All Blacks beat Bulls as three-try hosts pay for a pace trap

The All Blacks made it three wins from three by defeating the Bulls at Loftus on Saturday night. The Bulls scored three tries, but two more were ruled out as their attempt to match New Zealand’s speed worked against them.

The Bulls created openings and showed plenty of resolve, yet the All Blacks were more effective when the game opened up. New Zealand repeatedly found space through quick handling, while the Bulls were unable to contain the pressure created by their high-tempo approach.

Rieko Ioane was a constant threat, attacking directly whenever the Bulls offered an opportunity. Captain Codie Taylor also made a strong contribution, helping establish the control and composure that shaped New Zealand’s performance. Stravino Jacobs provided one of the Bulls’ brighter moments, beating Beauden Barrett before scoring one of their three tries.

New Zealand also recovered quickly when mistakes threatened to disrupt its rhythm. The All Blacks regrouped, restored their shape and continued to build pressure. Their scrum withstood the Bulls’ challenge after an uncertain start, matching a pack that regards forward power as one of its main strengths.

The win extended an unbeaten start across three matches, although the opposition had not been at full strength or at its seasonal peak. The Bulls’ recent recorded run is less consistent: two defeats, two draws and one win in their last five matches. Their next fixture is against the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup on 16 August 2026.

The main warning from the defeat was the cost of passive defence. New Zealand moved the ball with enough speed and accuracy to punish gaps, while the Bulls’ disallowed tries and missed chances left them with little reward for their attacking effort. The All Blacks’ ability to remain organised under pressure ultimately separated the teams.