A nine try try fest between the Bulls and Cheetahs showed the new law interpretations will change the game this season.
Whilst I’m not convinced the law interpretation at the breakdown is good for the game, with attacking sides able to monopolise possession and the poor defending side struggling to get hold of the ball, the attitude from the Bulls and Cheetahs was awesome.
At the post match interview both Cheetahs captain Juan Smith and Bulls Captain Victor Matfield said how awesome the new law interpretations are for the fans and running the ball.
“Look, give the Cheetahs credit, they had a go at us tonight and they are a very good side who shouldn’t be written off easily. For us the bonus point away from home with the victory is unbelievable valuable” said Bulls captain Matfield.
In 2008, the Bulls in particular did not want to adapt to the ELV’s and got left behind. South Africa has some amazing talent out wide, and with the right attitude we can embrace the law changes and make use of these talents.
Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske lamented the poor showing from his side, and was not pleased with his side’s effort.
“We didn’t tackle well tonight. Its unacceptable. We also let a few soft tries in and the guys slip the defensive line too easily. We will have to go back and work harder. Our one-on-one defence wasn’t good enough for three of the Bulls tries” said Drotske.
I felt the Cheetahs did not utilise their talent out wide enough. Lionel Mapoe and Jongi Nokwe look dangerous every time they got the ball, which was usually only from broken play. For the Cheetahs to succeed they’ll need to take more risks, and get their wingers into space.
The Bulls showed they have the players, the confidence and the right attitude to repeat last season’s success. With Morne Steyn ever dependable they have all the tools to keep the scoreboard flowing, and 50 points in their first encounter will give them great confidence.
