Bulls resist late Saders rally

Bulls resist late Saders rally

7 Apr 2012

RYAN VREDE watched the Bulls hold on desperately at the death for a 32-30 victory over the Crusaders at Loftus.

The Bulls led 32-16 with eight minutes to play and it seemed to be over as a contest at that stage. But the Saders refused to relent and in the end were denied by a knock on as they went in search of the decisive score. They were outplayed for large sections of the second half but will still feel gutted at coming so close and missing out. The Bulls, conversely, will take this win, even if their performance, particularly in the first half, lacked polish.

Like the Stormers last week, the Crusaders’ challenge was built primarily on an immense tackle fight. They pounded the Bulls’ strike runners consistently and brutally in the first 40 minutes, seldom allowing them momentum at the gainline, then flooded the breakdown, ensuring a slow recycle. As a result the Bulls simply were never allowed to settle into a groove and never posed any significant try-scoring threat.

Their kick-chase method was compromised by this stifled service to their halfback pair, with numerous kicks not finding their mark and offering the visitors opportunities from broken field. Francois Hougaard continues to struggle with the directive of launching the high ball. He isn’t as adept at that skill as he is running the ball and the Bulls would do well to better utilise his strengths. His performance when asked to shift to the wing late in the piece will fuel the fire of those who believe he is best deployed there.

The hosts also continued their uncharacteristically poor form on defence, allowing the Saders to breach their line on more occasions than they will be comfortable with. The tourists’ first try was a prime and the most costly example, Werner Kruger and Pierre Spies both failing to halt Kieran Read’s charge for the tryline. And the Saders’ two late strikes again featured some shoddy defensive work from the Bulls.

The Bulls trailed 13-9 going down the tunnel, Dan Carter adding a conversion and penalty to Read’s try, while Morne Steyn banked three penalties. The Bulls sparked to life early in the second half, running from broken field in a move that culminated in prop Dean Greyling selling Israel Dagg a dummy of note en route to the tryline. Steyn converted and later added three more penalties to give the Bulls a 25-16 lead going into the final quarter.

The Bulls had seemingly absorbed the best the Saders could offer and patently had the ascendancy as the match progressed. With 12 minutes to play they set up a rolling maul that drove them deep into the Saders’ territory and when the ball came out to Steyn the flyhalf chipped through a kick that bounced favourably for Wynand Olivier to collect and score.

Steyn kicked his 22nd point with the conversion but the Saders struck back immediately through a converted tries from Zac Guilford and Tom Marshall to set up a tense closing 30 seconds. But the Saders weren’t able to drive themselves into a kickable position or breach the Bulls’ defensive line to steal the win.


493 Comments

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  • 251.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 18:56 pm

    @Michael(mikeybrass)-246:

    The Saders also travel back tomorrow which might affect them. Well I’m hoping so.

  • 252.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 18:57 pm

    Stormers best in the competition. That will not please Woodenpoof or HG…

  • 253.Michael: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 18:57 pm

    @TASSIES(TASSIES)-249: Naas’ tactical kicking is a notch above, his goal kicking a notch below and his silky runnng skills above.

    IMO anyways :-)

  • 254.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 18:57 pm

    Spies could make a good non playing captain. He is quite eloquent

  • 255.TASSIES: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 18:58 pm

    @JockBok(JockBok)-245: wouldn’t it be nice. If they have an issue with quality on the day, haul in someone from the north. It would make a world of difference.

  • 256.Michael: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 18:58 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-251: AC has to play his cards wisely.

    Heavens Gat beat Woodie to the back gate :-)

  • 257.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:00 pm

    @Michael(mikeybrass)-256:

    Haven’t seen either today…Stormers have really p issed them off…

  • 258.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:00 pm

    Well done Kleuter with your team… deserved too…

  • 259.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:01 pm

    @Kleuter(Kleuter)-250:

    You can see it every day on here, it’s not personal. Probably should’ve put a smiley in there but I’m not serious for goodness sake. Sincere apologies if you think I overstepped the mark,

    Congrats to your team for a fine fighting victory btw.

  • 260.HHS: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:01 pm

    Good game to watch.
    Well done Bulls.

  • 261.TASSIES: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:02 pm

    @Michael(mikeybrass)-253: Ja Mike well no fine. I can easily agree with you. Naas bugged the sherbet out of me at Newlands in matchups between Province and the Bulls. Naas was always the thorn in the flesh. Castles up at Forries tasted like **** after these games when we lost.

  • 262.ufo: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:02 pm

    bill @ 244…

    don’t do bru anymore… just pick here on keo… but yeah… sharks did me in this weekend… expected way more from them…

  • 263.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:02 pm

    @JockBok(JockBok)-259:

    He understands mate…I’ve been called worse things than that before. If you want to swim in the Storm then you should be able to know a Shark when you see one.

  • 264.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:03 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-258:

    I’m feeling the love brother……

  • 265.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:03 pm

    @ufo(ufo)-262:

    Yeah they were hyped so much pre-season but names don’t make a team. Don’t we know that…been there got the T-shirt.

  • 266.Markel77: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:04 pm

    Very happy with the Bulls win but have to say, Crusaders what a wonderful team.

  • 267.ufo: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:04 pm

    bill @ 244…

    hehe…

    don’t do bru anymore… just pick here on keo… but yeah… sharks did me in this weekend… expected way more from them…

  • 268.Kleuter: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:05 pm

    @JockBok(JockBok)-259: Thanks. I’m all for some bunter, but you know that there is a limit to what you say. You don’t like the Bulls, and hey, that is fine. I don’t like the Sharks, but I don’t call them names.
    Perhaps I’ve been out of the country too long. Not used to this sense of humor anymore.

