Belligerent Bulls steal it late

Belligerent Bulls steal it late

11 May 2012

RYAN VREDE watched the Bulls score in the closing stages to register an impressive and vital 27-24 victory over the Waratahs in Sydney.

Werner Kruger surged over the tryline with four minutes to play and Morne Steyn, flawless with the boot once more, landed the conversion that gave the Bulls the narrow lead and ultimately the victory.

After trailing for the majority of the match the Bulls summoned the composure and resolve that was the hallmark of their championship sides of 2007, 2009 and 2011. Many thought those qualities would disappear after the mass exodus of senior players last year. But this youthful Bulls side continue to defy expectations.

The Tahs will lament their impotency in light of their possession and territorial dominance. They ticked all the main boxes you need to in order to beat the Bulls: physicality and accuracy at the gainline on attack and defence, an excellent kicking game that counters the Bulls’, and a committed chase that exerts pressure on the receiver. They also once again exposed the Bulls’ Achilles heel, discipline at scrum time (they lead the tournament in scrum penalties conceded). Some fundamental handling errors and missed touch kicks further undermined the Bulls’ cause. But the Tahs lacked a killer instinct and paid for that.

The Bulls trailed 13-10 at the break despite being second best for the better part of the first half. It was a good position considering they spent much of the 40 repelling the Tahs in their 22m.

There was an improvement on the poor defence that had marked their last two matches, but a questionable decision to shift inside from midfielder Johann Sadie saw Rob Horne slice through the line to score the game’s first try.

The Tahs lost Dean Mumm to the sin bin in the 22nd minute and Francois Hougaard hauled the Bulls into the contest shortly thereafter, powering through three tackles en route to the tryline. Steyn converted but Berrick Barnes kicked a penalty just before half-time to give his side a three-point lead going down the tunnel.

Barnes banked three more points after the restart but the Bulls refused to relent and going into the final quarter they scored through Akona Ndungane after a quick-tap move. Steyn added the extras, but, as they had done last week against the Rebels, the Bulls conceded almost immediately, wing Atieli Pakalani finishing in the corner.

You sensed then that the Tahs would close the game out but their visitors made a statement with their ability to call on their reserves in striking the late death blow after being pounded for most of the contest.


297 Comments

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  • 251.NoRugbyGuru_0_: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 20:24 pm

    @ viewer,

    Sadie needs to play CC again, get his confidence back. I would even consider moving him to wing just to get some game time.

    This morning Nonu made Mapoe his personal butler and bi@tch. Nonu won that encounter… Hands down :-)

    Lions must be relegated, who says the Kings can’t do well? They might just surprise a few people just like the Canes and Brumbies.

  • 252.sharks_lover: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 20:34 pm

    wow bad luck for Stegmann, just got back from injury to break his arm in todays match

  • 253.viewer: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 20:38 pm

    @ guru re: sadie. Agree. hope he hasn’t lost the x factor. He looks really special

  • 254.NoRugbyGuru_0_: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 20:47 pm

    Who remembers Zaheer Reyland? The WP wing who scored few tries in CC and suddenly every tom, dic and harry called for him to be Springbok.

    Where is he now? :-)

    In SA, especially CPT we hype up our youngsters way too early.

  • 255.Meerkatte: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 21:01 pm

    HEADING NEXT WEEK……… WOEFUL BULLS TOPPING SA CONFERENCE STILL……..

  • 256.wooden spoon: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 21:22 pm

    @Meerkatte(phil72)-255: don’t take it so personally bud. At least you don’t have to put up with “Stuttering Sharks”…

  • 257.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 21:50 pm

    @viewer(viewer)-250: lionel had a mare! he was putrid!

