The Lyon Olympique Universitaire (LOU) rugby team suffered a tough loss to the Bulls in Pretoria on the first day of the Champions Cup. The high-scoring match saw 11 tries scored in total, with the Bulls coming out on top with six tries to LOU’s five.
Le Lou loses in Pretoria against the Bulls in a crazy match
Despite the loss, LOU was able to secure two valuable bonus points in the game. In the first eight minutes of play, LOU conceded two early tries to the Bulls. The first try was scored by Sibongile Novuka, who used his dueling skills to straighten and score. The second try was scored by Bernard van der Linde, who picked up the ball and scored at the foot of the left post.
At this point, it was clear that the South Africans were in a different league when it came to physical challenges, and a comeback by LOU seemed unlikely. However, LOU responded well with an effective carry ball, and Arno Botha scored the team’s first try by crashing into the end zone. Before the break, LOU scored another try through Coltman to stay in the game.
After the break, the South Africans scored three more tries in quick succession. LOU responded with two tries of their own, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. In the final minutes of the game, LOU scored two more tries, but the South Africans held on to their lead to secure the win.
Despite the loss, LOU can take some positives from the game, including the two bonus points they secured. The team will now turn their attention to their next game, where they will host Saracens, the leader of the English championship.
Vodacom Bulls v Lyon Round 1 Highlights | Champions Cup 2022/23
Bulls vs. Lou lineups
Pretoria Bulls confirmed lineup:
1. Smith 2. B. Du Plessis 3. Van Rooyen 4. J. Du Plessis 5. Ludwig 6. Carr 7. Steenkamp 8. Uys 9. van der Linde 10. Steyn 11. Jacobs 12. Jansen van Vuren 13. Gans 14. Novuka 15. Simelane
Subs: 16. Wessels 17. Gqoboka 18. Lombard 19. Swanepoel 20. Maqondwana 21. Johannes 22. Smit 23. Mostert
Lou Rugby confirmed lineup:
1. Rey 2. Coltman 3. Tafili 4. Lambey 5. Taofifenua 6. Cretin 7. Guillard 8. Botha 9. Doussain 10. Smith 11. Nakaitaci 12. Godwin 13. Veredamu 14. Dumortier 15. Berdeu
Subs: 16. Marchand 17. Kaabèche 18. Gomez Kodela 19. William 20. Goujon 21. Pélissié 22. Mignot 23. Tchaptchet