OVERALL SUPER 14 LOG

SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE

AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE

NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE

The Stormers remain top of the Super Rugby log, whilst the Bulls, Reds and Rebels also secured important away victories.

Highlanders (26) v Brumbies (20)

The Highlanders had the desperation and desire to remain strong on defence in the face of a spirited Brumbies challenge.

The opening quarter went scoreless before two long range Highlanders tries sparked by winger kade Poki, and finished by hooker Jason Rutledge, in the space of 2 minutes opened a handy lead for the Highlanders.

A penalty took the score to 15-0, and put the Brumbies on the back foot.

Matt Giteau missed 2 penalty attempts before stepping his way over close to the line to narrow the gap to 15-7, but another long range attempt just before the break couldn’t close the gap for the Brumbies who really should have had the lead but for some poor goal kicking.

Tony Brown replaced Colin Slade who was injured once more, and kicked 2 vital penalties to open a large lead once more.

Brown was sin-binned with 12 minutes remaining, and the Brumbies mounted a strong challenge. However straight after scoring a try to Andrew Smith, the Highlanders hit back as captain Jamie MacKintosh barged over after ripping the ball out of a ruck to seal the match.

With 5 losses from 6 games, the Brumbies look out of the title race, but more importantly have lost their aura and without major changes are now destined to be one of the also rans.

Waratahs (23) v Chiefs (16)

The Waratahs forward pack dominated early on to set up a strong platform for their win.

A scrum turnover allowed winger Atieli Pakalani to score after an impressive 8 phase buildup.

Waratahs captain Phil Waugh then opted for a series of scrums from penalties as the referee sin-binned Chiefs prop Nathan White for collapsing the scrum.

The Waratahs scored a penalty try from the resultant scrum and sustained pressure.

At half-time the Waratahs led 20-6.

After the break it was a different story, with the Chiefs able to get their hands on the ball and build sustained pressure.

A calf injury to Phil Waugh seemed to change the momentum of the match as the Waratahs defence was being fully tested.

Chiefs fullback Tim Nanai-Williams scored a try and kicked a penalty to narrow the gap to 4 with 6 minutes remaining.

Despite a late surge from the Chiefs, a penalty goal allowed Kurtley Beale a chance to wind down the clock and seal the win for the ‘Tahs.

Blues (29) v Cheetahs (22

The Blues did most of the attacking for the first 65 minutes, and failed to finish off opportunities in the opening quarter.

The Cheetahs defence held firm, but there is only so much defending a side can do.

Inevitably the Blues were able to finish off, as Joe Rockocoko and Stephen Brett utilised their space to cross the line.

The Blues then led 22-3 and possibly felt they had the match in the bag, but Sarel Pretorius who had en excellent game for the Cheetahs scored 2 tries.

The Blues claimed their bonus point try before Coenie Oosthuizen made the game appear closer than it was.

Hurricanes (14) v Bulls (26)

The Bulls secured an important win with basic Bulls rugby.

The Bulls were direct, and executed the basics of the game more clinically to keep their pack moving forward, and giving Fourie du Preez and Morne Steyn the space they need to work in.

Steyn kicked brilliantly, and took 2 drop goals despite intense booing from the crowd!

Playing with a strong wind in the first half the Bulls dominated territory and possession, minimising opportunities for the Hurricanes and going to the break with a well deserved 12 point lead.

However the Hurricanes were able to claim territory and possession as they made use of the wind, putting pressure on the Bulls defence.

The Bulls held strong however, with a great team effort, showing plenty of desperation at times to keep the Hurricanes out.

The Bulls were able to keep a slender lead, and when an opportunity came, Wynand Olivier cut the line brilliantly to put Francois Hougaard into space and nail the match winning try.

Force (25) v Rebels (26)

The Rebels secured their first ever victory away from home, holding on for a nail biting victory in Perth.

The Force made the play early, opening up a 15-3 lead early in the match.

However the Rebels have shown all season that they do not give up, and despite looking very impotent on attack on many occasions, were able to score after an 8 phase period late in the first half along with a penalty to trail just 15-14 at the break.

A poor floating pass from Cameron Shepherd allowed the Rebels to score again and the Force trailed by 8 points with 20 minutes remaining.