  • 258.COBRA: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 21:58 pm

    BULLE NOU NOG 2 GAMES <JULLE WAS LUCKY TEEN DIE REBELS ,VANDAG OOK MA NET NET
    TEEN TAHS ,CHIEFS .LANDERS WAG VI JULLE ,EN EK GEE AL DIE KEO OUENS N BRIEF
    DAAI 2 GAMES SAL HULLE NIE WEN NIE NIE ,STORMERS WAG VI JULLE ,SHARKS ,EN BOK
    COACH ASB JY PRAAT VAN SPIES MOET NET FORM VANG ,HY WAS NOG NOOIT N 8STE MAN
    NIE VERMY KONTAK ,MA JY SAL HOM KIES .HUKM WEET EK NIE,VOEL JAME VI DUANE,
    KANKO,ALBERTS,STRAUSS ,REGTIG PLAAS HULLE BODY,S OP DIE LINE ,CHILLIBOY
    WAS LAAS JAAR OP LOFTUS DEUR TIAAN LIEBENBERG OUT PLAY EN HIER DIE JAAR
    OP NUWELAND ,MY HAKERS BISMARCK,LIEBENBERG,STRAUSS,EVEN BURDEN KYK DAAI ONER
    SKEP TRY WOW HARDLOOP SOOS N SENTER ,BEKKER,BRILJANT ,EBEN ,MA JY SAL
    FLIP EN JUANDRE KRUGER KIES,EN JULLE BULLS FRONT ROW GOOD LUCK EN STORMERS
    GO BOYS JULLE IDLE NET ,LIONS SOORY BOYS HOU JULLE KOPPE NET HOOG

  • 259.JL1: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:06 pm

    @COBRA(COBRA)-258: Kobra kan jy d aaaaa llll kkkkk diiiiiiieeeeeee caappppslock af skakel

  • 260.JL1: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:07 pm

    @NoRugbyGuru_0_(RugbyGuru_0_)-254: That hype is in every province in SA

  • 261.NoRugbyGuru_0_: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:08 pm

    My word, even a blind person can read that post :-)

  • 262.Meerkatte: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:09 pm

    @COBRA(COBRA)-258:

    All capies as well diversed and insightful as you… bet in your head you win the cup every year?

  • 263.JL1: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:14 pm

    This Nikita is the sister of Vrede

  • 264.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:18 pm

    cobra, like porra the fat speedster thinks the caps make him unique :-)

  • 265.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:19 pm

    @JL1(JL1)-263: does she also have rihanna’s accent?

  • 266.Porra the Fat and Clever Speedster: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:21 pm

    @COBRA(COBRA)-258:

    you have
    issues

  • 267.JL1: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:22 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-265: ja swaer

    I BET YOU IT IS HIS SISTER!!!!!

    Rihanna should move to the Lions, they don’t beat anyone there

  • 268.Porra the Fat and Clever Speedster: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:22 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-264:

    don’t speak
    ****

  • 269.JL1: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:31 pm

    @Porra the Fat and Clever Speedster(Porra)-268: you are unique

  • 270.Loftus: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:36 pm

    @COBRA(COBRA)-258: Wow,if only Heyneke Meyer had you,Cobra from Cape Town’s knowledge and insight of SA rugby. We can be the best in the world. Where were you when Peter de Villiers needed new assistants to replace Muir and Gold? Maybe there’s a job at Newlands for you – with your style and class you will fit right in there.

  • 271.Meerkatte: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:37 pm

    @Meerkatte(phil72)-262:

    COBRA!!!!

    WAT EK EINTLIK VRA…. IS AL DIE MANNE IN KAAPSTAD SKEEF? (HOU HULLE VAN ANDER MANNE). OF IS DIT NET DIE STOMPIES SUPPORTERS?

  • 272.JL1: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 22:39 pm

    @Meerkatte(phil72)-271: JA MEERKATTE, EK LIKE JOU KWAAI

  • 273.4moreyears: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 23:27 pm

    Have to say I am very impressed with the bulls,was not a very good game but the bulls held their composure.They seem to play for each other and have a very good spirit in the camp,like the way they dont get involved in discussions with the ref and just get on with the game.

    The rugby club interviewed the bulls on Thursday and they all came across as genuine articulate blokes even the guys who’s first language is Afrikaanse.
    Chilliboy said his best friend is Pierre Spies,and have known each other since they were lighties.

    If the bulls get a home final they will be hard to beat,and I will be behind them (after the sharkies get knocked out).

  • 274.nama1: Reply to this comment
    11 May 2012, 23:57 pm

    Well done Bulls.

    I don’t think there is nothing other than to say congratulations to Pierre and his boys. Did not watch the match but gather that they came from behind to win it.

    Well done again.

  • 275.nama1: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 00:31 am

    I see that Steggies broke his arm.

    How did he perform before that? Like a Bok?

  • 276.wooden spoon: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 00:45 am

    @nama1(nama1)-275: shhhhhhh don’t wake up agile titties.

