Bulls 21 Hurricanes 12
The Bulls scored their first win of the season in downing the Hurricanes at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
Committed defence from the South Africans prevented a late rally by the hosts as the Hurricanes crashed to their first defeat.
Both sides scored two tries in
the second half after a lacklustre tryless opening 40 minutes, but it was a moment of madness from Hurricanes first five-eighth Jimmy Gopperth that saw the Bulls seal the game 15 minutes from time. Gopperth attempted to run the ball out deep within their dead ball zone, but was crunched under the posts and stripped of possession which saw second five-eighth Etienne Botha dot down.
A conversion from replacement first five-eighth Kennedy Tsimba gave the visitors a 21-5 lead. Hurricanes prop Joe McDonnell barrelled over a try in quick response, but the charge was too late.
Coming out after the break 9-0 ahead, the Bulls scored the first try of the match in the 55th minute through winger Akona Ndungane.
Winger Hosea Gear quickly replied for the Hurricanes when Ma'a Nonu took a quick penalty tap in the Bulls 22, drew three players, then flicked the ball to Gear who scored in the corner.
Hurricanes skipper Tana Umaga said the Bulls' urgency and desperation proved the difference between the sides.
"They wanted it more than us and they stuck to their game plan."
