The Vodacom Bulls clinched a crucial 39-31 win over defending URC champions Leinster at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night, thanks to a late intercept try by David Kriel.

The hard-fought victory sees the Pretoria side go top of the table after two rounds, but coach Johan Ackermann will be wary of defensive lapses as they head into a tough three-week overseas tour.

The Bulls started strongly, with early tries from Sebastian de Klerk, David Kriel and Celimpilo Gumede giving them a 22-10 lead at halftime. But Leinster, smarting from a previous loss to the Stormers, hit back with three second-half tries to briefly take the lead.

The game see-sawed in the final stages, with tries from Willie le Roux and Stravino Jacobs keeping the Bulls in it. Kriel’s second try, an intercept with three minutes remaining, sealed the deal for the home side.

Scorers:

Vodacom Bulls 39 (22) – Tries: Sebastian de Klerk, David Kriel (2), Celimpilo Gumede, Willie le Roux, Stravino Jacobs. Conversions: Keagan Johannes (2), Kriel. Penalty goal: Johannes.

Leinster 31 (10) – Tries: Tom Clarkson, Hugh Cooney, Tommy O’Brien, Scott Penny. Conversions: Sam Prendergast (4). Penalty goal: Prendergast.