Bulls Overpower Western Province in Dominant Currie Cup Opener

The Bulls delivered a commanding performance to open their 2025 Currie Cup campaign, defeating Western Province 48–23 at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening.

The visitors set the tone early, running in six first-half tries to take a 38–16 lead into the break. Hooker Joe van Zyl and scrum-half Zak Burger scored the opening tries before Western Province responded through three penalties from fly-half Kyle Smith and an interception try by fullback Shilton van Wyk.

However, the Bulls maintained momentum through Sintu Manjezi's try and took full advantage of disciplinary lapses from the hosts. Yellow cards to Gary Porter and Alex Groves left Western Province with 13 men, and No 8 Jeandre Rudolph crossed for the bonus-point score.

Western Province showed brief resistance in the second half with Smith's third penalty and a well-finished try from Courtnall Skosan, but the Bulls' physical dominance and precision at the breakdown ensured the match remained out of reach. Burger scored again late in the game, while Boeta Chamberlain’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking.

Final Score

Bulls 48 (38)
Tries: Joe van Zyl, Zak Burger (2), Sintu Manjezi, Jeandre Rudolph (2)
Conversions: Boeta Chamberlain (6)
Penalties: Chamberlain (2)

Western Province 23 (16)
Tries: Shilton van Wyk, Courtnall Skosan
Conversions: Kyle Smith (2)
Penalties: Smith (3)

The result highlights the Bulls’ early intent in the competition. They will return to Loftus Versfeld next weekend to host the Sharks. Western Province will travel to Johannesburg to take on the Lions as they look to bounce back from a disappointing start.