Saturday was a historic occasion as Orlando Stadium in Soweto hosted an all South African Super 14 final.

It was awesome to be at the ground and witness first hand the atmosphere in Soweto.

The Bulls won 25-17, but the result was secondary in my mind. What mattered most was that it was an unforgettable day for all, a final held in a black township, the resumption of the north-south rivalry that signifies South African rugby is healthy, and confirmation that the Bulls are a champion side, with the Stormers trying to emulate them, and in my view they’ll ensure there are many memorable battles in future years.

The Bulls sealed their 3rd Super 14 title in 4 years, and exhibited what a complete side they have become. It was a game built on forward dominance, strong defence and converting opportunities.

The Stormers game has been based on a strong defence, and utilising their strong loose forwards to gain momentum wide of the ruck to give their backs space to operate in. However they ran into a blue wall at Orlando stadium, the Bulls defence was oustanding in fanning out as the breakdown was set, and then making double tackles which allowed the side to gain momentum and turn ball over as they made offensive tackles.

The Stormers had no counter and were unable to dictate play. Unlike any other side this season, the Bulls showed they are smart enough to find a weakness and peppered the Stormers back 3 with high kicks, and were the better side in contesting the aerial ball as the Stormers lacked height and physicality. This meant the Stormers loose forwards had to hand further back, and the Bulls exploited space up the middle too.

Fourie du Preez once again showed his experience and vision, spotting the gaps as they opened up and got the Bulls going forward before delivering the most delicate pass to put Francois Hougaard into space, who showcased his sublime running skills to clinically score an important first half try. Once the Bulls opened up a decent lead, they were always going to be hard to reign in.

It took a wayward pass and Bryan Habana’s vision to claim the intercept that gave the Stormers a sniff of a comeback in the second half, but this only spurred the Bulls on once more, and they opened a 15 point lead which effectively sealed the game, before the Stormers claimed some respectability to the score.

After the game the Stormers claimed that the referee, Craig Joubert was one sided and had “coached” the Bulls at the breakdown whilst penalising their side. This was interesting given the fact that the only losses the Bulls had incurred this season came when they were nailed by Joubert at the breakdown. Had the Bulls simply learnt their lesson?

Whatever the case, the Stormers did not adapt on the night, and the Bulls were clearly the better side.

The Bulls have also shown this year how complete a side they have become. Initially this season they showed a more attacking game and adapted to the new law interpretations better than any side. As the officiating changed, so did the game plan and Bulls tightened their defence and attacking structures.

The Bulls have shown they are adaptable enough to play any game plan, and more importantly think on their feet to spot an opposition weakness and exploit it on the field during a game. However they have the confidence to play to their strengths no matter how predictable it is to the opposition, they simply say to their opponents, ‘stop us if you can.’

After a poor 2008, a result of being too rigid in their thinking, resting on their laurels and missing Victor Matfield, the Bulls have openly spoken of their desire to succeed as a union and build a legacy. What is more impressive than just claiming the Super 14 title in 2009, is the addition of the 2009 Currie Cup, topping the Super 14 log for the second successive season and impressively laying the foundation to consistently being the best provincial side in the world…the legacy is definitely being built!

The Super 14 final pits the 2 best sides in the competition together!

Most critics believe the Stormers will win as they have the greater momentum, and the most outstanding defence in the competition.

However it is foolish to write off the Bulls. I believe they’ll win for 2 reasons:

1. They are very experienced. To win a final you usually have to have been in a final recently.
The Bulls possess Currie Cup winners, Super 14 winners and World Cup winners. The Stormers by comparison have just 1 Currie Cup and Super 14 winner in Bryan Habana, an ex-Bull.

It’ll ensure the Bulls are not overawed by the occasion, and make better decisions under pressure. The Bulls also have the experience of having played a game at Orlando stadium, with its most unique atmosphere.

2. The Bulls will test the Stormers defence with their kicking game.

We all know the Stormers defence is outstanding. So far this season very few sides have been able to breach it, but then again few sides have had the nous to vary their tactics and create a way through this Stormers wall.

The Bulls have the best kicking game on the planet. In Fourie du Preez, Morne Steyn and Zane Kirchner, they’ll use the tactics that have served them well, the high bombs. The Stormers back three of Gio Aplon, Bryan Habana and Joe Pietersen are not big men, and neither are they the most secure under the high ball. Few sides have tested them this season, but on Saturday I believe they’ll come off second best against an outstanding kick and chase side.

The kick-chase should also open the Stormers defence up the middle as they’ll drop men back and be kept guessing by the Bulls tactics.

The Stormers meanwhile can be oustanding on attack, but they’re more one-dimensional on attack and as long as the Bulls defence can man up, they can be kept at bay if they are unable to gain any forward momentum.

It promises to be a mouth watering all South African clash, played with immense intensity. Whatever the result it’ll be a win for South African rugby and a momentous occassion, but i’m picking the Bulls by 10.

Go Bulle Go!

Vodacom Bulls:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp
2. Gary Botha
3. Werner Kruger
4. Danie Rossouw
5. Victor Matfield (c)
6. Deon Stegmann
7. Dewald Potgieter
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Francois Hougaard
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Jaco Pretorious
14. Gerhard van den Heever
15. Zane Kirchner

16. Bandise Maku
17. Bees Roux
18. Flip van der Merwe
19. Derick Kuun
20. Heini Adams
21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter
22. Pedrie Wannenburg

Stormers:

1. Wicus Blaauw
2. Tiaan Liebenberg
3. Brok Harris
4. Adriaan Fondse
5. Andries Bekker
6. Schalk Burger (c)
7. Francois Louw
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. Dewaldt Duvenhage
10. Peter Grant
11. Bryan Habana
12. Juan de Jongh
13. Jaque Fourie
14. Gio Aplon
15. Joe Pietersen

16. Deon Fourie
17. Eusebio Guinazu
18. Anton van Zyl
19. Pieter Louw
20. Ricky Januarie
21. Willem de Waal
22. Tim Whitehead

Previous Super 14 results:

2006: Bulls 43, Stormers 10 (Cape Town)
2007: Bulls 49, Stormers 12 (Pretoria)
2008: Bulls 16, Stormers 9 (Cape Town)
2009: Bulls 14, Stormers 10 (Pretoria)
2010: Bulls 10, Stormers 38 (Cape Town)

The Bulls and Stormers set up a dream South African Super 14 final to take place at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday

Both the Bulls and Stormers based their semi-final victories with their defence. The Bulls exhibited a more balanced approach between attack and defence during their 39-24 victory over the Crusaders, whilst the Stormers defended like Trojans for 80 minutes in suffocating the Waratahs during their 25-6 victory at Newlands.

