Chamberlain shines as Bulls dominate Currie Cup opener

Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo has lauded flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain for his pivotal performance in the Bulls’ emphatic 48-23 victory over Western Province at the Cape Town Stadium at the weekend.

Chamberlain has had a challenging time at the Bulls since joining them from the Sharks, struggling for game time in the United Rugby Championship. However, in the Currie Cup opener, he shrugged off the rust, expertly guiding the Bulls to a six-try win.

Scrumhalf Zak Burger and Number 8 Jeandré Rudolph each contributed two tries. Chamberlain was flawless with his kicking, converting all eight attempts at goal – six conversions and two penalties.

“The last time Boeta started a game was about five months ago, and to come out and put in a performance like he did, I’m sure he’ll be incredibly chuffed,” Nomlomo said. “That bravery to keep pushing the boundary – that was class.”

Nomlomo expressed particular pride in his team’s first-half performance, which saw them lead 38-16 at the break.

“We were clinical,” he stated.

“That’s where everything started. I think when you’re up against the blue machine and it’s going like that, it is a bit difficult to play against. Province were incredibly gutsy, but their discipline didn’t help them at all and probably killed the game for them.”

The home team suffered three first-half sin-bins, with captain Zain Davids and locks Gary Porter and Alex Groves all receiving yellow cards for breakdown infringements. At one point, Western Province struggled to scrummage due to a lack of locks on the field.

This week, the Bulls will host a Sharks side still reeling from a significant defeat by the Lions at Ellis Park.