In a thrilling Challenge Cup quarter-final, Edinburgh edged past the Bulls 34-28 at Hive Stadium in Scotland on April 12, 2025. The match showcased a remarkable comeback attempt from the Bulls, who found themselves down 31-7 at one point before rallying in the second half.
Edinburgh, under the guidance of coach Sean Everitt, started the match with a bang, taking advantage of the Bulls' early mistakes. James Lang opened the scoring just three minutes in, showing great skill to capitalize on a defensive error, with Ross Thompson converting to put the hosts ahead 7-0. The Bulls' woes compounded quickly as scrumhalf Zak Burger was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, leaving his team a man down.
Edinburgh seized the opportunity, with Magnus Bradbury crashing over for their second try in the 13th minute, again converted by Thompson, extending the lead to 14-0. The Bulls managed to respond shortly after, with a brilliant break from Harold Vorster leading to David Kriel's try, which was converted by Keagan Johannes, reducing the deficit to 14-7.
However, Edinburgh was relentless. A fortunate rebound allowed Lang to score his second try in the 24th minute, and Thompson's conversion took the score to 21-7. A penalty from Thompson just before halftime sealed a commanding 24-7 lead for the Scots, leaving the Bulls with much to ponder during the break.
As the second half commenced, the Bulls faced another setback when Jannes Kirsten received a yellow card for a high tackle. Edinburgh capitalized on the numerical advantage, with captain Grant Gilchrist scoring in the 43rd minute, pushing the score to 31-7.
Despite the daunting deficit, the Bulls showed resilience. They were awarded a penalty try in the 47th minute after Ross McCann was penalized for entering a drive from the side, giving the Bulls a lifeline at 31-14. Shortly after, Cameron Hanekom, who had been a standout player for the Bulls, scored under the posts after a break from Stravino Jacobs, bringing the score to 31-21.
Edinburgh's Thompson added a penalty to extend their lead to 34-21, but the Bulls were not done yet. Kriel scored his second try in the 76th minute, converted by Johan Goosen, narrowing the gap to just six points at 34-28. The stage was set for a dramatic finish.
With the clock winding down, the Bulls mounted a fierce attack, pressing Edinburgh's defense. However, Pierre Schoeman came up with a crucial turnover, halting the Bulls' momentum and securing the victory for Edinburgh. The final whistle blew, confirming Edinburgh's place in the semi-finals and marking the end of the Bulls' European journey for this season.
This match not only showcased the tactical prowess of both teams but also highlighted the Bulls' struggles in set-pieces, particularly in line-outs, where they failed to secure crucial possession. The Bulls, who had been dominant in previous matches, found themselves outplayed at their own game, unable to convert opportunities into points.
Coach Jake White will have much to reflect on after this match, especially in terms of discipline, as the Bulls were penalized frequently throughout the game. The penalty count stood at 12 against the Bulls compared to 9 for Edinburgh, illustrating the importance of maintaining composure in high-stakes matches.
Edinburgh's victory marked their third win in five encounters against the Bulls, a significant achievement considering the historical rivalry between the two sides. The Scots will now prepare to face either Bath or Gloucester in the semi-finals, aiming to continue their impressive run in the Challenge Cup.
As the Bulls return to the United Rugby Championship, they will need to regroup and reassess their strategies to ensure they bounce back stronger. With a talented roster and the potential for growth, the Bulls remain a formidable force in the league, even after this setback.
Overall, the Challenge Cup quarter-final was a thrilling contest that showcased the highs and lows of rugby, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. The Bulls may have fallen short, but their fighting spirit in the second half offers a glimmer of hope for future matches.
