Brumbies edge brave Bulls
17 Apr 2009
The Brumbies struck late against the Bulls to win an enthralling match 32-31 in Canberra .
An eight-try thriller culminated in Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano dancing through the defensive line to score the try that ultimately proved to be the one that ceased the Bulls’ fantastic challenge. Two points could have easily have been five for them, but instead it’s the Brumbies who keep their play-off dream intact.
The Brumbies made their attacking intentions clear from the outset, shunning an attritional war of the heavies and instead opting for an expansive approach. The pace and width with which they attacked stretched the Bulls, who soon found themselves trailing.
Mitchell Chapman rounded off a move that saw the hosts shepherd the Bulls around the track at will, before finding the flanker who corkscrewed through two tackles to score.
The Brumbies were clearly in the mood to entertain and continued to lay siege on the Bulls’ tryline. Their skill level in that period was truly phenomenal, especially considering the speed at which they were playing at. They starved the Bulls of possession and when they did relinquish the pill, it was only so one of their primary kickers could drive them punting into Bulls territory.
But their solitary error in that period cost them seven points and, more importantly, gave the Bulls an entry into a match in which they had been passive spectators. Lealiifano threw a speculative pass in the Bulls’ 22 and Bryan Habana was on hand to intercept.
It was a throwback to when Habana was at his irrepressible best in terms of anticipation, but certainly not in terms of pace. Two years ago defenders wouldn’t have even entertained a thought of chasing the winger, but watching Francis Fainifo, by no means a speed merchant, hunt him down reinforced the widely held perception that Habana’s afterburners have been repossessed. Only Fainifo’s poor tackle technique allowed Habana to score. Has the ballistic missile become nothing more than a pop gun?
The Bulls settled into a familiar pattern and troubled the Brumbies when they kept the ball through the phases. But a set phase blow-out resulted in them falling behind yet again.
First they conceded a tighthead in the Brumbies’ 22. The ball was shovelled out to Tyrone Smith, who cleared to 5m from the Bulls’ tryline. Then they completely butchered the resultant lineout, spilling the ball off the top. Peter Kimlin simply scooped up and scored.
The Brumbies should have gone further ahead when Lealiifano broke from inside his 22 and set off on a run that culminated on him taking the wrong option in the Bulls’ 22. That proved to be a costly error, as the Bulls levelled the score at 17-all with a converted try to Zane Kirchner just five minutes later.
But the momentum shifted once more just before half-time, albeit through a debatable five pointer. Stephen Hoiles appeared to knock the ball on in his attempt to collect it, but referee Chris Pollock failed to spot the infringement and the No 8 bust through some soft defence to score.
The Brumbies lead 22-17 at half-time but it was always questionable whether they would be able to sustain the pace and intensity with which they played in the first half. It seemed that their coaching staff didn’t believe they could, and changed tactics, opting to kick for field position and keep it close to their forwards.
This played to the strengths of the Bulls, who were powerful at the collision points and outpunted their opponents. In addition, the Brumbies lineout went to the dogs, robbing them of an important attacking platform.
With the Bulls’ confidence soaring they crafted a contender for Try of the Season. Pierre Spies was the catalyst, busting tackles and surging down field, while Habana, Steyn and Danie Rossouw played a supporting role in the build up to Wynand Olivier’s converted try.
The Bulls were in sight of a tour defining victory soon thereafter when Spies smashed over from close range after purposeful build up play. Steyn added the extras to give his side a 31-25 lead with 10 minutes remaining.
But ill-discipline allowed the Brumbies to draw within six, and three minutes later they were celebrating wildly when Lealiifano sliced through the defensive line for the decisive score. Mortlock converted front directly in front of the posts and the Brumbies went into defensive mode.
The Bulls tried valiantly but simply couldn’t breach a well organised defence and were denied the victory that would have sent them top of the log.
Despite the bitter disappointment of the loss, their performance will encourage coach Frans Ludeke, who’ll know that eliminating basic errors like those which gifted the Brumbies a couple of tries could see his side make a massive charge for the play-off.
There was to be no fairytale ending to the tour, but the Bulls will take solace in the fact that they’ve lost just thrice in the last three years at Loftus when returning from Australasia. They remain very well placed for a home semi-final.
