Rugby Roundup: Bulls Thrash Sharks

The Bulls' victory was a comprehensive seven-try performance in front of 32,672 fans at Loftus Versfeld. Tries from Canan Moodie, Sebastian de Klerk, a brace each for Embrose Papier and Harold Vorster, and one from Paul de Wet sealed the bonus-point win. The result had significant implications in the South African conference, officially handing the SA Shield to the Lions for the first time. Sharks coach JP Pietersen lamented his team's defensive lapses and 22 unforced errors, which he cited as a primary reason for the heavy defeat. The Sharks' cause was not helped by losing influential scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse to a concussion in the first half, compounding their existing injury woes. In Las Vegas, the Leeds Rhinos' 58-6 demolition of Hull KR was a record-breaking win for the club against their rivals. The match, part of the Rugby League Las Vegas 2026 event at Allegiant Stadium, was a stunning turnaround for Hull KR, who had been crowned world club champions just a week prior after defeating the Brisbane Broncos. Winger Maika Sivo, who missed the entire 2025 season with an ACL injury, was the star of the show in Vegas, scoring four tries in a man-of-the-match performance. The dominant display from Leeds also featured tries from Brodie Croft, Keenan Palasia, Ryan Hall, and a late double from Cooper Jenkins. The Bradford Bulls' victory over Toulouse was their first against the French side in six attempts and marked the first time the Bulls have won back-to-back top-flight matches since August 2014. The win, in front of an 8,777-strong crowd at Odsal, was built on a resilient defense and a potent left-edge attack. All four of Bradford's tries came from their left side, with Waqa Blake scoring first before winger Ethan Ryan completed his hat-trick. Head coach Kurt Haggerty praised the combination of Blake and Ryan, stating his philosophy is to "get them the ball, you let them play."