The Bulls finally started strongly in a match, and their intensity and execution were brilliant in the opening stanza. Once a handy lead was built they possibly became a bit more conservative, and the Crusaders had the majority of the ball and field position.

Unlike their encounter 2 weeks prior, the Crusaders could find no way through the Bulls defence. The Bulls defence was much better in midfield, with Jaco Pretorius and Wynand Olivier ensuring their channels were well covered. This ensured the Crusaders could not gain any momentum, and wave after wave of red and black attack was met by a blue wall.

Referee Stu Dickinson was prehaps the only method by which the Crusaders were rewarded for their efforts.

The Stormers had a similar strategy in their match against the Waratahs. Their defence strangled the Waratahs and meant the Australian side could never gain any momentum and mount any serious pressure. This resulted in the Waratahs constantly transgressing, especially at the breakdown which resulted in possession and kickable opportunities that the Stormers could use to keep their scoreboard ticking over.

Both South African sides produced performances similar to the successful pattern that the Boks have employed over the last 2-3 years of strong defence, and clinical counterattacking. Even with the new law interpretations, it has been interesting to see the pattern employed by both sides, but especially the Bulls, change as the season has progressed to a more defensive one as the referees change the way they blow the game too.

It makes for a mouth watering clash, and as this weekend showed, both sides like to build a lead and then rely on defence and penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Whilst the Stormers have shown at times how brilliant they can be with ball in hand, and they have scored some great tries, generally it has come when playing New Zealand opposition who present more opportunities on the counterattack.

For this reason I feel the Bulls have the edge. They have a greater ability to score tries (the Stormers only finished 9th in terms of tries scored, whilst the Bulls were joint equal) which will allow them to score points. The Stormers are great defensively, but may struggle to really test the Bulls defence.

The Bulls are also the more adaptable side and if either side finds itself falling behind on the scoreboard, the greater composure and ability to change tactics surely must rest with the Bulls. They’ve got players who have consistently won games with their brilliance such as Pierre Spies, Victor Matfield, Fourie du Preez and Morne Steyn.

Whilst the Stormers have some great players, if they fall behind they may struggle to come back and change their tactics if they need to score multiple times to get back into the game.

There are 2 other factors that should swing it in the Bulls favour too.
1. The home ground advantage and altitude
2. The Bulls are probably fresher after their rest a week ago. The Stormers had their bye quite some time ago, and have had some harder games (mentally as well as physically) which take their toll at this stage of the season.

I am sure there will be massive buildup and hype this week leading up to what is shaping up as the biggest game in South Africa for 2010!

The Stormers demolished the Waratahs 25-6 at home in Cape Town to set up an all South African final in Soweto.

The Stormers showed how far they have come as a team as the weight of public expectation was no hindrance as the clinically outplayed the Waratahs to move into their first super rugby final.

The match was very similar to their round robin encounter in week 2, with strong defences dominating the match. The Stormers only concede an average of 1 try, and 10 points per match at home this season, and the Waratahs could find no way to penetrate it. All they had to show for their efforts were a lone penalty and a drop goal.

For the Waratahs to have won this game, they needed to play a high risk game, and chance their arm. To lose by 19 points without even firing a shot shows they suffer from the same disease many of the South African sides have, and that is trying no to lose.

The Stormers (and Bulls) have shown that to win, requires enormous self-belief and the confidence to go for the win. Whereas that inhibited Stormers sides in the past, this side was able to enjoy the occasion in front of their home fans because they believed they would win.

A large part of their success comes in knowing how they want to play. They have absolute faith in each other on defence, and that is why they’ve conceded so few points. It also requires the commitment of each individual to make their tackles and boy do they make them count.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee had this to say “Our defence against the Waratahs was splendid. It just goes to show how systems can win matches. We pitched up physically and the work rate was good, and when you have those two attributes working for you, it will be very hard for the opposition to cut your defence.”

Juan de Jongh provided the “x” factor and moment of brilliance to swing the match, and from there it was back to the game plan and strangling the Waratahs.

Other than de Jongh’s superb solo effort, the Stormers victory was built on teamwork. As individuals each player did his just and that made the collective effort effective.

“It was typical semi-final stuff and it’s fantastic to get through it. They contested the ball pretty well at the breakdown but at the end of the day we won it and that’s all that matters” said Stormers captain Schalk Burger after the match.

They now face the Bulls in their first final. Whilst their defence is strong, it remains to be seen if they can score enough points in a pressure environment against a quality side.

“The Bulls have been the form side this season. They’ve led the way and we’ve been trying to follow in their footsteps. We’ve made it to the final and anything can happen in a final” said Burger.

Stormers 25

Try: Juan de Jongh
Conversion: Grant
Penalties: Grant (6)

Waratahs 6

Penalty: Barnes
Drop goal: Barnes

Stormers player ratings:

1. Wicus Blaauw – 7

Solid around the field although didn’t get the scrum dominance his side would’ve wanted.

2. Tiaan Liebenberg – 8

Strong with ball in hand and always a danger. Consistent at the set pieces.

3. Brok Harris – 8

Gets through a mountain of work around the field and always making tackles.

4. Adriaan Fondse – 7

Revels in the tight exchanges and muscled up well.

5. Andries Bekker – 7

Gave away 1 penalty but always a danger on attack.

6. Schalk Burger – 9

I’m not quite sure where Schalk plays as he is everywhere! He leads by example and makes tackle after tackle after tackle. He’s also everywhere on attack and has regained the form that made him so feared.