By Ryan Vrede
1,047 Comments
Pages: « 1 … 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 [21] Show All
17 Apr 2009, 23:35 pm
I do not know of anyone in the modern world that do not like at least a bit of attention.
17 Apr 2009, 23:36 pm
#991 carol: I’m a spicy mexican.
17 Apr 2009, 23:36 pm
#991 carol: Exaggerating again. I’m Jack Benny’s age. So there you have it at last, I’ve confessed
17 Apr 2009, 23:37 pm
#999 Big Hit: Like I said, any fool in her position would have done the same. Requires no skill or talent. Simply be willing to be a freak show.
17 Apr 2009, 23:37 pm
#987 JimT: It’s only a matter of time…
Thanks for the explanation btw!
17 Apr 2009, 23:38 pm
#993 grant10: Pienaar maybe? r Skop’s favourite Grant?
I still reckon you should go with De Waal
17 Apr 2009, 23:38 pm
#1000 grant10:
I guess that is the small price that you must pay if you live at Clifton and are a 4th beach regular.
17 Apr 2009, 23:39 pm
#1004 Dantalion: But she also was smart enough at the end to make money for her two young kids.
17 Apr 2009, 23:39 pm
#995 Dantalion: Kirsty Wark is intellegent and “real” !!
10 out of 10 that man!!
17 Apr 2009, 23:40 pm
#997 JimT: It was tasty and rather filling!!
17 Apr 2009, 23:40 pm
#1006 Big Hit: or Andre Pretorius?? No…PDV will go with ruan Pienaar…
17 Apr 2009, 23:40 pm
#998 Dantalion: Was your tasty and filling too??
17 Apr 2009, 23:41 pm
#1010 carol: Yes that’s true. Amazing that you remember.
17 Apr 2009, 23:41 pm
#1007 Robzim: 2nd beach…fourth out of my age grouping !!
17 Apr 2009, 23:42 pm
#1008 JimT: I respectfully disagree. The money she made was a by-product of her exploitation. None of her own doing.
17 Apr 2009, 23:42 pm
#1000 grant10: Speedo does remind us of a Night Owls great thread last autumn though, one of the best……
Oh happy days…
17 Apr 2009, 23:43 pm
#1002 chimichanga: Arriba, arriba…Ole’
17 Apr 2009, 23:43 pm
#1012 carol: Oh yes, thanks.
17 Apr 2009, 23:44 pm
princess xx guys …setting the alarm for a beach walk at crack of dawn….blonde off to electioneer and politic all day…marathon rugby starting in less than 8 hours….luv it with a passion…but gotta sleep a bit now…always a pleasure…thanks for sharing the time…outta here!!
17 Apr 2009, 23:44 pm
#1003 JimT: Who’s Jack Benny?
No, I know he is an “older” bloke, are you telling me you are as old as Fred Astaire and Frank Sinatra?
17 Apr 2009, 23:45 pm
#1015 Dantalion: Maybe so. But I’m glad for the kids sake that she cashed in at the end. Hope the stepfather does not filch the money. He sounds dodgy to me.
17 Apr 2009, 23:45 pm
#1019 grant10: OK gorgeous, until tomorrow after 10am !! ***
17 Apr 2009, 23:46 pm
#1014 grant10:
No man, just some regular running each morning and you are back at fourth.
We must hang in their us old toppies.
For old time sake at least.
17 Apr 2009, 23:47 pm
#1021 JimT: Absolutely. Hopefully the kids reap the full reward. Their stepfather is a criminal and a leech. I hope he doesn’t receive one penny.
17 Apr 2009, 23:47 pm
#1004 Dantalion: I don’t know Dantalion, have a read of this if you get time,
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-jade-goody-showed-the-brutal-reality-of-britain-1651722.html
17 Apr 2009, 23:48 pm
#1024 Dantalion: Having said that, I expect he’ll do a ‘reveal all’ book soon.
17 Apr 2009, 23:48 pm
must go too, later guys
17 Apr 2009, 23:48 pm
#1023 Robzim: Now its quiet I am trying interval training!! Worked with our horses so I thought I would try it for me!! As you are mentioning running!!
