The new-look Vodacom Bulls scored a morale-boosting post COVID-19 victory of 49-28 over the Cell C Sharks on Vodacom Super Fan Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, while the DHL Stormers powered their way to a 34-21 triumph over an energetic Emirates Lions at the same venue.

The reshaped Vodacom Bulls were especially impressive before the break and their power upfront and impressive pace at the back made life very difficult for the Cell C Sharks in a very impressive and entertaining first half display for the hosts.

Springbok and DHL Stormers captain Siya Kolisi completed his first match since his injury in the first Vodacom Super Rugby match of the year back in February and the looseforward scored one of his team’s three first-half tries which handed them a 20-7 lead in Pretoria.

Emirates Lions captain Elton Jantjies showed his class with a neat display in the first half against the DHL Stormers despite playing behind a retreating pack of forwards during that time.

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Arendse, Kriel steer Vodacom Bulls to win over Cell C Sharks

Kurt-Lee Arendse and David Kriel scored two tries apiece as they led the Vodacom Bulls to a comfortable victory of 49-28 over the Cell C Sharks. 

The hosts started the match with a bang, running in five tries in the first half – with Blitzbok speedster Arendse scoring twice – while their solid defence limited the KwaZulu-Natalians to only one try in the opening stanza for 35-7 halftime lead.

The second half played out vastly differently with the visitors outscoring the home side three tries to two, but the Vodacom Bulls’ dominant first-half display was enough to secure their first victory under new coach Jake White.

Dominant DHL Stormers power to victory over Emirates Lions in Pretoria

The DHL Stormers' powerful pack laid the platform for a well-deserved 34-21 triumph over the Emirates Lions. 

The Capetonians scored three tries to one in the first half, and then managed two more after the break despite a lively second half display from their opponents.

It was the DHL Stormers who went into the break with a 20-7 lead following three tries and a penalty goal in the opening half of their first match back since COVID-19 interrupted the rugby season for six months. The Emirates Lions made wholesale changes in the second half and gave an energetic and encouraging display in the second stanza.