7. Francois Louw – 7

Works hard at the breakdown and even if he can’t make steals he puts the opposition under enormous pressure. Was unlucky a couple of times as he was standing over the player but they wouldn’t release and he didn’t earn a penalty.

8. Duane Vermeulen – 7

Has such safe hands and always willing to do the hard yards. Another solid performance.

9. Dewaldt Duvenhage – 8

Kicked really well, getting the Stormers out of their half and deep into Waratahs territory. Had been inaccurate in the last few weeks, but showed his class when it really mattered.

10. Peter Grant – 7

Missed a couple of kicks but no chances were particularly easy. Took the ball to the line well when his options were limited.

11. Bryan Habana – 7

Minimal opportunities on attack, solid on defence.

12. Juan de Jongh – 10

Produced one of the tries of the season to give the Stormers a handy lead. Stepped beautifully 3 times and it was a great solo effort. Was also strong on defence including one awesome cover tackle when the Waratahs were looking dangerous. Has improved with every outing this season.

13. Jaque Fourie – 7

Solid in the midfield defence but had few opportunities with ball in hand. One chance in the second half produced an expertly positioned kick that gave the Stormers great field position.

14. Gio Aplon – 8

Dangerous with ball in hand but limited chances. For a small guy he is committed on defence and wrapped up the danger of Drew Mitchell well.

15. Joe Pietersen – 7

Good positional play and kicking.

16. Deon Fourie – 7

Mobile around the field and made his presence felt almost as an extra loose forward.

17. Eusebio Guinazu – 7

Did his job well.

18. Anton van Zyl -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating.

19. Pieter Louw -

Came on for Schalk Burger but the game was won by then. Not on long enough to make a decent rating.

20. Ricky Januarie – 7

Strong around the base of the ruck when he came on.

21. Willem de Waal -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating.

22. Tim Whitehead -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating.

The Bulls qualified for their second successive home final at their new venue in Soweto.

Moving to Orlando Stadium in Soweto turned out to be a momentous occasion for the Bulls! The home crowd support was excellent and had the Soweto flavour as the vuvuzelas were out in full force! It was great to see the stadium full of blue, mixed races in the crowd and plenty of dignitaries on hand for the match.

Many in Australia and New Zealand had predicted a Crusaders victory as they believed the Bulls would have lost momentum from resting players in the previous match. However it was the Bulls who started stronger.

I believed that for the Crusaders to win, they had to start well as they were always going to fade due to the travelling and altitude.
“I’m not going to use that (the travel) as an excuse. This is a really good Bulls side that deserved their victory. We were ready to go but we came up short and that’s entirely our fault. You can’t play catch-up against the Bulls” said Crusaders captain Riche McCaw.

The Bulls were well rested, and prepared for this and their defence was strong, a Deon Stegmann special led to a turnover and the Bulls were clinical in taking the ball through the phases before the pace and power of Pierre Spies finished the job.

Danie Rossouw scored a legitimate try soon after but the TMO ruled he had lost the ball.

Richie McCaw scored for the Crusaders soon after, but the Bulls weren’t perturbed. They spotted the weakness of the Crusaders under the high ball and Zane Kirchner followed his kick perfectly to score the Bulls second and open a handy lead that was never reigned in to put the Bulls under any real pressure.

2 Weeks ago the Crusaders believed they had the blueprint to beat the Bulls, but they were one dimensional. Their tactic to go wide was met with resolute defence, and when they failed to cross the advantage line they couldn’t get any momentum. They also lacked the ability to vary their play and produce a plan B.

“We weren’t allowed any space out wide and we didn’t adapt. When we did find some space we didn’t capitalise on our opportunities” said McCaw.

The Bulls had to do a lot of defending after the opening stages, helped largely by what I thought was a poor performance from ref Stu Dickinson. He was inconsistent which led to Victor Matfield being frustrated with the continual calls going against his side. However with all their ball and field position the Crusaders couldn’t make it count.

“It helped that we knew what their strategy would be. They didn’t offer any surprises but that didn’t make it any easier, we still had to defend well through 80 minutes and we did that” said Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

A try in the second half to Zac Guildford was well executed as Zane Kirchner was found flat footed after Dewald Potgieter missed the cover tackle. However the Bulls kept on applying the pressure.

As we’ve so often seen in the past, Fourie du Preez is a game breaker. His vision to see the space down the short side, and the clinical execution for the match sealing try was brilliant.

“I said to Fourie afterwards – The big players come through in the big games and he turned the tide for us. That try put us out of reach. And Morne has taken some criticism for his form this season, but he showed his value tonight” said Bulls captain Victor Matfield.

One aspect of the Bulls game that worked well was the high kicks which were followed up with a committed chase.

“The strategy worked well on the day. The kickers were really accurate and our chasers put them under huge pressure. When we forced turnovers we had numbers and were able to capitalise. It all worked out nicely tonight” said Ludeke.

After du Preez’s try it was just a matter of winding the clock down and getting ready for next week’s final! The Bulls equalled their record winning margin against the Crusaders and have now beaten them in 3 semi-finals!

Bulls 39

Tries: Pierre Spies, Zane Kirchner, Fourie du Preez
Conversions: Steyn (3)
Penalties: Steyn (6)

Crusaders 24

Tries: Richie McCaw, Sean Maitland, Sam Whitelock
Conversions: Carter (3)
Penalty: Carter

Bulls player ratings:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 7

Did his job well and made numerous tackles.

2. Gary Botha – 6

Wasn’t his usual self around the breakdown and missed one crucial lineout throw early on. Solid in the set-pieces otherwise.

3. Werner Kruger – 6

Got penalised early on in the scrums but showed his strength later in the game as he started to gain the upper hand.

4. Danie Rossouw – 7

Scored a great try that was overruled by the TMO. A solid effort in the tight exchanges. Provided great go forward when needed. Hopefully the knock he tock late in the second half is not serious, it looked bad initially but the way he recovered suggested it was just a hard knock that may have hit a nerve.

5. Victor Matfield (c) – 8

Another superb performance all round from the skipper. Had one lineout stolen but then stole one back off Crusaders ball. Made numerous tackles and led the side awesomely!

