The Xerox Golden Lions XV did well to put early pressure on their neighbours from north of the Jukskei River through two quick tries courtesy of Bonianga Mpeku (wing) and Ruan Vermaak (flank), with Ruan Combrinck (fullback) converting the second try for an early 12-0 lead.

The Vodacom Blue Bulls soon awakened on attack and managed to score six unanswered tries in the first half with Lian du Toit (scrumhalf), Matthys Basson (prop), and Jade Stighling and Travis Ismaiel (wings) touching down.

A reason for the Vodacom Blue Bulls' attacking prowess was aided by the yellow card to Xerox Golden Lions XV flyhalf Slyvian Mahuza in the 25th minute.

Vodacom Blue Bulls outside centre Diego Appollis showed why he is worth his weight in gold as he scored a brace. Marnitz Boshoff (flyhalf) converted four of the tries and added a penalty goal to hand them a healthy 41-12 lead at the break.

The men from Pretoria continued their fine form early into the second half as Ismaiel bagged his brace which was easily converted by Boshoff.

The Vodacom Blue Bulls were dealt a blow as Du Toit was given his marching orders three minutes later which allowed the Xerox Golden Lions XV to find their roar moments later as Prince Nkabinde (wing) and James Venter (flank and captain) added their names to the scoreboard. Combrinck could only convert one of the tries.

The Pretoria boys were not done though as Duncan Matthews (fullback) broke through the line to score, while Stighling scored his second with minutes left on the clock. Replacement flyhalf Theo Boshoff added the extras as the Vodacom Blue Bulls recorded an emphatic 62-24 win against the Xerox Golden Lions XV.

Scorers:

Vodacom Blue Bulls - Tries: Lian du Toit, Diego Appollis (2), Matthys Basson, Jade Stighling (2), Travis Ismaiel (2), Duncan Matthews. Conversions: Marnitz Boshoff (5), Theo Boshoff (2). Penalty goal: Marnitz Boshoff.

Xerox Golden Lions XV - Tries: Bonianga Mpeku, Ruan Vermaak, Prince Nkabinde, James Venter. Conversions: Ruan Combrinck (2).