James O’Çonnor had a chance to seal the match with a late kick, but his 4 missed kicks turned out to be the difference between winning and losing for the Force who may have been affected from the trip back from Cape Town.

Lions (25) v Reds (30)

The Lions have not won a home game in 2 seasons, and it is no wonder the fans have deserted them as Ellis Park was once again atmosphereless.

The Reds appeared to be in second gear for much of the match, prepared to give the ball air, but failing to run straight and hard often enough.

However the Lions were equally clueless on attack, and were gifted points from a error ridden Reds side.

The Lions even played against 14 men for 20 minutes of the first half, but could only manage a 14-10 half-time lead.

The Reds looked better as the match wore on, but both sides failed to deliver the knock out punch, as the Reds hung on for an important away victory.

Sharks (6) v Stormers (16)

The Stormers remain unbeaten as their defence won them yet another match.

Conditions were wet and greasy, and in the end it was the Stormers who made less errors when it counted.

This was based on an aggressive, impenetrable defence, and a superb tactical performance from flyhalf Peter Grant who controlled the match.

The Sharks did have their chances, but inevitably made errors as the Stormers competed strongly to deny them any easy points.

Unlike the Currie Cup final last year, it was the Stormers who scored the early points, and in wet conditions they showed the maturity of being able to play with a lead, and deny the Sharks the ability come back into the match. What also impressed was their discipline, never allowing the Sharks any easy points to claw their way back.

Super Rugby Log

The Bulls play their first match in a 4 game overseas trip when they take on the Hurricanes in Napier on Saturday night.

The Bulls need at least 2 wins on their overseas trip and play a Hurricanes side which is out of form and struggling so far in 2011.

The Bulls have not been vintage this year either, so which time will be able to turn their fortunes around?

TEAM SELECTION

The Bulls have named a strong squad, and welcome back Francois Hougaard to the starting lineup.

Hougaard is a player with the ‘x’ factor and replaces Gerard van den Heever who drops down to the bench.

Gary Botha and Zane Kirchner also return to the starting line-up, replacing Chiliboy and Jaco van der Westhuyzen.

Frans Ludeke has also opted for a traditional 4-3 split on the bench, possibly influenced by Danie Rossouw’s absence from the squad. Rossouw has stayed in Pretoria as his wife gave birth to their son.

THE TRAVEL FACTOR

The Bulls only left Pretoria on Tuesday night, arriving in Wellington at midnight on Wednesday night.

It’s the same strategy they’ve successfully employed on their last 2 overseas trips, minimizing the time spent away from home.

This Bulls side understands there is little they need to do on the training field, it’s being mentally prepared and rested that will influence the result on Saturday.

The Bulls have won their opening match on tour 4 out of the last 5 years. Hopefully that is a good omen!

IT’s ALL ABOUT BASICS

Many have said the Bulls are in decline, but it won’t take much to awaken the sleeping giants.

They’ve not been their typical selves in the set-pieces, and that has put pressure on the rest of their game.

Prior to the Lions clash, Victor Matfield said, “It is definitely something that is worrying me/ “It is not something we are used to and we will have to work hard to rectify these things.”

“We always do things accurately, that’s what usually makes us good. We don’t lose a scrum or a lineout and we put other teams under pressure.”

“We are a team that is traditionally good at the detail. Our execution was always our strength, but we’re no longer accurate. I know we can fix it.”

It won’t take much to turn it around, but the Bulls can ill-afford to gift the Hurricanes with chances, despite their oppositions poor recent form.

PREDICTION

The Bulls will find this a tough match, and while I believe they are fatigued, if they keep it simple and execute the basics correctly they stand a good chance.

The Hurricanes are in a similar position of having plenty of class that can click on any given day.

If the Bulls dominate up front, and keep Steyn ticking the points over, I believe they can do it!

Bulls by 8.

Go Bulle Go!

