Mpilo Gumede struck twice because the unbeaten Vodacom Bulls ran in seven tries to overtake Griquas at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night time.
The log-leaders recovered from a gradual begin, digging themselves out of an early 14-point deficit to document a 47-24 bonus-point victory.
Griquas accelerated out of the beginning blocks, with flanker Marco de Witt scoring inside seconds of kick-off, and the guests doubled their lead after Dylan Maart crossed the road to finish the primary quarter up 14-0.
The problem lit the Bulls’ fuse they usually made an explosive finish to the primary half. Jaco van der Walt, Chris Smit, Henry Immelman and Gumede every dotted all the way down to safe the bonus level, Van der Walt including the extras.
However with 4 minutes remaining earlier than the break, Griquas strung collectively a 24-phase assault to log off with a attempt from Thabo Ndimade that lower the Bulls’ benefit to 26-19 at half time.
The Bulls constructed on their momentum within the second half, with Gumede diving over for his second attempt shortly after the restart. Juan Else got here off the bench to attain for the Bulls earlier than Griquas closed the hole after Maart dotted down for the second time.
The third quarter noticed Else cross once more to cap off a cushty 47-24 win in Pretoria.
Griquas return to Kimberley in spherical 9 the place they are going to host the Cheetahs, whereas the Bulls welcome the Lions to Loftus Versfeld subsequent Friday.
Photograph: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix