Bulls fight back to finally break Edinburgh curse

Down 17-5 at half-time, the Bulls looked in trouble after a loose and passive opening period allowed Edinburgh to dominate territory and possession. Tries from Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman and D'Arcy Rae gave the home side firm control, with former Bulls players Van der Merwe and Schoeman both crossing against their old club.

Edinburgh struck early as Van der Merwe powered through two defenders to score, before the Bulls briefly responded through captain Marcell Coetzee, who finished off a well-driven lineout maul. However, defensive lapses and poor decision-making hurt the visitors, and Edinburgh took full advantage to build a 12-point lead by the break.

The second half told a different story. The Bulls showed far more urgency and physicality, leaning on their forward power and improved defensive effort. Hooker Johan Grobbelaar, later named man of the match, brought them back into contention with another strong maul try early after the restart.

With heavy rain and strong wind slowing the game, momentum swung on a controversial moment. Marco van Staden was awarded a try after referee Gianluca Gnecci overturned his original "held up" call following a television review. Handre Pollard converted to edge the Bulls ahead 19-17.

From there, it was about composure and grit. The Bulls' scramble defence held firm, while their scrum delivered when it mattered most. A late penalty won by the replacement front row allowed the visitors to see out the final minutes and secure a precious win.

It was not a polished performance, and issues at the breakdown and lineout remain, but back-to-back victories have ended a seven-match losing run. With several Springboks set to return for their next clash against the Lions, the Bulls head back to South Africa with renewed belief and momentum. 

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