Vodacom Bulls vs Ospreys
bkt united rugby championship
loftus versfeld
27th September 2025
Ospreys try scorers: Keelan Giles (x2), Keiran Williams (x2), Jack Walsh, Morgan Morse.
There was no tougher place to start the season than away at altitude in South Africa, but that was exactly what the Ospreys did to kick off URC 5.
After winning the toss, the Ospreys kicked off in an overcast Loftus Versfeld stadium and got off to a flying start, scoring two tries in the first six minutes. The game was played at a frenetic pace, with fifteen tries scored in total on the occasion of James Ratti's 50th appearance for the club.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Phil Cokanasiga darted through a gap in the Vodacom Bulls’ defence after a solid scrum, offloaded to Walshy, who gave it wide to Keelan to finish in the corner after just three minutes. Conversion missed, Vodacom Bulls 0 - 5 Ospreys.
The Bulls ventured into Ospreys territory soon after the score, but Dewi Lake came up with a huge turnover, just as the boys had their backs against the wall.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Dan Kasende picked up a loose ball from the lineout, broke through the defensive line and offloaded to Keith (Keiran Williams) for an easy score. Dan Eds kicked the extras. Vodacom Bulls 0 - 12 Ospreys.
The Bulls answered straight back, winning a turnover penalty in Ospreys territory before Coetzee was able to power over a few phases later and the conversion was successful. Vodacom Bulls 7 - 12 Ospreys, with under 10 minutes played.
With the Bulls looking to build off their score, Dewi came away with another momentum-killing turnover. The Skipper led by example in the opening exchanges.
Ospreys were the next team to go close; a well-worked set play saw Deavesy run down the blindside and chip it over, but a recovering Bulls player was able to touch it down for a 22 dropout.
A key theme of the opening 20 minutes was vicious contact. Both teams were carried and tackled with real tenacity.
After a couple of penalties in Ospreys territory, Coetzee was able to power off the back of a maul and score for the hosts. The conversion was missed, Vodacom Bulls 12 - 12 Ospreys.
It looked like the Ospreys might have got the next try of the game, but a purposeful Bulls hand knocked the ball on before Kasende could finish in the corner. Although it was not deemed to be a penalty try, the Bulls were reduced to 14 for the next 10 minutes of the game.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Walshy floated a perfect pass to Deaves on the left touchline, who beat his man and popped back inside for Jack Walsh to finish. Dan Eds converted, Vodacom Bulls 12 - 19 Ospreys.
Ospreys' backline was making the Bulls defence work hard. Some real freedom was created through good decision-making and recognized opportunities.
BONUS POINT TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! The boys applied the pressure on the Bulls’ red zone defence and Keith was able to go over for the score. Dan Eds converted, Vodacom Bulls 12 - 26 Ospreys.
The Vodacom Bulls were able to strike back with half-time fast approaching, though. Grobbelaar was the benefactor after an extended spell of pressure near the Ospreys line. Try converted, Vodacom Bulls 19 - 26 Ospreys.
HALF TIME – VODACOM BULLS 19, OSPREYS 26.
The Bulls came out for the second half with the bit between their teeth, Grobbelaar coming away with the try after another maul went over. An aggressive charge from Harri Deaves ensured the conversion missed, Vodacom Bulls 24 - 26 Ospreys.
There was another close call as the Bulls began to look more fluid in the second half. It looked like they were going to add to their tally after breaking down the right touchline, but an incredible ankle tap from Keelan forced a knock-on.
The Bulls scored soon after, though; a super break spearheaded by Jooste saw the winger finish untouched to put the home team into the lead. Another heroic charge down from Harri Deaves ensured the conversion missed, Vodacom Bulls 29 - 26 Ospreys.
With the Bulls continuing to apply pressure on the Ospreys, the team was reduced to 14 men, and the home side made instant use of the advantage, Grobbelaar again the scorer off a maul. The conversion was successful, Vodacom Bulls 36 - 26 Ospreys.
The home team continued to take advantage of the extra man; Jan Serfontein crossed over after the Bulls’ break. Vodacom Bulls 41 - 26 Ospreys.
The Postman made his aerial presence felt throughout the game, stealing multiple restarts and causing general issues for the home side off kick-offs and securing territory.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! After a spell of pressure near the Bulls line, Morsey saw a gap to the right of the ruck and took his opportunity with aplomb. Dan Eds converted, Vodacom Bulls 41 - 33 Ospreys.
The home team added to their tally not long after the Ospreys scored; Juann Else was able to get the score despite a try-saving tackle from the Postman a few phases prior. The conversion was made, bringing it to Vodacom Bulls 48 - 33 Ospreys.
The home side began to take advantage of some tired Ospreys legs, scoring another unconverted through Cheswill Jooste, bringing the score to Vodacom Bulls 53 - 33 Ospreys.
However, it was the Ospreys who had the final word, with Keelan Giles doing what Keelan Giles does best and flying across in the corner. Dan Eds nailed the conversion from out wide to bring the score to Vodacom Bulls 53 - 40 Ospreys.
Full time: Vodacom Bulls 53 - 40 Ospreys.
Next up, the boys face the DHL Stormers in Cape Town on Friday 3rd October at 6pm.
After that, we'll be ready to welcome you back to the Brewery for our first home game as we face Zebre Parma at home on Saturday 11th October, KO 3pm. Match tickets will be on sale soon, but the best way to show your support and get behind the boys is with a 25/26 Season Membership.
Get yours now!
