The Vodacom Bulls began their 2026/27
United Rugby Championship campaign with a convincing 47–13 victory over Zebre
Parma in Italy, overcoming a difficult opening period before taking complete control of the contest.
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Zebre started with greater urgency and
forced the Bulls to defend for long periods during the opening exchanges.
Tommaso Allan opened the scoring from the tee in the 13th minute as the home
side looked comfortable in possession.
The game changed in the 26th minute
when Zebre lock Matteo Canali was sent to the sin bin for illegally stopping a
Bulls driving maul. The visitors were awarded a penalty try, giving them their
first lead of the match.
Allan responded with another penalty
four minutes later, but the Bulls quickly regained momentum. Reinhardt Ludwig
crossed in the 31st minute before Paul de Wet intercepted a pass and raced
clear for another try seven minutes later.
Curwin Bosch converted both efforts as
the Bulls went into half-time with a 21–6 advantage.
The visitors continued their strong
start to the second half when Ruan Vermaak crossed just three minutes after the
restart. Harold Vorster added another try in the 51st minute as the Bulls
stretched their lead further.
Zebre captain Alessandro Fusco gave
the home crowd something to celebrate when he crossed in the 58th minute, with
Allan adding the conversion.
The Bulls, however, refused to let the
hosts back into the contest. Ludwig completed his brace in the 79th minute
before replacement Zak Burger crossed after the final hooter to complete a
seven-try victory.
The result gave the Bulls five points
from their opening fixture, while scrumhalf Paul de Wet was named Player of the
Match following an influential performance.
Match Scores
Zebre: 13
Try: Alessandro Fusco
Conversion: Tommaso Allan
Penalties: Tommaso Allan
Yellow cards: Matteo Canali, Sergio Pelliccioli
Red cards: None
Bulls: 47
Tries: Penalty try, Reinhardt Ludwig, Paul de Wet, Ruan Vermaak, Harold
Vorster, Reinhardt Ludwig, Zak Burger
Conversions: Curwin Bosch, Willie le Roux
Penalties: None
Yellow card: Jeandre Rudolph
Red cards: None
5 Things You Missed
1. The Bulls survived Zebre’s early
pressure
The final score suggests a comfortable
Bulls victory, but the visitors had to work their way into the match.
Zebre controlled much of the opening
period and forced the Bulls into defensive work before the Pretoria side found
its rhythm. The Bulls’ ability to remain composed during that spell proved
important as they eventually turned the contest in their favour.
2. The penalty try changed the match
The Bulls’ first try came through a
penalty try after Canali illegally stopped a driving maul.
The decision not only gave the
visitors seven points but also left Zebre with 14 players for 10 minutes. The
Bulls took advantage of the extra space and quickly added another try through
Ludwig.
3. De Wet made his mark
Paul de Wet produced one of the most
influential performances of the match.
The scrumhalf attacked around the
fringes and kept Zebre’s defence under pressure. His interception try before
half-time gave the Bulls valuable momentum and helped them establish a
comfortable lead.
His contribution was recognised when
he was named Player of the Match.
4. The Bulls’ forwards laid the
foundation
The Pretoria side’s dominance was
built around its ability to win collisions and create quality possession.
Ludwig was influential at lineout time
and finished with two tries, while Vermaak also crossed shortly after
half-time. The Bulls’ forwards consistently created opportunities for the backs
to attack from stronger positions.
5. The Bulls finished strongly
The visitors did not ease off once the
result was effectively secured.
Ludwig completed his second try late
in the match before replacement Burger scored after the final hooter. The late
points ensured the Bulls left Parma with the maximum five log points.
Bulls Player Ratings vs Zebre
15. Willie le Roux — 8/10
Provided experience and direction from
the back while helping the Bulls manage the game effectively. Added a late
conversion and remained composed under pressure.
14. Sebastian de Klerk — 6/10
Worked hard in defence and provided an
attacking option when the ball moved towards the wide channels.
13. Stedman Gans — 6/10
Produced a solid performance in
midfield and helped maintain the Bulls’ attacking structure as the visitors
gained control.
12. Harold Vorster — 8/10
A strong ball carrier who repeatedly
challenged the Zebre defence. His second-half try rewarded his consistent work.
11. Stravino Jacobs — 8/10
Used his pace and footwork effectively
and provided the Bulls with a dangerous option out wide.
10. Curwin Bosch — 7/10
Reliable from the kicking tee and
composed with his territorial kicking. His four successful conversions helped
keep the scoreboard moving.
9. Paul de Wet — 9/10
The Bulls’ standout performer. His
interception try was a major turning point, while his running and support play
created problems for Zebre throughout the match.
8. Jeandre Rudolph — 8/10
A powerful presence in the loose and
one of the Bulls’ busiest defenders. His late yellow card was the only major
setback in an otherwise strong display.
7. Hanro Liebenberg — 7/10
Worked tirelessly at the breakdown and
helped disrupt Zebre’s possession.
6. Marcell Coetzee — 8/10
Led the side with authority and
maintained a high work rate throughout. His physical contribution helped the
Bulls establish control.
5. Reinhardt Ludwig — 9/10
One of the Bulls’ most influential
forwards. He was effective at lineout time and scored two tries.
4. Ruan Vermaak — 8/10
Worked hard in the tight exchanges and
contributed strongly with ball in hand. His early second-half try further
shifted momentum towards the Bulls.
3. Francois Klopper — 7/10
Put in a solid shift at scrum time and
contributed to the Bulls’ forward dominance.
2. Juann Else — 7/10
Worked hard around the set piece and
breakdown and played his part in the physical battle.
1. Alulutho Tshakweni — 7/10
Provided a strong presence in the
scrum and contributed defensively during the Bulls’ difficult opening period.
Replacements
16. Janco Uys — 6/10
Added fresh energy after coming on and
helped the Bulls maintain their physical intensity.
17. Dylan Smith — 6/10
Joined the forward battle in the
second half and contributed as the Bulls continued to dominate the set piece.
18. Mornay Smith — 6/10
Provided fresh legs in the front row
and helped maintain the pressure established by the starting pack.
19. JF van Heerden — 7/10
Added physicality during the closing
stages and helped the Bulls maintain their advantage.
20. Nizaam Carr — 6/10
Brought experience and energy after
entering the match as the Bulls managed the final stages.
21. Zak Burger — 7/10
Made an immediate impact late in the
match and finished the contest with the final try after the hooter.
22. Cheswill Jooste — 6/10
Added energy during the final quarter
as the Bulls continued to attack.
23. Hakeem Kunene — 6/10
Entered during the second half and
helped the Bulls maintain their intensity through the closing stages.
