The Bulls were brilliant and showed why they are championship material once again.
They got ambushed by the Waratahs early on, a slight concern given we haven’t started well in our 3 games to date.
However after conceding 17 points after only 10 minutes, the Bulls once again showed that there is no need to panic, and focused on implementing their game plan.
The Waratahs had shown they can be dangerous with ball in hand and using their pace out wide. However gradually the Bulls forwards started to gain momentum, and whether it was pressure or a change in tactics from the Waratahs, as they kicked more ball back to the Bulls, they started to run the ball back at the Waratahs and exert their own pressure with ball in hand.
The Waratahs started to feel the difficulty of making tackles at Loftus, and it blunted their attack. Constant pressure resulted in a good try to Francois Hougaard, and unfortunately when Fourie du Preez took a quick tap, young Gerhard van den Heever couldn’t dot the ball down as he was held up.
Not too long afterwards, Stephen Dipenaar was put through a gap beautifully and the Bulls went into the half-time break only 9 points behind, but more importantly had gained the momentum in the match.
After half-time the match continued in much the same vain, as the Bulls machine was in full throttle. The Waratahs did score 2 further tries, but they were limited to breakout opportunities.
I thought ref Marius Jonker did a good job, but he was fairly lenient on the Waratahs for repeated infringements. I’d have binned one of them and set the example.
Interestingly the Bulls turned down multiple opportunities to go for poles from penalties, opting instead to kick for the corner and set up a lineout. One such penalty occurred with only 3 minutes on the clock and the Bulls holding a 3 point lead.
At the post match interview captain colossus, Victor Matfield said they felt that there were multiple try scoring opportunities and rather than defending a 6 point lead and risking a possible loss, it was better to go for the try and seal the match.
It represents such a positive attitude and willingness to back one’s ability. The last time a South African side was this confident on a regular basis was the Sharks and Springboks in 1998 under Gary Teichmann.
The way the Bulls are travelling, the personnel at their disposal and the attitude they’ve exhibited make me proud to be a Bulls supporter and gives me confidence for the challenges that still lie ahead!
Bulls 48
Tries: Francois Hougaard (2), Stephan Dippenaar, Gerhard van den Heever, Wynand Olivier, Jacques-Louis Potgieter
Conversions: Morne Steyn (6)
Penalties: Steyn (2)
Waratahs 38
Tries: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Mowen, Lachlan Turner, Drew Mitchell
Conversions: Berrick Barnes (2), Kurtley Beale
Penalties: Barnes (3)
Drop Goal: Barnes
Bulls player rating:
1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 8
Showed great pace at times with his chasing and his work-rate has been exceptional. Clearly reaping the rewards of a strong off-season and one of the unsung heroes of this Bulls pack.
2. Gary Botha – 7
Once again did his job well. Lineouts were very solid, and possibly not quite as dynamic with ball in hand as we’ve seen in the past, but he’s regaining the form of old.
3. Werner Kruger – 8
Improving in leaps and bounds. Struggled to provide the steady right shoulder at times, but was exceptional around the breakdowns and carrying the ball up close to the line.
4. Flip van der Merwe – 7
A good performance from the big lock, but didn’t quite reach the heights he did against the Brumbies. A willing ball carrier and made his presence felt in the tight.
5. Victor Matfield (c) – 8
Brilliant. Was all over the park, tidying up and controlling the Bulls side especially around the breakdowns. Was responsible for losing 1 lineout, just to prove he is human. However when the pressure was on, Matfield took responsibility and had the ball thrown to himself.
His confidence and faith in his side and summing up of the situation was perfect. Turned down multiple kicks at goal, which turned out to be great decisions. In my mind the most influential player in South African rugby over the last 10 years.
6. Derick Kuun – 6
A fairly quiet game in what will probably be a rare starting role. Not quite quick enough to the breakdown to make his presence notable, but the strength of the Bulls is their work as a unit.
7. Pedrie Wannenburg – 7
Always a willing ball carrier. Hasn’t really broken the line but always threatening and has been a trojan on defence. Made one bad error spilling the ball in the second half.
8. Danie Rousouw – 6
Generally coped well at number 8, but found it difficult picking the ball up from the base of an unsteady scrum. More suited to the lock position as evidenced when he made a great lineout steal that led to Francois Hougaard’s second try.
9. Fourie du Preez -7
Great service to his backline, and on the odd occasion he kicked, he did it well. Perhaps could run more and snipe around the fringes, but still the world’s best scrumhalf on any sort of form!
10. Morne Steyn – 9
Made a couple of kicking errors including the poor decision taking the 22m restart that put the Bulls under pressure. However he didn’t miss a place kick, including two crucial and difficult attempts converting tries into 7 pointers. That could have made all the difference as the Bulls gained a valuable lead.
His tactical kicking/up and unders were good, and he showed the Stormers that if you have to err at all, go for too much distance rather than too little and ensure youhave the opportunity to defend the runners.
11. Francois Hougaard – 8
Has fancy fast feet and looks threatening whenever he gets the ball. Made a couple of handling errrors, including one in space with the overlap but will become a great player.
12. Wynand Olivier – 7
Strong midfield presence and posing a lot of questions on attack. Did his job well.
13. Stephan Dippenaar – 7
Took his try scoring opportunity well and solid in midfield defence. Moved the ball along the backline really well.
14. Gerhard van den Heever – 8
Took good options and finished off well. A couple of Waratah breaks down his flank in the second half, but he’ll learn when to come in and make the spot tackle. Having a good start to the year so far.
15. Zane Kirchner – 8
Kicked well and contests the ball brilliantly on the counter. Makes great covering tackles and is an important player coming into the line and asking questions of the opposition defence.
16. Bandise Maku – 8
Ensured the scrums lost nothing when he came on and his set-piece play is very good.
17. Bees Roux – 7
Did what was expected.
18. Deon Stegmann – 9
Brilliant. So quick, but more importantly intelligent at the breakdowns. Prior to getting injured midway through last season I thought he was the best openside flank and this year he has reconfirmed his talent. Deserves a Springbok callup.
19. Dewald Potgieter – 7
Still feeling his way back.
20. Heini Adams -
Not used
21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter – 8
Carried the ball up well and offers the extra tactical kicking option. Took his try superbly.
22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen – 7
Didn’t have much to do, but showed his confidence running with the ball and putting a long kick in when needed.