Vodacom Bulls:

1. Dean Greyling
2. Gary Botha
3. Werner Kruger
4. Bakkies Botha
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. Bjorn Basson
15. Zane Kirchner

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle
17. Rossouw de Klerk
18. Flip van der Merwe
19. Derick Kuun
20. Francois Brummer
21. Gerhard van den Heever
22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen

Hurricanes:

1. John Schwalger
2. Andrew Hore (c)
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Jeremy Thrush
5. Jason Eaton
6. Jack Lam
7. Serge Lilo
8. Victor Vito
9. Chris Eaton
10. Daniel Kirkpatrick
11. Hosea Gear
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Julin Savea
15. Corey Jane

16. Dane Coles
17. Jacob Ellison
18. James Broadhurst
19. Mark Reddish
20. Tyson Keats
21. Aaron Cruden
22. Charlie Ngatai

Referee: Jonathan White

Previous Super Rugby results:

2006: Bulls 23, Hurricanes 26 (Pretoria)
2007: Bulls 9, Hurricanes 17 (Wellington)
2008: Bulls 22, Hurricanes 50 (Pretoria)
2009: Bulls 19, Hurricanes 14 (Wellington)
2010: Bulls 19, Hurricanes 18 (Pretoria)

The 7th week of Super Rugby gives the Stormers the chance to extend their lead at the top of the log by remaining the only unbeaten side.

The Stormers can open a handy lead at the top of the log by winning at a venue they’ve seldom excelled at.

The Crusaders get a chance to rest and surely look the team to beat in the tournament, despite one loss and a cancelled match.

The Aussie derbies are not even worth watching, and the Hurricanes are Bulls need to get their seasons back on track.

Highlanders v Brumbies – Carisbrook, Dunedin

The Brumbies have been awful this season, whilst the Highlanders have lost momentum by coming up against the 2 best sides in the competition this year.

The Highlanders have a strong forward pack that will take the Brumbies on up front, and dominate. This should ensure a steady stream of possession and territory, whilst placing the Brumbies backs under pressure who have not been able to score easily.

Should be a comfortable win for the men from down south,

Highlanders by 9.

Waratahs v Chiefs – Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

The Waratahs have gone off the boil as they usually do, whilst the Chiefs are their normal erratic self.

The Chiefs do have the ability to match the Waratahs up front, and then use their dangerous backs to take the Waratahs apart.

The Waratahs do have a strong defence however, and are usually strong in Sydney, a venue that hasn’t been too kind to the Chiefs.

Mind you the Waratahs showed with their last home game how average they can be.

Chiefs by 8.

Blues v Cheetahs – Eden Park, Auckland

The Cheetahs got their one surprise win on the road, but truth be told it’s unlikely to happen again, especially this season.

The Cheetahs have massive injury woes, but the return of Sarel Pretorious and Philip Burger may provide the spark they need.

The Blues have been fairly consistent this year, and even if they don’t play to their peak they’ll win this one comfortably.

Blues by 20.

Hurricanes v Bulls – Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Napier has been a kind venue to the Hurricanes, but shouldn’t provide the same advantage as Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

The Bulls know they need to win their first game on tour, else the 2 required wins will be tough to eek out of the last 3 games.

The Hurricanes have been awful, and the Bulls just need to be accurate in their set-pieces and ball carries to put pressure on the Canes.

It may come down to who wants it most, and who makes the least mistakes as neither side has been blowing sides away

Bulls by 8.

Force v Rebels – Perth

The Force had players affected by a virus last week, and they have recovered and will be hurting from a big loss to the Stormers.

The Rebels have been awful away from home so far, although they do appear to be improving.

Should be a traditional derby, but the Force have a bit more class with James O’Connor and Nathan Sharpe.

Force by 12.

Lions v Reds – Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg

The Lions have failed to build on their early season promise, beating themselves more than the opposition has.

The Reds are a side who do the basics fairly well, and use their halfbacks to create their play.

If the Lions could front up, and limit the space for Will Genia and Quade Cooper they’d stand a good chance.

The Reds do have a good record in Johannesburg, and the Lions also fail to adapt to sides who lie over the ball, a tactic the Reds use to slow the opposition attack.

The Lions are not smart enough to counter this.

Reds by 12.

Sharks v Stormers – Kings Park, Durban

The Stormers have a poor record in Durban, but they are on the rise and will be keen to atone for their poor Currie Cup final at the same venue.

Both sides are blessed with plenty of Springboks, the Sharks in the forwards, and the Stormers in the backs.

