The first week of Super Rugby action saw big wins for the Bulls, Lions and Rebels in a weekend of full of action.
Bulls 40 – 3 Stormers
The Bulls hosted the Stormers in what was set to be a tense affair but the tension quickly subsided as former Springbok Sevens star Rosko Specman – making his debut- touched down for a brace of tries inside the opening 18 minutes.
The Stormers endured a tough time in Pretoria, struggling to match the intensity of the hosts who looked sharp on attack. As a result, the Bulls ran in four tries and fly-half Handre Pollard put on a goal-kicking masterclass as he slotted 8/8 off the tee.
Jaguares 16 – 25 Lions
The men from Johannesburg finally broke their Buenos Aires hoodoo thanks to a hat-trick of tries by flanker Marnus Schoeman. The Lions’ forwards proved too physical for the Jaguares and the defence provided them with scant opportunity out wide.
The victory marks their first in four attempts at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani.
Sunwolves 10-45 Sharks
The Japanese outfit was no match for a clinical Sharks team in Singapore on Saturday. The Durban franchise were a force to be reckoned with from set plays and ran in six converted tries, with Robert Du Preez flawless off the tee.
Brumbies 27-34 Rebels
A new look Rebels side travelled to Canberra to face a usually formidable Brumbies side. But Wallaby duo Will Genia and Quade Cooper starred for the Rebels in the midfield, guiding them to a deserved win at a place where success is hard to find.
Chiefs 30-27 Highlanders
An all-New Zealand clash got 2019 Super Rugby underway on Friday and it did not disappoint. The hosts went down the tunnel 19-10 ahead at the half but a late try from Aaron Smith would seal a last-gasp win for the Highlanders.
Blues 22-24 Crusaders
The defending Super Rugby champions will be grateful to have come away with a win from Auckland. A new-look Blues side, with legend Ma’a Nonu back in the fold, had a chance to win the game at the death. Debutante Harry Plummer had a penalty attempt in the dying embers, but pulled it wide.
Waratahs 19-20 Hurricanes
The Wellington franchise was the much better team on the night but a spirited Waratahs kept in touch via the boot of fly-half Bernard Foley. Unfortunately he could not deliver in the clutch moment, missing a match-winning penalty from just 34m out.
