pumas open the scoring through two penalties from flyhalf Tinus de Beer before the Bulls hit back through tries from Kriel and Goosen.
De Beer’s third penalty of the half reduced the deficit to five, as the Pumas trailed 14-9 heading into the break.
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The second half was a much tighter affair as both sides turned to the kicking game, searching for territory. De Beer and Goosen traded penalties in the third quarter and the game was locked early in the fourth quarter when Pumas fullback Devon Williams dotted down.
But the Bulls pulled together and sent Kriel over in the corner for his second moments later and Goosen converted for the win.
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Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images