6. Deon Stegmann – 8

Made a crucial steal at the beginning of the game that led to the Bulls first try. The Bulls never looked back, and that piece of play dictated the game. Got penalised a few times, but a good all round showing.

7. Dewald Potgieter – 8

Worked hard all game and a solid showing.

8. Pierre Spies – 8

Brilliant with ball in hand and took his try well. Made numerous tackles and worked tirelessly on defence. also showed great toe to match it with Zac Guildford.

9. Fourie du Preez – 10

A champion performance. Performed his role brilliantly, clearing the ball well and putting the box kick right on the money. Didn’t run much, but when there was a chance he saw it, and executed perfectly. Made the game safe for the Bulls, and showed the value of having a genuine game breaker in a side.

10. Morne Steyn – 9

Stepped up when it mattered. Kicked 9 from 10 and kept the Bulls scoreboard ticking over. Many of the kicks were difficult, but he showed that Orlando Stadium is no obstacle.

11. Francois Hougaard – 8

Minimal opportunities on attack, but stepped well when needed. His defence is under-rated, and he came in to make spot tackles whenever it was needed.

12. Wynand Olivier – 6

Quiet on attack and just couldn’t really break the line. Solid in defence but blotted his performance with a late hit.

13. Jaco Pretorious – 7

Minimal chances on attack. Carried the ball strongly an his defence in midfield meant the Crusaders couldn’t get the momentum they enjoyed in their previous encounter.

14. Jaco van der Westhuyzen – 8

Mopped up loose ball effectively, made his tackles and solid in all aspects.

15. Zane Kirchner – 7

Solid in all the basics and followed his kick well that led to his try. Hitting the backline really well and dangerous on attack, but will be disappointed to have spilt 2 balls on attack.

16. Bandise Maku – 7

Did his job well and ensured the scrum got better when he came on.

17. Bees Roux -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating.

18. Flip van der Merwe – 7

Great ball carries and provided the necessary impact when he came on.

19. Derick Kuun – 7

A handy player to bring on and took over Stegmann’s role to ensure the Bulls lost nothing. Worked hard on defence, making important tackles.

20. Jacques Louis Potgieter -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating.

21. Stephan Dippenaar – 7

Has been good on defence and whilst he doesn’t stand out, he does his job well.

22. Pedrie Wannenburg – 8

Carried the ball strongly, allowing the Bulls to play off him.

The Stormers have the first home semi-final in 11 years. Can they produce under the weight of expectation, in front of their home fans?

3rd min – Early penalty to the Waratahs for holding on.
Berrick Barnes with the early kick and he pushes it wide.

7th Min – All the early pressure from the Waratahs and the Stormers defence has been great.
A turnover and breakout sees the Stormers with a lienout 10m out.

8th Min – A penalty right in front to the Stormers.
Grant makes it 3-0.

10th Min – Great counterattack from Joe Pietersen running it from his 22m.

12th Min – Another penalty to the Stormers and Peter Grant makes it 6-0.

15th Min – Penalty to the Waratahs for a high tackle.
Berrick Barnes has a second attempt and kicks it. The gap is closed to 6-3.

17th Min – A completely different semi-final to the first one.
Duvenhage kicks deep into Waratahs territory and Barnes has to kick out from his in-goal.

25th Min – Waratahs building up phases and Berrick Barnes kicks a drop goal.
The score is 6-6.

25th Min – Juan de Jongh brilliant solo effort. 3 Awesome side steps and he scores the try! His first in super rugby.
Grant converts to make it 13-6.

32nd Min – Waratahs get the scrum penalty just inside their half.
The penalty attempt comes up short.

35th Min – Penalty to the Waratahs and I thought lucky not to be reversed as 2 players threw punches (albeit weak ones) to Schalk Burger.

39th Min – One last chance to the Stormers with a lineout deep in Waratahs territory.

Half Time – Stormers 13 Waratahs 6

It hasn’t been an open game. Tight defence and a moment of brilliance from de Jongh have been the way so far.

The game will open up a bit in the second half, but discipline, defence and goal kicking will be important.

42nd Min – Penalty to the Waratahs, and they go for touch.

44th Min – Polota-Nau found tons of space up the middle and the Waratahs blew a try-scoring chance as they knock on.

46th Min -Penalty to the Stormers straight out in front, 40m back.
Grant pulls the kick left.

50th Min – Penalty to the Stormers. Waratahs getting penalised for not releasing the tackled player.
Grant nails it to make it 16-6.

51st Min – Berrick Barnes with his second drop goal attempt.
Hooks it wide.

55th Min – Another penalty. Phil Waugh penalised. Possibly a bit harsh, but he never really released the player.
Grant kicks another penalty to make it 19-6.

59th Min – Waratahs have had a couple of chances, but the Stormers scrambling defence has been great.

61st Min – Great defence Stormers, good breakout down the left hand flank, and Jaque Fourie kicks ahead well.
Penalty Stormers.
Grant nails it and the score is now 22-6. Game over?

64th Min – Waratahs have now thrown caution to the wind. They need some miracles.

66th Min – Penalty to the Stormers. Grant kicks another penalty to make it 25-6.
Tiaan Liebenberg and Wicus Blaauw go off for a rest.

74th Min – Another penalty to the Stormers who have dominated the battle at the breakdown.
Now Schalk Burger is pulled off, resting up ahead of the final.
Habana comes off too.

Full time Stormers 25 Waratahs 6

It will be an all South African final next week.

The Stormers played a tight game and won the battle of attrition by dominating the tight exchanges. Can they do that to the Bulls?

Vodacom man of the match: Juan de Jongh

A historic occasion at Orlando Stadium, Soweto as the Bulls bring rugby to the colourful township!

There are many variables that could influence this game.
Have the Bulls lost momentum?
Will the travel affect the Crusaders?
What effect will Orlando stadium have?
Are the Crusaders peaking at the right time?
In 80 minutes we’ll have the answers.

Victor Matfield plays his 100th super rugby game for the Bulls! What a champion!

