Hape inspires Bulls to victory

engage Super League champions Bradford Bulls warmed up for their World Club Challenge clash in impressive fashion with a comfortable 28-10 victory at new-look Huddersfield.

The Bulls, who will return to the Galpharm Stadium for their meeting with the Australian champions on Friday week, were superbly led by new captain Iestyn Harris in their first major pre-season friendly.

Even without the rested Paul Deacon, Lesley Vainikolo and new signing Stanley Gene, the champions were too strong for a generally disappointing Giants team, for whom ex-Bradford favourite Robbie Paul made a quiet debut.

Former Leeds winger Marcus Bai marked his first appearance for the Bulls with a try but the star performer with a try in each half was New Zealand Test centre Shontayne Hape, who picked up from where he left off in November?s Tri-Nations triumph.

Bradford had the game sewn up at half-time when they led 22-0 thanks to tries from Bai, Hape, hooker Ian Henderson and substitute Brett Ferres, with Harris kicking four conversions.

Huddersfield, who also had Albert Torrens, Martin Aspinwall, Stephen Wilde, Steve Snitch and Matt Gardner making their first appearances, suffered from a chronic shortage of ideas near the visitors? line.

Centre Chris Nero touched down a neat kick from Paul 14 minutes into the second half to enable his side to avoid being whitewashed, but the Bulls increased their lead when the forceful Hape crossed at the corner for his second try and Harris landed a fourth goal.

The home side at least had the final say when Torrens, who was the pick of their new signings, followed up a kick from England international Chris Thorman to score his side?s second try and Thorman added the goal.