Bulls close in on Currie Cup playoff spot after away win over Pumas

A superb defensive effort coupled with some excellent moments on attack helped the Bulls to a crucial 24-17 away win over the Pumas in their Currie Cup clash on Saturday.

The win means the Bulls are closing in on a playoff spot with two regular rounds still to play in the competition.

The match started with the Pumas quickly opening up a 6-0 lead within the first seven minutes thanks to the trusty boot of flyhalf Tinus de Beer, who kicked two penalties.

The Bulls, however, answered with two tries from David Kriel and Johan Goosen, with the flyhalf converting both for a 14-6 lead after 30 minutes.

De Beer cut that lead to five points, however, as he landed another penalty for the Pumas just before half-time as the teams when into the break at 14-9.

De Beer and Goosen exchanged penalties as the score moved out to 17-12 with 20 minutes left in the match.

Fullback Devon Williams tied up proceedings at 17-all as he scored the Pumas' first try of the match in the 63rd minute. 

After a period of sustained pressure, the Bulls again took the lead thanks to Kriel's second and their third try of the match. 

Goosen landed a difficult conversion to push the visitors' lead out to 24-17 with nine minutes left in the match.

The Pumas spent much of the final minutes on the attack, but as it had the whole match, the Bulls' defence kept out any hopes of a last-minute win for the home side. 

Scorers:

Pumas: 17 (9)

Tries: Devon Williams

Penalties: Tinus de Beer (4)

Bulls: 24 (14)

Tries: David Kriel (2), Johan Goosen

Conversions: Johan Goosen (3)

Penalties: Johan Goosen