The Bulls clinched the last berth in the Super Rugby rugby playoffs with a 37-20 win over the Lions in the last game of the regular season in Pretoria on Saturday.
Scrumhalf Francois Hougaard sped away from the base of a ruck in the 44th minute and flanker Jacques Potgieter went over four minutes later, snuffing out a first-half comeback from the Lions which had threatened to derail the Bulls’ postseason hopes.
Wingers Akona Ndungane and Bjorn Basson put the three-time champions in early control at home at Loftus Versfeld but Michael Bondesio and captain Joshua Strauss replied for the Lions to lock it up at 20-20 at the break.
The two quick-fire tries after halftime settled it, giving the Bulls the last playoff place by one point at the expense of Australia’s Brumbies.
The six finalists comprise conference winners Queensland, the Stormers and the Chiefs plus wildcards the Crusaders, Bulls and Sharks.