3rd Min – Spies!!! Oh what a start. The Crusaders had all the early ball, knocked the ball on and the Bulls took the ball through the phases beautifully from side to side and made great progress over the advantage line until Spies had too much pace and power for the try.
Morne Steyn converts to give the Bulls a 7-0 lead.

5th Min – The Bulls machine is starting well. An up and under from Steyn is spilt from Colin Slade, the kick through gives the Bulls a 5m scrum.

6th Min – Too big, too strong. Danie Rossouw crashes over after 2 phases from the scrum. The TMO rules it was knocked on. That’s a poor call and I hope it doesn’t influence the game.

9th Min – Penalty to the Bulls. Guildford knocks on and the resulting offside give the Bulls a penalty.
Morne Steyn sets a new record for points in a season with well over 200.
Bulls lead 10-0.

10th Min – Matfield takes the ball from the kickoff but the Bulls can’t get the ball back and the Crusaders have an opportunity near the Bulls line.

11th Min – The Crusaders drive it over the line and McCaw scores the try for the Crusaders.
Carter kicks the conversion to narrow the gap to 10-7.

14th Min – Charge down from Deon Stegmann and the ball rolls out just 1m from the tryline. Crusaders throw into the lineout.

15th Min – Try! Zane Kirchner follows his up and under, it comes off the Crusaders player head and Kirchner’s following up nets him the try.
Morne Steyn converts to extend the lead to 17-7. What a start to the game!

18th Min – A shoulder charge from a Crusaders player. Why wasn’t he sinbinned? Can I cite him!
Morne Steyn from 35m out nails a difficult kick.
Bulls lead 20-7.

20th Min – Crusaders take the ball through the phases, but the Bulls defence is solid.
Crusaders can’t get over the advantage line like they did 2 weeks ago, and they are simply going lateral so far without any punch.

21st Min – Bulls penalised at the scrum. Carter will kick from 39m out.
Boooo!
Carter kicks a tough one and the score is now 20-10.

24th Min – Potgieter penalised at the ruck. Crusaders nailed from the resulting lineout as they go wide, and Olivier makes a good tackle.
Dickinson makes a crucial steal and isn’t penalised at the breakdown. Where is the consistency? Matfield not happy and rightly so.

29th Min – Crusaders have all the ball in good field position. Morne Steyn kicks well deep into Crusaders territory.
Bulls getting penalised heavily. Stu Dickinson what a moron! Boooo. Ellis should have been penalised for holding on.
Carter kicks from halfway but misses it. Justice. The score remains at 20-10.

32nd Min – Crusaders finally penalised for not rolling away. Thank you Stu Dickinson.
Morne Steyn to attempt from 55m out.
He nails it! Unbelievable. Score now 23-10.

37th Min – Bulls lose a lineout. Victor Matfield has the ball poached from the lineout by Whitelock. Bulls penalised 5m out and now they get a warning.
Crusaders take a scrum 5m out.
The clock ticks towarard half time. Hold em out boys!

39th Min – Spies! du Preez initally hacked ahead and then Spies kicked upfield and was in a race with Guildford. 80m upfield and the Bulls get a penalty.
From the right hand touchline Steyn misses. Pity.

Half Time Bulls 23 Crusaders 10

After the initial lead the Crusaders have come back strongly with all the territory and possession. The Bulls have defended well and ref Stu Dickinson has been very harsh.
The Bulls will be happy with the lead and need to start strongly and try to make the Crusaders play catch up rugby.

41st Min – The Bulls have been strong in the second half all season. They will be confident with a good lead and induce the early error but are penalised at the scrum for breaking his bind.

44th Min – Bulls steal the lineout and go wide. They try to reycle in the middle of the field. Dickinson allows the Crusaders to steal with du Preez complaining. Dickinson having too large an influence for me.

45th Min – Steyn kicks too deep and the Crusaders have the ball in great attacking position.
Sean Maitland scores down the right hand side. Potgieter couldn’t make the covering tackle and the Crusaders are now right back in this game.
It should’ve been a penalty to the Bulls 2 minutes ago in a kickable position. Big big influence from Dickinson.
Carter nails the kick to make it 23-17.

48th Min – Finally a penalty to the Bulls. The Crusades were holding on and Stegmann was on his feet.
Steyn nails it to make it 26-17 and gives us a bit more breathing space.

52nd Min – Bulls starting to wear the Crusaders down. Morne Steyn with the snap drop goal but just shaves the right hand pole.
Daniel Bowden got bowled over by Francois Hougaard and Bowden is out for the count.

54th Min – Flip van der Merwe on for Danie Rossouw, and this is where the Bulls may have an edge, in the replacements.

56th Min – Wynand Olivier penalised for a late tackle. Crusaders refusing to lie down here.
Pedrie Wannnenburg on for Dewald Potgieter.
Bulls penalised 42m out.
Carter misses the kick. The score still 26-17.

57th Min – Chris Jack on for Brad Thorn.
Robbie Fruean also leaves and Tim Bateman on.

58th Min – Crusaders get the turnover, and kick ahead. Bulls escape fortuitously!
A try here by the Bulls will break this game open I feel.

63rd Min – Fourie du Preeeeeez! What a try. I had felt the champion scrumhalf was a bit quiet, but he had a great left shoulder from the scrum, and saw the space and scored a brilliant individual try.
Morne Steyn with an important kick from the left hand touchine and kicks it.
Bulls lead 33-17.

67th Min – Derick Kuun on for Deon Stegmann, and Stephan Dippenaar on for Jaco Pretorious.
Bulls have a scrum on the Crusaders 22m line.
Bulls awarded a penalty and step up Morne Steyn.
Steyn makes it 36-17.

70th Min – Bandise Maku on for Gary Botha.
Game effectively over now.

73rd Min – Power scrum from the Bulls. Crusaders look to be tiring, and the Bulls earn the penalty.
Morne Steyn makes it 9 from 10 and the score now 39-17.

78th Min – Crusaders running from everywhere, but it’s all academic now.

79th Min – Sam Whitelock gets a consolation try. Bulls losing intensity on defence. Fair enough.
Carter kicks the sideline conversion and the score is 39-24.

Full Time Bulls 39 Crusaders 24

A well deserved victory on a momentous occasion in Soweto.