The Stormers have a more complete side, their defence has been impenetrable, whilst the sharks started well but have become more and more porous.

The lack of a quality, settled flyhalf will hurt the Sharks, who struggle to score tries at the best of times.

Questions have been asked of the Stormers offence, but last week proved they have too many quality players to be kept quiet for long.

Stormers by 8.

Bye: Crusaders

The Bulls announced their 26 man touring squad to travel to New Zealand and Australia for their 4 match 2011 Super Rugby tour.

The Bulls depart on Tuesday night, arriving in Wellington on Wednesday at midnight in preparation for Saturday’s clash against the Hurricanes in Napier (a 5 hour drive north of Wellington on the East Coast of New Zealand).


The Bulls will play:
Apr 2 – Hurricanes
Apr 9 – Crusaders (Nelson)
Apr 16 – Reds (Brisbane)
Apr 23 – Force (Perth)


Despite the fractured arm sustained by Gurthro Steenkamp, the Bulls are back to full despite a few niggling injuries:
Jaco Pretorius (neck)
Victor Matfield (blow to the head)
Bakkies Botha (knee)
Flip van der Merwe (ankle).

The same 22 that beat the Lions will tour, along with Zane Kirchner, midfielder Stephan Dippenaar, winger Akona Ndungane and uncapped prop Morne Mellett.

The touring squad is:

Props

Werner Kruger
Dean Greyling
Rossouw de Klerk
Morné Mellett

Hookers

Gary Botha
Chiliboy Ralepelle

Locks

Victor Matfield
Bakkies Botha
Danie Rossouw
Flip van der Merwe

Loose Forwards

Pierre Spies
Dewald Potgieter
Deon Stegmann
Derick Kuün

Scrumhalves

Fourie du Preez
Francois Hougaard

Flyhalves

Morné Steyn
Francois Brummer

Centres

Wynand Olivier
Jaco Pretorius
Stephan Dippenaar

Wings

Gerhard van den Heever
Bjorn Basson
Akona Ndungane

Fullbacks

Zane Kirchner
Jaco van der Westhuyzen

OVERALL SUPER 14 LOG

SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE

AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE

NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE

Super Rugby moved to the Northern Hemisphere for the first time, in a thrilling, open game with plenty of tries!

The Crusaders played the Sharks at Twickenham in a great quality, open match. It reminded me of the old days of Super rugby, with plenty of tries and running rugby.

Along with the Reds and Stormers matches, it was also great to see matches played in daylight. I’ve never been a fan of night matches, and playing in natural light, in the dryer conditions of the day surely only helps promote the type of rugby the fans want to see.

The Crusaders and Stormers showed they are the teams to beat with well balanced sides, minimal weaknesses, and the ability to score from anywhere.

The Rebels proved they may be an enigma as we see yet another upset, whilst the Bulls and Lions produced one of the sorriest excuses for a rugby match in direct contrast to what we saw at Twickenham.

Rebels (42) v Hurricanes (25)

The Hurricanes produced one of the largest capitulations ever (but they’re not nearly as good at it as the Proteas!) as they started like a house on fire to race to 17-0 lead from 3 tries in just 18 minutes.

Having conceded 70 points in just under 100 minutes of rugby, the Rebels produced a great fightback, possibly shaken free from expectation with nothing to lose.

The Rebels were inspired by loose forward Jarrod Saffy who is possibly their lynchpin with his hard driving runs from around the fringes.

That gave space to the Rebels back, with the halves Phipps and Danny Cipriani able to dictate play and produce space for Richard Kingi at the back who looked dangerous with ball in hand and his ability to step.

The Rebels dominated the middle 40 minutes of the match, and the Hurricanes could only manage a late try for a consolation bonus point as their season looks to now be a long one.

Hurricanes captain Andrew Hore summed it up nicely after the match, “They kicked the ball into our half, fed off our mistakes and killed us in the end. They played some great footy and we were probably lucky to get one point out of that.”

Reds (41) v Cheetahs (8)

The Reds were able to cruise to an easy win courtesy of a weak 60 minute effort from the Cheetahs.

It looked like the Cheetahs were simply after tackling practice, as they made most of their tackles but the weight of possession inevitably led to the odd line break which the Reds were able to capitalise on to keep their score ticking over.

