Sports
Smith Grabs Bulls Opportunity as Last-Minute Scrum Seals Victory
In the dying moments of the match, the Bulls needed a crucial scrum penalty to secure a last-gasp victory. Smith, alongside Akker van der Merwe and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, powered through to win the referee’s decision. David Kriel then stepped up to slot the match-winning penalty, sealing a 21-20 triumph that kept the Bulls third in the United Rugby Championship standings.
‘Honoured to Be on the Field’
Reflecting on the crucial moment, Smith credited his teammates for their combined effort in winning the decisive scrum.
“I was very honoured to be on the field at that time and to participate in that situation,” he said ahead of this Saturday’s clash against Zebre at Loftus Versfeld.
“But without the whole pack with me, I wouldn’t have been able to do it, so hats off to them – the locks, flanks, number eight, and Jan-Hendrik and Akker next to me.”
With two seconds on the clock the Vodacom Bulls trailed 18-20 to Leinster.
At 84:27, they won the match 21-20
#VURC pic.twitter.com/QK7KjbwyW7
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 22, 2025
Smith revealed that the Bulls had to keep their composure through several scrum resets before securing the all-important penalty.
“We had resets three or four times, but we just kept our composure, and it came off in the end.”
Kriel’s ability to handle the pressure was never in doubt, according to Smith.
“David is always out there practising his kicks, so we have a lot of confidence in him. Even before the ball went over, my arms were up already.”
Looking Ahead to Zebre
Despite the high of last weekend’s performance, Smith remains focused on the upcoming challenge against Zebre, who pushed the Sharks all the way in a narrow 35-34 defeat in Durban.
The prop acknowledged Louw’s strong form as the reason for his limited game time but was grateful for his chance to contribute.
“It does mean a lot to me. I was out of the system for a bit. I cleaned my neck out (with an operation) for a time as well.
“But I give it to him (Louw). He is a phenomenal rugby player, and his set-piece is unbelievably good, so I understand why I’m not getting much game time.
“But I got my chance now, and it worked out that we got the penalty at the end.”
With the focus now on Zebre, Smith stressed the importance of maintaining their momentum.
“There is a bit of hype around the forwards, but we must just continue growing and build on this, and not slip up this weekend.”
The Bulls will look to strengthen their United Rugby Championship campaign when they take on Zebre at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday at 2:45 pm.
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Sourced:Pretoria News