What a fantastic stadium, atmosphere and result. The Bulls were more clinical, opened the lead, and the Crusaders couldn’t penetrate the Bulls defence often enough even though they had plenty of territory and possession in the first half.

The travel and altitude sapped their energy and the Bulls could grind down the victory in the second half as they so often do.

The Bulls go into their 3rd final next week and will play either the Stormers or Waratahs.

Vodacom man of the match: Fourie du Preez

It’s time for the Stormers to step up!

After many lean seasons for Western Province and Stormers rugby, it is time for the Stormers to step up and show that cape rugby is a force to be reckoned with once again.

CHOKERS?

The Stormers (and Western Province) have failed to deliver under pressure during recent times. Critics have noted that the Stormers once again faltered under pressure when losing to the Sharks 2 weeks ago.

With a massive home crowd expected, can the Stormers deliver for their fans?

Earlier this week, Stormers coach Allister Coetzee said, “I will be really disappointed if, after we have worked so hard for 13 weeks in week 14 we say ‘Oh no, there is a hell of a lot of pressure on us. I am going to urge them to live the moment, to embrace the pressure of playing in a semi-final, to enjoy it. This is what we have worked so hard towards. It’s an exciting week. We are at Newlands playing in a semi-final in one of the toughest competitions.”

“That is the attitude I know the players will have when they pitch up at training at the start of the build-up week. We spoke throughout the season about getting to enjoy what we are doing and play the best of the team’s and individuals’ performance in front of a passionate home crowd. It (pressure) has been there for a while, and we’ve obviously got it right so we can’t worry about the pressure. We’ve got to go out there and win this game” said Coetzee.

Coetzee believes his side just needs to continue doing what they’ve done all season, as it has been proven to produce the right results. “Our systems have been working for us and they have got us this far, and there is no reason for us to suddenly change it now” said Coetzee.

THE BEST DEFENCE IN THE COMPETITION

The Stormers have been superb on defence this season. In 13 matches they have conceded just 17 tries and points in total, stifling the opposition into errors and frustration.

The intensity of the tackling, the teamwork and making double hits has allowed the Stormers to gain momentum on defence, and they’ve also performed well in the loose trio which has allowed them to place real pressure on the opposition at the breakdown.

‘If you can’t go around or through a team, then I suppose there is only one more alternative, you have to go over,’ he told this website. ‘The Cheetahs tried it when they came to Newlands, and the Brumbies enjoyed some success through the kicking game of Matt Giteau. The Waratahs have some great kickers in Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale and even Drew Mitchell, and we are wary of their abilities with the boot.’

TEAM SELECTION

Allister Coetzee has been blessed by the lack of serious injuries this season (other than Joe Pietersen and Wicus Blaauw), and once again he can field an unchanged starting lineup.

The pack remains a strong, settled combination with no glaring weaknesses. It possesses pace, physicality, power and plenty of lineout options. All it requires is a strong performance on the field

In their previous clash with the Waratahs, Coetzee opted for the greater physicality of Ricky Januarie, but with his sublime form, Coetzee has opted to keep Dewaldt Duvenhage at scrumhalf.

Coetzee had this to say about his young scrumhalf, “Dewwies (Duvenhage) has really stood up and the tackle count will verify my statement. I don’t want to make unforced changes at this stage, but I have to say I’m happy with Dewwies’ defence. He’s not only made a lot of tackles, but the kind of positive hits that drive attacking players back. He’ll certainly take that momentum into the semi-final.”

The backline remains the same, and has become a well-drilled cohesive unit.

The ability to retain largely the same side has been a strong contributor towards the success of the Stormers this year. “Obviously when you stick with pretty much the same team you give the players a chance to bond together and to grow together as a team” said Coetzee.

“Having the same side play together over a period of time means that each player in the team knows what he needs to do, where he fits into the strategy. That is obviously a massive plus for us. Continuity is linked to the success of any team” said Coetzee.

THE WRONG TACTICS?

The Waratahs were impressive last week against the Hurricanes and have ended the season strongly, even without two of the influential Wallabies, prop Benn Robinson and number 8 Wycliff Palu.

In an effort to keep the team focused and away from the media hype, the Waratahs have elected to base themselves in Durban instead of Cape Town.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said “We reckon it is a good place to prepare in fine conditions, away from the hype of Cape Town, and then do a hit-and-run raid on Newlands.”
It’s a tactic the Aussies (and Kiwis) have used for games on the highveld, and it hasn’t brought much success. You can’t hide on match day, you have to deal with it and it’s a decision I can’t understand. Better to face the atmosphere and conditions and get used to them rather than different conditions some 1600km away.

MAKING THE CORRECT DECISIONS

Both sides have strong defences. The Stormers strength has been their mindset, and they have great firepower out wide with Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana and Gio Aplon. However for both sides, it’s about being switched on mentally to play for the full 80.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said this week, “We have to ensure that our minds are right. We lost heavily at Newlands in round two when we did not have the right mental focus. We did not perform well and this week is about getting mentally switched on.”

“Their defensive record speaks for itself. It is outstanding, and on the back of that, they have been able to frustrate the opposition and force them into taking chances they would not ordinarily take. That said, we are the third best team in the competition, so it will be a huge contest on Saturday to see who can unlock the opposition defence”

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has said the key is to read the situation and adapt accordingly. He has mentioned that it’s important to kick when warranted but important to keep the ball in hand when the opportunity presents itself.

As he rightly suggests, it is performing the desired actions with purpose that is most important.

“The Stormers enjoy the collisions and keeping the ball on attack, but I want to see the correct decisions being taken,’ he said. ‘When players kick, there must be a reason for that kick, and if they attack, it will be because there’s an opportunity to run. We have to get the balance right” said Coetzee.

Coetzee also mentioned the importance of the squad and that’s another area that I believe the Stormers should be able to gain the advantage with later in the game.

“It’s the positivity from the bench and the guys not in the 22 that’s made a helluva difference. That’s shown the character of a championship side. The starting XV gather before kickoff in a huddle and scream “Stormers, yes!” but it’s not just about their positive attitude. It’s also about the attitude of those guys not on the park, and those not in the 22″ said Coetzee.