On attack the Cheetahs were abysmal, taking the ball way behidnd the advantage line, and causing their runners to get nailed like sitting ducks as they barely threatened the Reds defence at all.

It was all one way traffic for far too long, before Sarel Pretorius entered the field and immediately set the Cheetahs in motion by getting his players to run forward onto flatter balls.

By then it was too little too late as the outcome was already decided.

Chiefs (16) v Blues (13)

The Chiefs have had to get used to wet weather rugby over recent weeks, and this created a tense, tight match.

Initially it was the Chiefs who took their opportunities and were able to open the scoring with 2 unconverted tries. The 4 points from the missed conversions could have been the difference in the end Luke McAlister kept the Blues score close with penalty attempts.

It was tight in the second half, with the Chiefs dominating everywhere except where it counted on the scoreboard.

They fell behind and threw everything at the Blues in the final 10 minutes, but trying to run and play catch up rugby in wet conditions was never going to be easy. The Blues deserved their win as they held onto possession better when it counted and made less errors.

Brumbies (22) v Waratahs (29)

The Waratahs scored their first win in 6 years in Canberra which is losing it’s intimidation as a venue.

The Brumbies had their opportunities, but look impotent in attack. They lack a strong centre who can bust the line and get their back three away. Even when the Waratahs had a man in the bin, the Brumbies were unable to take advantage.

The Waratahs were not much better, but when Kurtley Beale joins the attack they look dangerous as he is able to create opportunities. In the end that it was helped create a last gasp try for Sitaleki Timani in injury time that got them over the line.

The Brumbies will not make this year’s playoffs whilst the Waratahs now have be fighting it out with the Reds for the Australian conference winners position.

Stormers (51) v Force (16)

The Stormers were finally able to achieve penetration and synergy on attack as they racked up 50 points over the Force.

All the typical Stormers trademarks were evident, ferocious defence, competitive at the breakdown and even plenty of missed opportunities!

But they did take enough of them to create extreme pressure on the Force defence, and convert enough to score 6 tries to 1. The tries were well worked, often using interplay between a large number of team members as the handling and running into space were much better than previous weeks.

Bryan Habana still looks off form, and Danie Poolman still lacks the gas of a top class winger, but it was the midfield and Aplon from the back that made the Stormers backline dangerous. The forward pack played their part, and Deon Fourie was rewarded for his persistent endeavours with what may be the forwards try of the season as he sprinted down the right flank and regathered his own chip kick!

After the match Stormers captain Jean de Villiers mentioned there was still plenty of work to do, but they are on the right track and ticking more and more boxes each week.

Bulls (30) v Lions (23)

Neither side deserved to win this match which was a poor advertisement for rugby.

Fundamental errors and poor discipline, meant both sides fed off the opposition mistakes as they were able to do little right themselves.

In the first half the Bulls gifted the Lions many opportunities, but they just couldn’t finish or make more out of them.

The second half was evenly contested, but the match was a stop start affair as neither side could keep the other under pressure with error free rugby.

In the end the Bulls experience and ability to close out games won as they played the right rugby at the right end when it mattered.

Crusaders (44) v Sharks (28)

The Crusaders were too strong all over the field as a devastating first half laid the platform for a solid win.

The Sharks were able to compete when the game was kept tight and their big forwards could match the Crusaders up front, but as soon as the game opened up, the Crusaders were able to break the advantage line almost at will as they continously offloaded the ball in the tackle.

The Sharks midfield defence was weak around 10-12-13, and whenever possible, the Crusaders backs tried to run at Sharks forwards to exploit their speed advantage.

The result was 4 tremendous first half tries that kept the Sharks on the back foot, needing to open the game up to try and keep in touch.

Having built a big lead, the Crusaders dropped off their intensity in the second half, and had a horror run of injuries, playing the final 5 minutes with only 14 fit men!

The Crusaders look ominous, as long as they can remain fit, whilst the Sharks still lack the ability to string it all together when it really counts.

Super Rugby Log

Stats from the Bulls 30-23 victory over the Lions at Loftus on Saturday night.

