The Fidelity ADT Lions produced a dominant display in the Jukskei derby, beating the Vodacom Bulls at the University of Johannesburg on August 1 in round 3 of the Currie Cup.

A blistering first-half performance laid the foundation for the victory, with the Lions scoring four tries before the break and never allowing the Bulls to get back into the contest.

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The Lions settled into the match quickly and opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes, when lock Ruan Delport crossed the line. Conraad van Vuuren soon added a second try as the hosts continued to pile on the pressure. Flyhalf Sam Francis made no mistakes with the conversions, giving the Lions an early advantage and putting the Bulls on the back foot.

The momentum stayed firmly with the home side for the remainder of the first half. Morne Venter powered over for another five-pointer before Mahle Sithole added the Lions’ fourth try of the afternoon. Francis continued his accurate kicking from the tee, helping his side take a convincing 28–0 lead into halftime.

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The Lions picked up where they had left off after the restart. Dylan Sjoblom crossed shortly after halftime to extend the lead before Kebotile Maake finished off another well-worked move. With Francis once again adding the extras, the Lions looked comfortable in both attack and defence as they continued to control possession and territory.

The Blue Bulls eventually found their rhythm in the final minutes of the second half. Devon Williams got the visitors on the scoreboard before Asad Moos and Riyaad Bam each scored tries to reduce the deficit. However, a second-half red card made the task even more difficult for the Bulls, and, by then, the Lions had already done enough to put the result beyond doubt.

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WATCH: The best moments as the Fidelity ADT Lions power past the Vodacom Bulls 42–19 at UJ on August 1, claiming victory in the Jukskei derby. Video: Waydon Jacobs #Northcliff #Rugby #Jukskei #Derby

♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North

Although the visitors finished strongly, the Lions’ clinical first-half display proved decisive. Their ability to convert opportunities into points, combined with Francis’ reliable kicking and a disciplined defensive effort, ensured they remained in control throughout most of the match.

The victory was a deserved reward for a confident performance as the Lions celebrated an impressive win over their Gauteng rivals in front of their supporters at UJ.

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