PREDICTION

Both sides are very similar in playing pattern, but in my mind the execution of the Stormers should shade the Waratahs in each area. Their defence, physicality, skills at the breakdown and class out wide should see the Stormers edge the Waratahs in each facet of play and secure a victory.

Their may not be many try scoring opportunities, but the Stormers have top class finishers which should see them able to cross the line, whilst the Waratahs are full of endeavour but lack the finishing ability. As long as Kurtley Beale and Drew Mitchell are watched closely, the Waratahs attack should be fairly predicatable and able to be shut down.


Stormers by 13.

Stormers:

1. Wicus Blaauw
2. Tiaan Liebenberg
3. Brok Harris
4. Adriaan Fondse
5. Andries Bekker
6. Schalk Burger (c)
7. Francois Louw
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. Dewaldt Duvenhage
10. Peter Grant
11. Bryan Habana
12. Juan de Jongh
13. Jaque Fourie
14. Gio Aplon
15. Joe Pietersen

16. Deon Fourie
17. Eusebio Guinazu
18. Anton van Zyl
19. Pieter Louw
20. Ricky Januarie
21. Willem de Waal
22. Tim Whitehead

Waratahs:

1. Dan Palmer
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Al Baxter
4. Dean Mumm
5. Kane Douglas
6. patrick mcCutcheon
7. Phil Waugh (c)
8. Ben Mowen
9. Luke Burgess
10. Berrick Barnes
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Tom Carter
13. Rob Horne
14. Lachie Turner
15. Kurtley Beale

16. Damien Fitzpatrick
17. Jeremy Tilse
18. Chris Thomson
19. Dave Dennis
20. Josh Holmes
21. Daniel Halangahu
22. Rory Sidey

Previous Super 14 results:

2006: Stormers 26, Waratahs 32 (Cape Town)
2007: Stormers 16, Waratahs 10 (Sydney)
2008: Stormers 13, Waratahs 13 (Cape Town)
2009: Stormers 6, Waratahs 12 (Sydney)
2010: Stormers 27, Waratahs 6 (Cape Town)

A historic occasion at Orlando Stadium, Soweto!

The Bulls host the Crusaders for their 3rd semi-final clash, this time at the unfamiliar venue of Orlando Stadium in Soweto which has never been used for a super rugby fixture!

THE SOWETO STADIUM

The Bulls are excited to be playing in a new stadium, in a new environment and facing a new challenge. Rather than being bitter at having to leave the fortress of Loftus (as many pundits expected), collectively the Bulls are buzzing at embracing the situation they find themselves in.

“It’s a great stadium, and it may be a first time for us, but if you see the players walking around, they are taking pictures and really enjoying the experience” said Bulls captain Victor Matfield.

“The pitch is soft and fast, and this is our home game. We will do whatever we need to, to win the game on Saturday. This game is great for our country, and it is great that rugby comes to Soweto, especially if we want to grow the game in all areas of the country. To see the game sold out is amazing, and we’re expecting a mini-Loftus on Saturday” continued Matfield.

“I hear the stadium is sold out, which is great. People said that our supporters would stay away because of the perceptions they were supposed to have about Orlando, but the Bulls fans have shown their loyalty in packing in. They’ll be important in lifting us and making it as intimidating for the Crusaders as possible.”

GOOD LUCK FROM PROF FRTIZ ELOFF

As reported on the Bulls website, Prof Fritz Eloff, former president of the Blue Bulls and South African Rugby Football Unions turned 90 on Tuesday.

He wished the Bulls luck for the semi-final against the Crusaders, requesting a win to celebrate his 90th birthday.

“It is great to see them doing so well and I am sure they will go all the way again. Tell them I support them wholeheartedly for the weekend. The fact that the match will be played in Soweto is also a massive occasion for all and I am sure it will be a huge success” said Prof Eloff.

MILESTONES

Bulls captain, Victor Matfield plays his 100th Super rugby game for the Bulls (it will be his 108th super rugby game after playing 8 for the Cats early in his career).

“I’m proud to have played 100 Super Rugby games for the Bulls, but the 100th will be sweeter if we can win” said Victor Matfield.

TEAM SELECTION

The Bulls have made 15 changes to the side that lost to the Stormers, restoring their preferred, most experienced lineup. The starting line-up features 14 players who have won the Super 14 previously.

Jaco Pretorius returns from injury to shore up the midfield defence. His presence could ensure the Crusaders don’t find the midfield holes they discovered 2 weeks ago.

The side is well balanced and in Danie Rossouw and Flip van der Merwe there are 2 form locks who can help negate the suspension of Bakkies Botha.

A 5-2 bench gives the Bulls cover later in the game when I expect the altitude to take effect and the Bulls can put the Crusaders away like they did 2 weeks ago, and like they have done in the 2 semi-finals they’ve contested in Pretoria in 2007 and 2009.

DO THE CRUSADERS HAVE THE BLUEPRINT?

After their close loss at Loftus 2 weeks ago, the Crusaders have publicly stated they believe they have the formula to beat the Bulls. On that occasion they moved the ball wide at every opportunity, utilising the wrap-around and playing at a high-tempo to gain momentum and get over the advantage line. Going forward they were able to dominate the breakdown and utilise quick ball to send the Bulls backpedalling at a rate of knots.

Bulls captain Victor Matfield wasn’t so sure the Crusaders would be able to, or even attempt to replicate that attempt. Semi-finals are often tighter, like test matches and as the league match showed, when the pace slows down, the Crusaders struggled to get in behind the Bulls and Deon Stegmann was the one bossing the breakdown.

Speaking to Keo.co.za, Victor Matfield said “The last time we played they were chasing a bonus point to stay in the semi-final mix, so their approach was understandable. This is a semi-final were bonus points are of no consequence, so we’re not paying too much attention to what they are saying in the media.”

