The Bulls hosted the Brumbies at Loftus, Pretoria late this afternoon. This is the match thread for discussion of the game. The match was broadcast on SuperSport 1 on DSTV in SA. The Bulls won in impressive style, going away at the end and easily bagging full 5 Log Points to move alone to the top of the Super 14 table. They denied the Brumbies from any log points in the process. The Final score was Bulls 50 / 32.
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from the Bulls web site, the following:
The Bulls gave their home supporters plenty to shout about in their opening Vodacom Super 14 match at Fortress Loftus, scoring five tries after overcoming a determined Brumbies side, who had a 27-20 lead after 50 minutes of play.
Seventeen points in ten minutes not only edged the Bulls ahead, but secured the bonus point as well as the Bulls racked up 50 points for the second consecutive week.
The win keeps the Bulls on top of the Super 14 log after week two, but some early Bulls errors and some good phase play had the Brumbies in the lead in the opening quarter.
They scored two tries, with Steyn’s boot the only answer from the Bulls.
Tries by Fourie du Preez and Steyn before the break gave the Bulls the lead, but a late penalty by Stirling Mortlock gave his side a 21-20 advantage at the break.
A long range drop goal by Matt Giteau and another Mortlock effort saw the lead stretch again in the second stanza, but once Gerhard van den Heever pouched a stray Brumbies pass and ran 35 meter to score under the sticks, the Bulls never looked back.
Wynand Olivier then scored a great try after some strong scrumming by the pack had the Brumbies on the back foot and Steyn did the rest.
A late Brumbies try gave the score line some respectability, but Brumbies coach Andy Friend admitted that they came up well short on the night.
My visit to the Press Conference after the match:
Brumbies coach Andy friend and captain Stephen Hoyles attended the Press Conference on behaf of the Brumbies.
Andy Friend is a soft-spoken but determined fellow, does not mince his words and answers questions with openness and without hesitation, same with Hoyles, no bullshit, just straight answers.
I asked wheter the current “New Interpretation” of the Laws will continue causing high scoring games, as has been seen in quite a few of the matches of the first 2 rounds. Both Andy and Stephen praised the new application of the Laws and said clearly that this is how they want to play, that it suits the Bumbies style of play and rewards the attacking side.
When I asked what Hoyles sees as their biggest place where they, as a Team, should improve, it was without hesitation that they MUST improve their dicipline… not give away so many penalties.
In general, the Brumbies were lavish in their praise of the Bulls and the way the Bulls play.
For the Bulls, coach Frans Ludeke, captain Victor Matfield, centurion Perie Wannenburg and man of the match Morné Steyn attended the Press Conference.
Firstly, what utterly approachable fellows these gentlemen ALL are, they are jovial, not arroant… and answers questions without dodging anything. Victor already had some “Hippy Jeans” & floppies and a T-shirt on, laid back as they come! They were obviously happy with the game and with the first 2 rounds.
When asked about the “New Rules Application” of the Laws, it is clear they fully embrace them and are basing their game plans accordingly.
Pedrie was humble about his milestone of 100 Super14 matches and says that he feels that there are still aspects of his game he needs to improve.
I asked Morné Steyn whether, having scored 3 tries already in this Super 14, he is focussing on his attacking game this season and his answer was clear…. he praised his forwards and Team for creating the opportunities and only plays his normal game.
I asked Frans about injury situations and when we could expect Bakkies, Dewalt, Akona ect back. It seems Dewalt Potgieter will be back within a week and Bakkies and Chilliboy is only due in 4 weeks.
All in all, the Bulls are confident, yet serious, with feet securely grounded.
Scores:
Bulls: 5 Penalties & 5 Conversions & 2 Tries Morne Steyn, 1 Try Fourie du Preez, 1 Try Gerhard van den Heever, 1 Try Wynand Olivier
Brumbies: 4 Penalties & 1 Conversion Stirling Mortlock, 1 Try Rocky Elsom, 1 Try George Smith, 1 Drop Matt Giteau, 1 Try Pat McCabe
Teams:
Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Stephan Dippenaar, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Pedrie Wannenburg, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Bees Roux, 18 Fudge Mabeta, 19 Derick Kuün, 20 Heini Adams, 21 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 22 John Mametsa.
Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Justin Harrison, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Ben Hand, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Matt Toomua, 22 Tyrone Smith.
Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Marius Jonker (South Africa), Stefan Breytenbach (South Africa)
TMO: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)
Best ref in the tourney for Bulls today. So that is a good thing.
GO Bulls.
Hoop Flip en Dippies het groot wedstryde.
58 – GBS, Just pleased you okay. Just read in the Saturday Star we are becoming a Police State. Not good.
Relax now and enjoy the game GBS, sounds like you have a good spot.
Go Bulls.
YO JO the grass is not looking good at all
GO BULLLLLLLLLLLSSSSSSSSS
have my coffeee have my bikkies and an ready for action.
64 – Super, never mind about the grass, hehehe. Years ago we sometimes played with hardly any grass on the field….hahaha.
Greetings everyone, GBS behave your self in the press box 😎
65 – Treehugs…… Coffee and Bikkies!!! 🙄 hahaha. Enjoy it anyhows.. lol.
Puma i dont drive anymore, actually hardly leave the property, been scared twice by the blue light brigade.
Here sit a nervous Bull supporter. Need something for the nerves NOW.
Okay off to watch the start.
Puma 😆 wats wrong with coffee and bikkies
BULLE BO Gbs groete vir die lig in jou lewe, en lekker rugby kyk
Superbul you need pot and booze lol to calmdown.
Send me the pot, here i could smoke elephant dung.
Anyway dont know why you nervous, bulls are going to cream them.
VRYSTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!
hahahahahahahha
72 – This is the weekend. Have some fun….hahaha.
70 – Super, What you nervous for? Bulls going to whip em good. 😉
Puma will have fun when SHARKS start winning again
77: hoor hoor !
Sjoe, Bulle het ‘n jong agterlyn, oudste 27 en jongste 20.
Hello from the sun drenched Cotswolds, looks like our first day of spring…..
Come on you Bulls…If anyone finds a Justin TV link I would be very greatful!!
Just look at how much fuller Loftus is than Kings Park was last night.
KZN rugby is in groot kak!
Mmmmm, just had some Beef Olives, Chicken, Mash with a hint of mustert in it and a lekker salad… thanks Bulls!
Also received a gift pack from Powerade… little cooler box and some goodies inside!!
Goooooooooooooooooo Bulls!
43 degree’s in Durbanville, it doesn’t even help having a swim.
Hiho Carol
VANDAG MY BLOOD IS BLOU
Lyk my net Pedri gaan teen Brumbies speel ?
Hi Carol enjoy the game.
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