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.

[cincopa 10557584]

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)