Kurt-Lee Arendse scored a brace of tries as the Vodacom Bulls overcame a brave Benetton outfit in Pretoria on Saturday to earn a URC home semi-final.
Both teams scored three tries apiece in a thrilling quarter-final at Loftus Versfeld, but the Bulls led 17-8 at half time before holding on for a 30-23 victory. Jake White’s charges will host either Leinster or Ulster next week.
Arendse dotted down inside the first minute to give the home side the perfect start, and the left winger doubled his tally 20 minutes later. Flyhalf Johan Goosen added the extras to go with a well-struck penalty for a first-half haul of seven points.
However, Arendse came off in the 30th minute following a head-on-head collision with Benetton inside centre Malakai Fekitoa, and the Bulls flyer was permanently substituted by Sergeal Petersen after a failed HIA.
The powerful Onisi Ratave pulled one back for the visitors – after the winger’s score at the close of the first quarter was overturned on a TMO review – to complement a Rhyno Smith strike from in front of the uprights that kept Benetton within touching distance at the break.
When the kick connects
Willie Le Roux Kurt-Lee Arendse
Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby open the scores #BKTURC #URC #BULvBEN pic.twitter.com/CQMWE2Ryf1
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) June 8, 2024
RECAP: RG roars into semis with Munster
The hands, the footwork
A well-worked team try from @BenettonRugby, finished by Onisi Ratave #BKTURC #URC #BULvBEN pic.twitter.com/lTEIcjY1x7
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) June 8, 2024
The Italian tourists closed the gap to two points after the restart courtesy of a Tomas Albornoz touchdown and five points from the boot of Smith.
The Bulls earned some breathing room with less than 20 minutes left to play after a Goosen break up field led to a good finish from outside centre David Kriel.
Goosen converted, adding to his earlier penalty in the second half, but Benetton clawed back again when Fekitoa barged over from close range.
However, a converted try separated the teams at the death after another Goosen penalty, and the Bulls dug deep on defence to deny the visitors, who showed incredible tenacity until the final whistle.
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
The post Bulls edge Benetton for spot in semis appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Kurt-Lee Arendse scored a brace of tries as the Bulls overcame a brave Benetton outfit in Pretoria on Saturday to earn a home semi-final. @Vodacom #URC
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