The Vodacom Bulls gave a powerful performance to hand the Emirates Lions a second successive defeat with their 30-12 triumph on Saturday afternoon in Johannesburg.

Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard pulled the strings as he delivered a commanding performance in the No 10 jersey, kicking six penalties and a conversion for a personal tally of 20 points. Duane Vermeulen (No 8) and Warrick Gelant (No 15) were the try scorers for the Pretoria outfit.

The visitors led 14-0 at the break thanks to a superior effort from the forwards, which enabled them to starve the home side from any meaningful possession and territory.

Although the Highvelders improved in the second stanza, it was however the Vodacom Bulls, and Pollard in particular, who kept the scoreboard ticking with some impressive goal-kicking.

Front rankers Carlu Sadie and Dylan Smith (replacement) dotted down for the red and white jerseys, captained for the first time by hooker Malcolm Marx in the injury absence of regular skipper Warren Whiteley. 

In next weekend’s action, the Emirates Lions host the Jaguares for their second home match (15h05) while the Vodacom Bulls take on the Cell Sharks at Loftus Versfeld (17h15).

Scorers:

Emirates Lions (0) 12 - Tries: Carlu Sadie, Dylan Smith; Conversion: Elton Jantjies.

Vodacom Bulls (14) 30 - Tries: Duane Vermeulen, Warrick Gelant; Conversion: Handre Pollard;  Penalties: Pollard (6).