Bulls 30

Tries: Dewald Potgieter, Gary Botha, Bjorn Basson
Conversions: Steyn (3)
Penalties: Steyn (3)

Lions 23

Tries: Gideon Van Rensburg; Franco van der Merwe
Conversions: Andre Pretorious (2)
Penalties: Elton Jantjies (3)

Half-time: Bulls 10 Lions 6

The Bulls team and individual effort was poor as they avoided a 3rd straight defeat at Loftus in beating the lowly Lions 30-23.

Bulls 30

Tries: Dewald Potgieter, Gary Botha, Bjorn Basson
Conversions: Steyn (3)
Penalties: Steyn (3)

Lions 23

Tries: Gideon Van Rensburg; Franco van der Merwe
Conversions: Andre Pretorious (2)
Penalties: Elton Jantjies (3)

Bulls player rating:

1. Dean Greyling – 6

Looking mobile and lean. Had a solid first effort in Super Rugby for this year, and needs to maintain discipline around the breakdown.

2. Chiliboy Ralepelle – 7

Got better as the match wore on and made a few incisive runs. His best performance in a long while.

3. Werner Kruger – 8

Would have been my man of the match as he had a high work rate around the field and was involved in everything, including a great kick ahead that led to a Bulls try for Dewald Potgieter.

4. Bakkies Botha – 5

Largely anonymous for too much of the game and his poor form may be why the Bulls pack is struggling.

5. Victor Matfield (c) – 3

One of the worst games I’ve ever seen from Matfield. Missed 2 crucial tackles late in the game that led to the 2 Lions tries. Kicking the ball dead when a 4th try was on offer signalled his tiredness which an in-form Matfield would never do. Needs 4 weeks rest!

6. Deon Stegmann – 6

Had a busy game around the breakdown but ultimately not accurate enough to be effective. Carried the ball well at the base of the maul.

7. Dewald Potgieter – 6

Had an industrious game and ran a great angle to score his try. Needs to be imposing around the breakdown and ruck however.

8. Pierre Spies – 5

Not the right player for the tight matches as he likes space to operate in. Made some basic handling erors and not getting over the gain line ofter enough.

9. Fourie du Preez – 6

Has not been at his best this year. Made some great tackles, but can leave his side exposed when rushing up in defence.

10. Morne Steyn – 6

Tackled well and kicked at goal brilliantly. On attack is causing his backline to run from too deep and they’re getting caught behind the advantage line. Needs to vary his attacking depth more and run onto the ball.

11. Bjorn Basson – 6

Cn get exposed on defence but wonderful competing for the high ball in the air. Still not convinced he deserves to start.

12. Wynand Olivier – 3

Woeful. Far too many handling errors and not strong enough on defence. Running from too deep and getting caught behind the advntage line.

13. Jaco Pretorious – 4

Very rarely does anything outstanding and the Bulls would be better off developing someone who can make a difference in the number 13 jersey.

14. Gerhard van den Heever – 3

Never had play go his way, and when it did he was average at best.

15. Jaco van der Westhuyzen – 8

Was the Bulls most dangerous player, running the ball bak strongly and generally having an attacking mindset in whatever he attempted. Was unlucky to be replaced in the second half. Not sure why you’d take off one of your best players.

Worth a go at flyhalf to see what he could spark.

16. Gary Botha – 7

Solid and took his try well.

17. Rossouw de Klerk – 6

Did his job when he came on. No more, no less.

18. Flip van der Merwe – 6

Worked hard and carried the ball strongly. Deserves a start ahead of Bakkies.

19. Danie Rossouw – 6

Didn’t have the desired impact and spilt at least 1 ball.

20. Derick Kuun – 5

Minimal impact.

21. Francois Brummer -

Not used

22. Francois Hougaard – 6

Was utlised too late but did bring grater energy to a sorry Bulls backline effort.

Bulls Forward Pack – 6

Unable to impose themselves against a mediocre Lions effort. Dominated in the maul initially but failed to use it enough in the second half.

Bulls Backline – 2

Completely woeful and coughed the ball up far too often. Would have been punished by a better side. Standing too deep on attack and getting caught behind he advantage line, something Pieter Rossouw needs to fix.

Bulls Team Effort – 3

One of the worst displays in a long time. Definitely not improving this year and other than tiredness and fatigue, not sure what is going on.