  • 269.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:05 pm

    @JockBok(JockBok)-264:

    Hmmm hehehe

  • 270.Michael: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:06 pm

    @TASSIES(TASSIES)-261: I remember turning the TV on to one such match in ’87. Naas kicked a drop goal from a lineout less than 30 seconds into the match. It was all downhill from there.

  • 271.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:06 pm

    @IAAS(I am a stormer)-144: 23 june

  • 272.Kleuter: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:06 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-258: Thanks. Got lucky, but I’ll take it.

  • 273.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:07 pm

    @Kleuter(Kleuter)-268:

    Mate Jock is a good guy and we mean no harm. Kudos mate and no offence intended.

  • 274.Schalk is Pote Fouries daughter: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:07 pm

    Springbok XV so far:

    1. Guthro*
    2. Bismark (Sharks)
    3. C, Oosthuisen (Cheetahs) (can play TH)

    4. Etsebeth (Stormers)
    5. Bekker (Stormers)

    6. Broussow(Cheetahs)
    7. Alberts (Sharks)
    8. Burger (Stormers)

    9. Hougard (Bulls)
    10. J Goosen (Cheetahs)

    11. J de Villers (Stormers)
    12. F Steyn (Sharks)
    13. J Fourie*
    14. JP Pieterson (Sharks)
    15. Lambie (Sharks)

    16. J du Pleses (Sharks)
    17. Strauss (Cheetahs)
    18. Beast (Sharks)
    19. J Kruger (Bulls)
    20. F du Preez *
    21. Spies (Bulls)
    22. Aplon (Stormers)

    * Meyer says he wants to select foreign based players

    Unlucky: Jantjies (Lions)
    Mascot: Lawrence Sephaka

  • 275.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:07 pm

    @ufo(ufo)-267:

    I moved up 27 places on bru before this game. Scared to look now because I picked the Crusaders…….

  • 276.IAAS: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:08 pm

    @JockBok(JockBok)-264:
    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-263:

    As I said earlier, Bulls supporters have been scarce today.

    They only tend to make an appearance once they’ve secured the win.

    Most one-eyed supporters around.

    Gunter is the only exception.

  • 277.ufo: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:08 pm

    Sorry double post… #%^€<* mobi site

  • 278.Kleuter: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:08 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-273: No problem. Are you a Stormer? By far the best SA team.

  • 279.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:09 pm

    @Kleuter(Kleuter)-272:

    I live in Pretoria mate! I understand the passion… I’ve been called really ugly things by some of the boys here, but I take in my stride…

  • 280.Kleuter: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:09 pm

    @IAAS(I am a stormer)-276: I’ve been here since the start.

  • 281.Kleuter: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:10 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-279: Doesn’t make it right. Tell me who they are and I’ll contact my hit squad to sort them out.

  • 282.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:10 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-273:

    Well said, now where’s the group hug smiley…

  • 283.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:11 pm

    @IAAS(I am a stormer)-276:

    …and Kleuter. He took a lot today and has come out tops…

    @Kleuter(Kleuter)-278:

    Big Stormer fan mate… Was at The Grove today and was called a D by some guys. I just smiled and thanked them…

  • 284.Kleuter: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:11 pm

    That’s it for me.

    Well done Stormers, Cheetahs and Bulls. Three wins not bad any day.

  • 285.Kleuter: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:12 pm

    @JockBok(JockBok)-282: :-) :-) :-)

  • 286.Kleuter: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:12 pm

    Cheers all…

  • 287.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:13 pm

    @Kleuter(Kleuter)-281:

    Mate I don’t take anything seriously -ek storm net voort…

    Mate must meet for a drink sometime…I’m not as bad as you make me out to be. Hehehe

    Group Hug :lol:

  • 288.TASSIES: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:14 pm

    @JockBok(JockBok)-259: share your sentiments entirely. Happy the Bulls won. Don’t like their style. My democratic right. Against ‘foreign’ opposition, I want them to win. But I’d prefer our teams to win in the right spirit. Just my choice.

  • 289.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:14 pm

    Woohoooooooooooo, Edinburgh beat Toulouse to reach Heineken Cup semi :D

  • 290.IAAS: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:14 pm

    @Kleuter(Kleuter)-280:

    And all the time I’ve thought you were a Sharks supporter!. You just vame across like one.

    Apologies, mate. Join Bill and I for a beer on 2nd June if you’re in Pta. It’ll be one moer of a game.

  • 291.ufo: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:15 pm

    Jock @ 275…

    Well done…

    and…

    Oh no…!! :wink:
    :lol:

  • 292.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:15 pm

    @Kleuter(Kleuter)-286:

    Cheers! Enjoy the Black Label…

    I’m sober I promise and can’t blame the Booze hehehe

  • 293.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:15 pm

    Wtasup jock!

  • 294.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:15 pm

    @Kleuter(Kleuter)-286:

    Goodnight mate!

  • 295.Kleuter: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:16 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-287: @IAAS(I am a stormer)-290: I might be coming to SA end of May. Will let you know once I’m sure.

  • 296.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:16 pm

    @IAAS(I am a stormer)-290:

    Contact me mate…and Kleuter you welcome to join us…

  • 297.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:17 pm

    What’s all this group hug business

  • 298.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:17 pm

    @Dawn(Dawn)-293:

    Well done with your adopted team’s win!!!

  • 299.blueboy: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:17 pm

    Jockbock on a good day like today you are in the same league as skopshite for writing absolute f#####g drivel you are a typical cape town arsehole who thinks the 2nd raters are the greatest thing since sliced bread in the last ten ten years your lot have won F##K ALL and the bulls have won 3 super rugby titles currie cups and even the vodacom cup and you have got a cheek to boast about that bunch of rugby impostors FFS get a life.

  • 300.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    7 Apr 2012, 19:19 pm

    And why am I not included in all this inviting going on

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