17 Apr 2009, 23:50 pm
#1023 Robzim: my son popped in to say hi last nite…bought me a beautiful pair of running shoes as a gift…i have no excuses…will hit the road for 20 min tomorrow between fixtures…
17 Apr 2009, 23:50 pm
I really must go to bed too……
Night you Owls, see you for the rugby tomorrow…
17 Apr 2009, 23:50 pm
ok cheers again..
17 Apr 2009, 23:51 pm
#1020 carol: You never seen Jack B. on TV? He was an adored American comedian who was famous for being mean (or cheap in English),in real life he was very generous, and claiming that he was 39, which he did for decades. Very funny man. Was famous also for his deadpan expression. Successfully made the transition from radio to TV, well before even my time.
17 Apr 2009, 23:51 pm
#1029 grant10: Pace yourself, I should send you my programme!!
Now you are 46 not 26 !!! xxxxxxx
17 Apr 2009, 23:53 pm
#1025 Big Hit: Will give it a read thanks. Indy is my braodsheet of choice.
17 Apr 2009, 23:56 pm
Off to dreamland myself. Been fun. Cheerio ladies & gents.
17 Apr 2009, 23:57 pm
#1028 carol:
I do not want to sound clever, but interval training must only follow after solid base training.
And for running base training means long slow distance running (LSD)
Take it easy at first – interval training is like “murder” if you do not have the base.
18 Apr 2009, 00:21 am
#891 Shaun Langenhoven:
How about dooos?
18 Apr 2009, 01:16 am
Maybe I have listened too much to Leonard Cohen lately.
The “future” and the “murder” and all that stuff that he “saw”.
So depressing and unfortunately quite possibly also true.
Strange that Jewish songwriters are so good.
Just like Jewish Chessplayers.
I wonder why.
18 Apr 2009, 01:39 am
#1038 Robzim:
Robzim, you showing your age talking about the old Chelsea!! (And me I guess). Good spot, I recall the live bands. Normally playing, Young, Dylan, America and Cohen
There was also a great spot in Newlands on the corner of Main and Klipper Road. An Ad Agency the last time I was there, but when it was a pub it it also had good live music.
18 Apr 2009, 04:06 am
I do not know if any of you watch Australia Rules Football…AFL is a variant of Gaelic Football. If you have the opportunity to watch this game you will appreciate the spectacle of the Brumbies/Bulls encounter… AERIAL PING PONG.
That is what AFL in Australia is called by all and sundry.
For years we have watched the NH rugby develop into kick-a-thons and it appears the SH is following suit. As I watched the Brumbies kick the dimples off the ball yesterday I had an epiphany (yeah and that is rare for a blonde) the melding of Rugby & Aussie Rules is going to be sooner rather than later.
FFS guys this is Rugby… the $hite served up didn’t resemble much rugby at all.
I hope this isn’t on the agenda because if it is the only countries capable of the new hybrid game will be IRELAND & AUSTRALIA.
18 Apr 2009, 04:10 am
#1040 RugbyRulz: If Rugby ever convert AFL players, rugby will be destined to the rubbish heap. The depths the ARU could plumb from AFL in Australia is far to numerous to ponder. It would be the saddest day for us all.
18 Apr 2009, 04:44 am
can habana ever fix hispace again
18 Apr 2009, 05:13 am
Habana needs a good sprint coach. Linford Christie, Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson all ran their best times in their 30′s. I just think rugby players neglect their conditioning once they have made a mark for themselves. The exception being players like Shane Williams and Stefan Terblanche.
18 Apr 2009, 06:18 am
#1043 VB:
Both Linford and Lewis were found guilty/admitted to using steriods…
18 Apr 2009, 06:19 am
#1044 money_man:
and steroids…
18 Apr 2009, 06:26 am
Habs looked like he was marking time
18 Apr 2009, 09:32 am
The try from the lineout was a knock, why didn’t the ref refer it?
Stephen Hoiles try was a definite knock on why did the ref not call it?
Unlike our Kiwi friends and their travel whinge I am not going to whinge about it. Unlucky calls are part of the game and although my team lost I enjoyed the game thoroughly.
All credit to the Brumbies for a great game but on another day they would have been crucified by the press if the ref had spotted the infringements. It just goes to show how tight this years tournament is. A 32-31 win could have been a 31-18 thrashing.
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