The Bulls avoided a 3rd straight defeat at Loftus with a 30-23 win over the Lions but will be terribly disappointed with their sub-standard performance.

Bulls 30

Tries: Dewald Potgieter, Gary Botha, Bjorn Basson
Conversions: Steyn (3)
Penalties: Steyn (3)

Lions 23

Tries: Gideon Van Rensburg; Franco van der Merwe
Conversions: Andre Pretorious (2)
Penalties: Elton Jantjies (3)

Half-time: Bulls 10 Lions 6


The Bulls will be pleased to have avoided their 3rd straight defeat at Loftus, but will hardly be pleased with the manner it was achieved in.

It was possibly the worst display by the Bulls this season despite achieving a 7 point victory. Victor Matfield’s decision in injury time to boot the ball over the sideline when the Bulls were 5m from the Lions line chasing a 4 try bonus point summed up the frustration for his side.

IT’S SILL NOT RIGHT

Early in the week Frans Ludeke and Victor Matfield highlighted the Bulls inaccuracies in the basics of the game.

“Of course there is a lot of hard work to be done, especially on the small things, but I don’t think it is too much of an issue at the moment. We definitely need a better effort but I don’t think it will take that much to turn it” said Ludeke.

Matfield has mentioned poor handling, poor discipline and an inability to hold onto the ball as the Bulls weaknesses this year.

“It is definitely something that is worrying me, especially after two losses. It is not something we are used to and we will have to work hard to rectify these things” mentioned Matfield.

However at Loftus against the lowly Lions, it was no better, and if anything, worse.

POOR START

Once again the Bulls started poorly with basics errors allowing the Lions to enjoy territoy and possession.

Basic mistakes, including too many dropped passes and balls in the tackle should have seen the Lions punish the Bulls, but they were just as woeful. A better side such as the Crusaders would most likely have opened up a 15-20 point lead after the first quarter.

Instead the Bulls were able to lead after having conceded the early penalty.

THE BREAKDOWN AND ADVANTAGE LINE

A rare turnover at the breakdown allowed Werner Kruger to kick down the right hand touchline that led to Dewald Potgieter running into a hole and flying onto a well directed pass from Fourie du Preez. The expected floodgates remained off however and a silly penalty on the stroke of half-time allowed the Lions to edge back to within 4.

The second half was much of the same as the Bulls at times threatened to display the sort of consistent play we have come to expect over the last 4 seasons, but errors and penalties cost them the chance of sustaining pressure on the Lions.

The Bulls could simply not win the war of the breakdown, and far too often struggled to make it over the advantage line. That may be where some of the frustration and ill-discipline stems from.

SOMEONE NEEDS TO STAND UP

At the moment there is little momentum occurring for the Bulls on attack. The kick chase is not accurate enough, and is best used as a variation as opposed to the only means of attack anyhow.

Most of the forward runners and inside backs are struggling to get over the advantage line. Chiliboy was good against the Lions because he tried to run into holes. Maybe this is where the Bulls are going wrong, because Matfield, (Bakkies) Botha, Spies and Potgieter are just not making any yardage.

In the backs it’s a different story, with the Bulls standing too deep and Morne Steyn using Wynand Olivier well behind the gain line, even for hit-ups. The Bulls have been using plays behind dummy runners, something seen more often in rugby league, and it’s just not working for the moment.

The centre combination is not a big, strong pairing in any event, and their strengths are not trying to run over the opposition, but run into space. A little more intelligence and nous on attack is needed.

BULLS HOLD ON

The Lions to their credit refused to give up, and a late score from Lions captain Franco van der Merwe in his 50th Super Rugby Match gave them a shot at a draw with a few minutes to go.

The Bulls were trying for a 4th try bonus point, but frustration and lack of confidence are probably what caused Victor Matfield to boot the ball dead when they were only 5m from the Lions line and the sought after try.

Having achieved just 5 log points out of a possible 15 in their run of 3 consecutive home games, the Bulls head overseas for what could be a make or break tour. They dislike touring, and will most likely need at least 2 wins out of 4 to seriously contend for a play-off spot when they return to South Africa.

Match Stats

Bulls Player Ratings