Handre Pollard’s late conversion proved decisive for the Bulls.
United Rugby Championship
Edinburgh (17) 17
Tries: Van der Merwe, Schoeman, Rae Cons: Thompson
Bulls (5) 19
Tries: Coetzee, Grobbelaar, Van Staden Cons: Pollard 2
Edinburgh’s hopes of reaching the United Rugby Championship play-offs suffered a blow as the Bulls rallied from a 12-point deficit to secure victory in the Scottish capital.
Tries from Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman, and D’arcy Rae propelled Edinburgh to a commanding 17-5 lead at halftime, with Marcel Coetzee’s try providing a lifeline for the visitors.
The South African side seized the initiative in the second half, with tries from Johann Grobbelaar and Marco van Staden ultimately clinching the win.
Edinburgh’s recent form has been concerning, having lost five of their last seven matches across all competitions, placing them 11th in the URC table with only three wins this season. The Bulls, meanwhile, sit in ninth position.
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Despite a promising first half, this result marks another setback for Sean Everitt’s squad.
Van der Merwe, despite facing challenges with form this season, ignited the home side with a signature try.
Wes Goosen’s strong run set the stage, and Van der Merwe capitalized, demonstrating his power to cross the line despite the attention of two defenders.
The Bulls responded swiftly with a powerful rolling maul from a lineout, resulting in Coetzee touching down.
Edinburgh regrouped and intensified their attack, ultimately seeing Schoeman force his way over out wide.
Rae further extended Edinburgh’s lead with a try under the posts, giving the home side a 12-point advantage at the break.
However, the Bulls emerged with renewed vigor in the second half, with Grobbelaar’s try and a subsequent conversion from Handre Pollard narrowing the gap to five points.
The momentum shifted decisively as Van Staden powered through to score the visitors’ third try. Pollard’s successful conversion put the Bulls ahead for the first time.
Edinburgh were unable to respond, and the South Africans managed the closing stages effectively to secure a deserved victory.
Edinburgh have lost five of their past seven matches in all competitions
Edinburgh: Paterson, Graham, Goosen, Lang, Van der Merwe, Thompson, Vellacott; Schoeman, Ashman, D’arcy Rae, Young, Gilchrist, McConnell, Douglas, Bradbury.
Replacements: Morris, Venter, Hill, Hunter-Hill, Muncaster, Shiel, Scott, O’Conor.
Bulls: Le Roux, Jooste, De Klerk, Kriel, Arendse, Pollard, Burger; Wessels, Grobbelaar, Louw, Vermaak, Nortje, Coetzee, Gumede, Rudolph.
Replacements: Van Staden, Tshakweni, Smith, Ludwig, Carr, Papier, Vorster, Jacobs.
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