“Semi-finals have usually resembled Test matches quite closely, in that teams are reluctant to take risks in their own territory and prefer to play for field position then pressure the opposition into errors. We’re covering all our bases, and our philosophy has always been to focus on what we do well. If we prepare thoroughly and play to our potential we believe we can beat anyone. We have to muscle up in contact, especially on defence. We let them get across the gain line too often at Loftus, and when you allow a side as good as the Crusaders to build up momentum you’re always going to struggle” said Matfield.

Look for the Bulls to impose their game on the Crusaders, make the Crusaders make plenty of tackles and hopefully reverse the tables.

EXPERIENCE, LEADERSHIP AND ADAPTABILITY THE KEY

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke expects the Crusaders to try and add another string to their bow when they meet the Bulls, as top sides have the ability to read the game and alter their tactics.

“They are too experienced to play in one way for the entire game, particularly if we manage to get on top of them defensively. They’ll certainly have a primary game plan, but the best sides, and the Crusaders are one of the best, are able to switch between a couple of different strategies during the course of a game” Bulls coach Frans Ludeke told Keo.co.za.

Ludeke values his brains trust of Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez to read the situation and control the tactics which will render his side successful.

“That’s where the value of our experienced players and leadership core like Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez is found. They are so sharp to spot a change of tactics and instruct the team to make the necessary changes. They are also central to our ability to spot a dead end in terms of our tactics and make the subtle changes that help us strike somewhere else. It won’t be the only decisive factor in winning or losing, but it certainly will be one of the most important.”

Ludeke is also happy with his sides mental status and believes his side can will not be distracted by last weeks loss as they are focused on the job they have to do.

“In 2009, I was struck by how focused the squad was in the week leading up to the match, but from what I’ve seen so far, they’ve taken it up a level” said Ludeke.

MY VIEW

The Crusaders have had a tough schedule in the last few weeks. After travelling to Perth, they moved to Cape Town, to Pretoria, to Christchurch and now only arrived in Johannesburg on Tuesday. No Matter how good you are, it’s got to have an effect.

The key for the Bulls is: start well.
Score early, put the Crusaders under pressure and it’ll be a road to far to travel in the second half at altitude and in a hostile environment.

I am sure the Crusaders will come hard at the Bulls initially.
They’ll want to put the Bulls under pressure, and make the Bulls anxious playing in a new stadium. I’m sure the Crusaders will look to use a lot of width, and the guy who I believe has been instrumental for them is Colin Slade at fullback who hits the line intelligently and distributes the ball to his wingers well.

The Bulls however need to dominate the breakdowns and slow the ball to the Crusaders back, although I’m sure the Bulls defence will operate more effectively with Jaco Pretorius back, and the line can come up as a unit and shut down the Crusaders midfield.

Look also for the big time players to step up. du Preez, Matfield, Steyn, Spies etc. If they can get ball, get the Crusaders
making tackles, they can put pressure on the Crusaders defence and with a few points of their own, the Crusaders may have to chase the game early.

No matter who dominates the opening stanza, the Bulls will be well rested and should be able to stamp their authority in the second half to secure a victory. They deserve it for being league leaders, the most consistent side and setting the pace. The other factor many have failed to mention is the quality of the bench. I;m sure it’ll play a part, and it may just help swing the game late in the second half.

I’m picking the Bulls by 16.


Go Bulle Go!

Vodacom Bulls:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp
2. Gary Botha
3. Werner Kruger
4. Danie Rossouw
5. Victor Matfield (c)
6. Deon Stegmann
7. Dewald Potgieter
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Francois Hougaard
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Jaco Pretorius
14. Jaco van der Westhuyzen
15. Zane Kirchner

16. Bandise Maku
17. Bees Roux
18. Flip van der Merwe
19. Derick Kuun
20. Jacques-Louis Potgieter
21. Stephan Dippenaar
22. Pedrie Wannenburg

Crusaders:

1. Ben Franks
2. Ti’i Paulo
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn
5. Sam Whitelock
6. George Whitelock
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Kieran Read
9. Andy Ellis
10. Daniel Carter
11. Zac Guildford
12. Dan Bowden
13. Robbie Fruean
14. Sean Maitland
15. Colin Slade

16. Daniel Perrin
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Chris Jack
19. Thomas Waldrom
20. Kahn Fotuali’i
21. Tim Bateman
22. Jared Payne


Referee: Stu Dickinson

Previous Super 14 results:

2006: Bulls 17, Crusaders 35 (Pretoria)
2006: Bulls 15, Crusaders 35 (SF Christchurch)
2007: Bulls 10, Crusaders 32 (Christchurch)
2007: Bulls 27, Crusaders 12 (SF Pretoria)
2008: Bulls 19, Crusaders 54 (Pretoria)
2009: Bulls 13, Crusaders 16 (Christchurch)
2009: Bulls 36, Crusaders 23 (SF Pretoria)
2010: Bulls 40, Crusaders 35 (Pretoria)

Bakkies Botha has been banned for 4 weeks!

The Big Bulls lock was cited by citing commissioner Freek Burger after Saturday’s clash with the Stormers.

The hearing took place at Loftus Versfeld on Monday morning, and after 4 hours it had to roll over into Tuesday.

The news on Tuesday was not great for the Bulls and even the Springboks, with the big man ruled out for 4 weeks.

It’s harsh, very harsh. Botha plays on the edge, a tremendously physical player who occasionally comes into the side of rucks, hits hard and is reliant on getting his timing and arm placement just right.

In the tackle on Gio Aplon that Botha was cited for, he clearly came in from the side and struck the Stormers winger near the head. It was not malicious or reckless in my view, just unfortunate.

My biggest issue is the consistency. Why can other players continually perform similar actions for no penalty, whereas every year Bakkies gets cited for legal and illegal play and gets suspensions that are at the high end of the limit. His history counts against him, and he is a marked man.

Talk to the man, you’ll find a gentle giant. A man who plays his rugby hard and asks for no quarter to be given. But equally he’ll take anything dished out at him and leave what happens on the field. It’s such a shame that Botha is picked on, but he needs to try and stay away from danger.

For their semi-final against the Crusaders, the Bulls will probably partner Victor Matfield with Danie Rossouw as starting lock, with Flip van der Merwe on the bench. The Bulls still possess a world class lock combination, but the omission of Botha is a huge shame.