Key Points
- The Vodacom Bulls overturned a 12-point halftime deficit (17-5) to defeat Edinburgh 21-19 in a thrilling United Rugby Championship (URC) match at Hive Stadium on Friday night, January 23, 2026.
- Both teams scored three tries each: Edinburgh’s tries came from Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman, and D’Arcy Rae (one conversion by Ross Thompson); Bulls’ tries by Marcell Coetzee, Johan Grobbelaar, and Marco van Staden (two conversions by Handré Pollard).
- Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard’s accurate boot, including a key conversion from wide out, proved decisive in securing the narrow victory.
- The win moves the Bulls up to eighth on the Vodacom URC log and marks back-to-back road victories against European opposition, following their Investec Champions Cup win over Pau last week, ending a seven-match losing streak.
- This is the Bulls’ first-ever URC win in Edinburgh, ending the hosts’ perfect home record this season.
- Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee scored from a lineout maul; hooker Johan Grobbelaar also dotted down from a maul; Marco van Staden’s late try was awarded after a controversial TMO review.
- Edinburgh led early with Duhan van der Merwe’s fifth-minute try, followed by Pierre Schoeman and D’Arcy Rae’s scores to lead 17-5 at halftime.
- Johan Ackermann’s Bulls side dug deep in difficult conditions, with strong second-half momentum, dominant scrum, and scramble defence securing the win despite lineout issues and injuries.
- Injuries concern Bulls: winger Cheswill Jooste failed HIA; centre Sebastian de Klerk stretched off after collision.
- Bulls next face Lions at Ellis Park next Saturday; victory boosts playoff hopes.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) January 23, 2026 – In a gripping Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter at Hive Stadium, the Vodacom Bulls staged a remarkable second-half comeback to edge Edinburgh 21-19, leapfrogging into eighth on the log with Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard’s boot making the difference.
What Happened in the First Half?
Edinburgh dominated the opening exchanges in testing conditions, racing to a 17-5 halftime lead. As reported by the SA Rugby Magazine team, left wing Duhan van der Merwe crashed over in the corner in the fifth minute, powering through two defenders, though flyhalf Ross Thompson missed the wide conversion.
The Bulls hit back swiftly when captain Marcell Coetzee went over from a lineout maul, but Handré Pollard also missed his conversion from out wide.
A period of sustained Edinburgh pressure saw former Bulls loosehead prop Pierre Schoeman expose a defensive mismatch to score his try.
The game descended into a scrappy affair amid difficult weather, but Edinburgh landed a crucial blow just after the half-hour mark. From a back-pedalling scrum, they cleared the ball, built pressure, and tighthead D’Arcy Rae powered over under the posts. Ross Thompson slotted the first conversion of the night, giving the home side a valuable 17-5 lead heading into the break, as detailed in SA Rugby Magazine’s match report.
Nova News correspondent highlighted how the match began disastrously for the Bulls, with South African-born Duhan van der Merwe’s early power setting the tone before Coetzee’s response and Schoeman’s opportunistic score cemented Edinburgh’s advantage.
How Did the Bulls Turn the Game Around?
The Bulls emerged firing in the second half, keeping the ball in hand for minutes before earning a penalty into the Edinburgh 22. They replicated their first-half tactic with a lineout maul, hooker Johan Grobbelaar dotting down. Pollard converted superbly from wide out, narrowing the gap to five points (17-12), according to SA Rugby Magazine.
BBC Sport noted the Bulls’ aggressive restart, with Grobbelaar’s maul try and Pollard’s conversion shifting momentum decisively.
The Pretoria side continued pressing, but solid Edinburgh defence and Bulls errors stalled progress. Coach Johan Ackermann then emptied the bench, sparking impact. Springbok flanker Marco van Staden led the charge, rewarded with a try in the 70th minute after a TMO review overturned an initial “held up” call—replays provided no conclusive evidence either way, handing the visitors a fortunate break, as per Nova News analysis.
Pollard’s conversion from in front put the Bulls ahead 19-17 with 10 minutes left. Edinburgh threw everything at them in the closing stages, but the Bulls’ desperate scrambling defence held firm.
Nova News reported the Bulls’ scrum dominance peaked late, with the reserve front row winning a crucial 79th-minute penalty to close out the match.
Who Were the Key Players?
Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard was pivotal, nailing two conversions including a clutch wide one, proving decisive as both sides scored three tries. SA Rugby Magazine credited his boot directly:
“Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard’s boot proving decisive in a 21-19 victory.”
Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee opened their account from the maul; hooker Johan Grobbelaar scored his second of the night in the second half (first-half maul attempt noted but not scored).
Marco van Staden’s powerful performance earned the controversial winner.
For Edinburgh, Duhan van der Merwe’s early crash-over try showcased his power; Pierre Schoeman, ex-Bulls, capitalised on pressure; D’Arcy Rae’s under-posts try was key. Ross Thompson added the lone conversion.
What Do the Standings and Context Mean?
This gritty win catapults the Bulls to eighth on the Vodacom URC log, their second straight road success against European foes after Pau. SA Rugby Magazine stated:
“It is now back-to-back wins on the road against European opposition for Johan Ackermann’s troops who will head home in buoyant mood ahead of next Saturday’s match against the Lions at Ellis Park.”
Nova News emphasised the historic nature:
“The victory marks the Bulls’ first-ever URC triumph in Edinburgh,”
ending a seven-match skid and shattering the hosts’ perfect home record, fuelling playoff hopes despite inconsistencies.
BBC reported the Bulls moving to ninth (pre-match context), with Edinburgh struggling on three wins all season.
Were There Any Controversies or Concerns?
Marco van Staden’s try sparked debate; referee Gianluca Gnecchi initially ruled held up, but TMO review—lacking conclusive replays—overturned it, a “fortunate break” for the Bulls, as Nova News put it.
Injuries mar the triumph: winger Cheswill Jooste failed his HIA; centre Sebastian de Klerk was stretched off post-collision. SA Rugby Magazine noted:
“The Bulls will, however, be concerned with injuries to winger Cheswill Jooste, who failed an HIA, and centre Sebastian de Klerk, who was stretched off after a collision.”
Bulls showed weaknesses in lineout (repeated malfunctions) and ruck protection, per Nova News, but excelled in scramble defence and scrum.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Ackermann’s buoyant Bulls head home for the Lions at Ellis Park next Saturday, carrying momentum.
Edinburgh rue a first-half fire not enough against the power-back, as their official site lamented, now tasked with rebuilding home form.
Video highlights capture the thriller, available via URC channels, showcasing Pollard’s boot and late drama.