  • 277.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 00:55 am

    @nama1(nama1)-275: steggies is the 2nd best opensider in SA, show him some respect.

  • 278.nama1: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 01:16 am

    @wooden spoon(wooden spoon)-276: @Transformation(Transformation)-277:
    I still believe that Steggies and Titties are the same person. :lol:

  • 279.stormer in a teacup: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 02:50 am

    Well done Bulls – a good victory.

  • 280.Vetkoek: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 06:51 am

    Bulls are looking creaky. Their defence is a huge problem (just as well HM went with McFarland!!!!!) and they are suffering cruel injuries at the moment.

    If they play like they did today against the Highlanders and Chiefs, they’re comng home with a return of 2 from 4.

  • 281.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:03 am

    leaving this s hithole called cape town in a hour
    huge fkin bellywobble
    you bunch of gerbil stuffing
    flower sniffin
    kitty pettin
    popper sniffin
    pillow biting
    limp wristed
    queens with adam’s apples
    backmounting
    *********
    brokeb ack mountain
    metro s exual
    pink drink drinking
    wanna be keewee
    pathetic
    slow
    lazy
    stupid
    starfish bleaching
    eyebrow plucking
    stormer supporters
    can shove this place
    and will propably enjoy it.

  • 282.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:04 am

    willievz is exempt of course

  • 283.Jeraldjay: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:06 am

    @Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-281:
    You just don’t understand the Dynamic………

  • 284.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:14 am

    not interested jeraldjay

  • 285.Jeraldjay: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:22 am

    @Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-284:
    Only problem I have with Cape Town is the wind from Oct to Dec.

    But we have the best Beaches, Wine farms, Scenic landscapes, Beautiful WOMEN and last but not least……….

    The Stormers.

  • 286.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:24 am

    each to his own jeraldjay
    i found the people slow and unproductive
    frustrating.

  • 287.Jeraldjay: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:28 am

    @Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-286:
    True.

    In business you need pro active people making decisions off the cuff.
    In Cape Town decision making tends to be a bit slow.
    But I role with the bunches.

  • 288.Jeraldjay: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:29 am

    punches.

  • 289.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:30 am

    jerald it is frustrating
    i am here to work
    the donkeys get in line or told to fck off
    simple

  • 290.Jeraldjay: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:34 am

    @Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-289:
    Also depends on the industry you in. I’m in marketing and we have deadlines which has to be adhered to.

  • 291.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:36 am

    jerald i have tangible work that needs to be done otherwise the project stalls
    later man i am gonna bord just now

  • 292.Jeraldjay: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:40 am

    Later Fern, hope the grass is greener on the other side.

  • 293.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:42 am

    Sheesh I nearly forgot to p iss on the toilet seat before leaving.

  • 294.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:50 am

    Good riddance

  • 295.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    12 May 2012, 09:53 am

    Ek sien die Epping hoener moet weer n eier le.

  • 296.kaksioek: Reply to this comment
    13 May 2012, 20:13 pm

    Just watched this game. Why the **** wasn’t Atieli Pakalani carded for throwing the ball on JJ’s head after he scored a try? ******* disgraceful.

  • 297.COBRA: Reply to this comment
    13 May 2012, 20:14 pm

    OU MEERKAT ,JY KLINK REGTIG GROND DOM SEKE N BLOU BUL ,HEYNEKE KOM VAN DIE SWD AF,WAAR NA HY ONER ALLAN SLOLOMONS ,AS ***. COACH WAS VI DIE STORMERS IN SIE S12 ,WA DIE BULLE SEKE 5 KEER LAASTE GEEINDIG HET ,EN SOLOMONS HET HOM BAIE GELEER EN ONS KAPENAARS IS MANNE NIE SKEEF NIE JY KLINK SKEEF LMGA ,EN ONS HET JULLE LAASJAAR OP LOFTUS GAAN VERNIEL MET AL JUL BOKKE ,EN HIERDIE JAAR OP NUWELAND ,AL STOMPIE WAT EK NOU AAN KAN DINK IS SEKE JOU TRIL IN JOU BROEK LMPA ,S15 LANDERS,CHIEFS,SHARKS EN ONS GAAN JULLE VERNIEL ,SO HOU JOU SARKASMISE VI JOU SELF KOU RUGBY KENNIS IS MA KAK MEERKATTTTT KAK NICKNAME LOL

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