| Bulls (28) 63 |
| Tries: Nortje, Hanekom 2, Grobbelaar, Kriel, Gans 2, Van der Merwe, Simelane Cons: Goosen 9 |
| Scarlets (14) 21 |
| Tries: McNicholl, Plumtree 2 Cons: Lloyd 3 |
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel admitted his staff have been “blown away” by Bulls in a file nine-try United Rugby Championship (URC) rout in Pretoria.
Taine Plumtree scored twice on his debut after Johnny McNicholl crossed.
Nevertheless Bulls had already wrapped up a bonus level inside simply 24 minutes by way of Ruan Nortje, Cameron Hanekom and Johan Grobbelaar.
The South African then added 5 occasions within the second half to rack up the very best rating in opposition to Scarlets.
It was the primary time Scarlets have conceded 60 factors in a league match whereas the 42-point shedding margin was second solely to their final go to to Loftus Versfeld two seasons in the past.
Scarlets haven’t received their opening recreation of the season since 2019, however by no means have they began with such a brutal lesson.
Tom Rogers impressed on the left wing, fly-half Ioan Lloyd kicked properly and younger back-row pair Dan Davis and Ben Williams had moments on the breakdown.
Remarkably Scarlets have been even chasing a bonus level within the remaining moments that will have given them one thing to cling to earlier than dealing with Stormers in Cape City subsequent weekend.
However they have been completely over-powered by Bulls, who minimize the Scarlets defence to shreds after the break.
Bulls haven’t been overwhelmed by a non-South African aspect at house within the league and that file hardly ever regarded in peril after they crossed twice within the first six minutes.
Lock Nortje powered over from shut vary and Tom Rogers may do little to cease quantity eight Hanekom within the sixth minute.
Hanekom barged previous reverse quantity Williams for his double earlier than Grobbelaar clinched the bonus.
Rogers, a part of the Wales World Cup coaching squad this summer season, sparked a mini Scarlets revival earlier than half-time.
His gliding run previous 4 defenders ended with a penalty that noticed McNicholl rating within the nook.
Rogers then denied Elrigh Louw a strive with a last-ditch deal with after which mixed with Plumtree following a protracted line-out throw for the flanker to attain his first Scarlets try to minimize the result in 28-14.
Nevertheless Scarlets’ defence fell aside within the second half as David Kriel, Stedman Gans, twice, Akker van der Merwe and Wandisile Simelane all crossed and the pin-point boot of fly-half Johan Goosen, who transformed all 9 tries, took the rating previous 60.
Joe Roberts’ break arrange a second for Plumtree in opposition to the run of play, however the comfort of a bonus level eluded Scarlets as they ensured all 4 Welsh areas misplaced on the opening weekend of the brand new marketing campaign.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel stated:
“It was a lesson in execution. Bulls have been very scientific within the first 25 minutes and errors price us dearly.
“We managed to get again earlier than half-time and the subsequent rating was in all probability essential, however Bulls have been bodily and we have been blown away.
“We have been upset to not get the bonus level for 4 tries in the long run, however we did not deserve it due to our errors.”
Bulls: Devon Williams; Sebastian de Klerk, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Wandisile Simelane; Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier; Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje (co-capt), Marcell Coetzee (co-capt), Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom.
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Simphiwe Matanzima, Mornay Smith, Reinhardt Ludwig, Nizaam Carr, Zak Burger, Jaco van der Walt, Stedman Gans.
Scarlets: Johnny McNicholl; Tom Rogers, Joe Roberts, Jonathan Davies (capt), Ryan Conbeer; Ioan Lloyd, Kieran Hardy; Kemsley Mathias, Shaun Evans, Sam Wainwright, Alex Craig, Sam Lousi, Taine Plumtree, Dan Davis, Ben Williams.
Replacements: Isaac Younger, Steff Thomas, Wyn Jones, Jac Value, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Archie Hughes, Charlie Titcombe, Ioan Nicholas.
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs & Cwengile Jadezweni (SARU)
TMO: Sam Grove-White (SRU)