Waratahs 19 (13) Vodacom Bulls 12 (6)

The Vodacom Bulls are still winless on the road in 2014 after they lost their third match on their Australasian Vodacom Super Rugby tour by 19-12 to the Waratahs in Sydney.

As they were in their last two matches, the Vodacom Bulls were never completely out of it and they played for a draw at the death, but when they lost the ball at yet another ruck inside the Waratahs’ 22, it was all over for the visitors.

Their breakdown woes continued in Sydney, where the team from Pretoria were on the back foot from the word go. The Vodacom Bulls made a hash of the kick-off and before the announcer could say “welcome to Allianz Stadium, enjoy your stay” Israel Folau scored the only try of the match.

For the next 79 minutes the Vodacom Bulls had to play catch-up rugby. At first they simply could not get going and they lifted their game late in the first half and after the break, they kept on losing possession at crucial times.

The Vodacom Bulls lost to the Waratahs for the first time since the 2005 semi-final when they were beaten by 19-12, with a try in the opening minute by Israel Folau the difference between the two sides in Sydney.

Vodacom Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe was cited after the match. He is alleged to have contravened Law 10.4 (a) Punching or striking when he made contact with the Waratahs’ Paddy Ryan in the 75th minute of the match.

In the end, the Waratahs managed to keep the Vodacom Bulls at bay and as a result won their first game against the three-time champions since 2005.

Scorers:

• Waratahs – Try: Israel Folau. Conversion: Bernard Foley. Penalty goals: Foley (4).
• Vodacom Bulls – Penalty goals: Jacques-Louis Potgieter (3), Handré Pollard.

Combined Log after Round 10:

1. Cell C Sharks (SA leader) – 31
2. Brumbies (Aus leader) – 25
3. Chiefs (NZ leader) – 25
4. Waratahs (Wild card) – 24
5. Western Force (Wild card) – 23
6. Crusaders (Wild card) – 22
7. Hurricanes – 21
8. Highlanders – 19
9. Vodacom Bulls – 19
10. Lions – 16
11. Blues – 16
12. Reds – 16
13. Melbourne Rebels – 16
14. DHL Stormers – 10
15. Toyota Cheetahs – 9