Bulls fire, then fade

Bulls fire, then fade

25 May 2012

RYAN VREDE reports on a 28-22 victory for the Chiefs over the Bulls that leaves the three-time champions with little breathing room if they are to secure a home play-off.

The Bulls were acutely aware of the importance of victory in the context of their conference challenge, but they failed to negotiate a determined second half effort from the Chiefs, after being dominant for the opening half. They will hope the Sharks beat the Stormers in Durban tomorrow and also bank on teams close to them on the overall log dropping points. There is no panic just yet – they’ve finished strongly in recent years after coming off tour – but they cannot afford to drop many more points.

When their execution of their game plan is on point (which it was in the first half) few sides in the tournament could live with the Bulls. However, their inability to sustain their effort through 80 minutes cost them, as did numerous spurned opportunities early in the match.

There are still questions about Francois Hougaard’s kicking game, but tonight it was adequate. His shortcomings in this regard were made up for by Morné Steyn and Zane Kirchner’s competency in this facet of play. Their high kicks and a committed chase had the Chiefs’ back three looking like they were fielding grenades. This is an area the Hamilton franchise must address urgently if they are to be serious title contenders.

Once in the Chiefs’ 22m the Bulls were a mix of efficient and disappointing. Steyn banked two penalties and a drop goal and a try from Bjorn Basson, who profited from poor defence from Lelia Masaga, gave the Bulls a deserved 16-8 lead at the break.

On defence, such was the power and accuracy of their gainline challenge that the Chiefs were made to look toothless. Their primary strike runners – Sonny Bill Williams included – seldom posed a threat. Indeed the Bulls would have been disappointed at the margin of their lead at that point, the Chiefs’ only try coming courtesy of an Akona Ndungane error and their aforementioned wastefulness in good positions lending further weight to this assertion.

Steyn and Aaron Cruden traded penalties after the break, but the Chiefs, galvanised by the injection of quality impact players, gradually found the momentum and synergy they lacked in the first 40. The Bulls remained resolute but their resistance waned going into the final quarter when Cruden found wing Asaeli Tikoirotuma with an inside ball that left him with a clear route to goal. Cruden added the extras for a lead that was short-lived, Steyn edging his side ahead with his fourth penalty of the match.

Then the turning point, and this time another Bulls error inside the Chiefs’ 22m cost them dearly. The hosts turned over possession and ran the ball 70m before earning a lineout. A quick feed caught the Bulls’ defensive line unset, and Williams exploited this, surging through a gap then offloading to put Same Cane clean through. Cruden sunk the conversion and the Bulls just never looked like they had the capacity for a telling rebuttal thereafter.


752 Comments

Pages: « 1 … 4 5 6 7 8 [9] 10 11 12 13 14 … 16 » Show All

  • 401.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:43 pm

    @the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-392: oh geez, now fernly will have to retort about catch bass for breakfast :cry:

  • 402.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:44 pm

    puma including the boxes i reckon close to 60 000.

  • 403.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:44 pm

    @houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-400:

    Yeah for sure… A super 15 title to SA is first prize, whether the Bulls or Sharks… I’m hoping for the Stomers though, although I think the Sharks may just take it tomorrow.

    If the Stormers win then they will be sending a second team to Loftus I think…

  • 404.the artist formerly known as gunther: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:44 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-398:

    Indeed.

    Caner is going to feel like Scott at the South Pole.

    Only to find Monty Amundsen has planted his pole there already.

  • 405.Puma: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:45 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-383: Yup, we chasing the pack….hehe.

  • 406.roobarb2: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:46 pm

    heh, well done Bulls, they have heaped expectations on themselves this season by how they’ve held up as a young team in a rebuilding phase. lets not forget how people were predicting they would be smashed all over the park in the beginning of the season.

    with another two years experience this team would have won all the games on tour, they have talent in heaps, they just need that confidence. The cognitive dissonance will kick in and that will pull them through tough situations like it did the bulls team of the last few years.

    well done to the chiefs too, entertaining game.

  • 407.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:46 pm

    @Puma(Puma)-405:

    Howzit Puma! We are checking our backs buddy! I don’t like the Black and White Shadow…

  • 408.Te Rangatira: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:46 pm

    @houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-400:
    your a staunch Bulls supporter…..all good in my book

  • 409.bos_otter: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:47 pm

    @Puma(Puma)-395:
    Back to work :)

  • 410.fitzella: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:47 pm

    Based on what I saw today from Bulls

    Boks should be made up as follows

    Front row
    Combination of Sharks Cheetahs & Stormers

    2nd Row
    Stormers, with J. Kruger

    Back row
    Combination of Sharks, Stormers, Cheetahs with CJ Stander

    Scrumhalf
    Piet Van Zyl, Hougaard on bench

    Fly Half
    Grant, Lambie

    Centers
    Stormers, Steyn, Taute, Engelbrecht, Pietersen

    Wings
    Aplon, Pietersen, Engelbrecht, Basson

    FB
    Joe Pietersen, Lambie, Taute, F. Steyn

  • 411.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:47 pm

    @roobarb2(roobarb2)-406:

    Denial is a river not?

  • 412.bos_otter: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:48 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-411:
    lol yea…a river in Egypt

  • 413.Puma: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:49 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-403: Doubt if Stormers win they will send a 2nd team to Loftus. Still another 2 games left and anything can happen. Can’t take any game for granted.

  • 414.Puma: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:49 pm

    @bos_otter(bos_otter)-412: haha. Howzit Bossie, first time I see you blog this side.

  • 415.houston, we have a problem...: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:49 pm

    @stew(stew)-386:
    the bulls to play in christchurch..?…

    how ironic, they’d be up against the devils own in a town called church….christchurch…

    no…no… that must not happen.

  • 416.bos_otter: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:50 pm

    @Puma(Puma)-414: lol…been here before…ages ago though. Thought I’d drop in and say hello :)

  • 417.Puma: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:51 pm

    @fitzella(fritz ellenbogen)-410: Grant10 is that you?

  • 418.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:51 pm

    @Puma(Puma)-413:

    Rumour is the guys are klaar on their feet mate. They have to start resting certain players – although most of the injured will be back after the test series. You right though – I don’t like any team sending an under-strength team. Just doesn’t seem fair…ask the Bulls?

  • 419.cane: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:51 pm

    @fitzella(fritz ellenbogen)-410:

    No Kirckner,

    You are a very harsh man fitz.

  • 420.Puma: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:52 pm

    @bos_otter(bos_otter)-416: Never knew you had ever blogged here. Howzit bud, how you doing?

  • 421.the artist formerly known as gunther: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:52 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-401:

    hurricunt and fernley can compare their real estate portfolios together.

    I think a dam counts for at least 3 bedrooms.

    :lol:

  • 422.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:52 pm

    puma i think that one stop is by far the biggest box at kingspark,also good for a jol agter the game.

  • 423.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:52 pm

    @bos_otter(bos_otter)-416:

    Much better here ne?

  • 424.Puma: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:53 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-418: They could miss out by holding a semi. Saders are chasing as well.

  • 425.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:53 pm

    @the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-421:

    :lol:

  • 426.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:54 pm

    @Puma(Puma)-424:

    Very congested Puma! The Bulls did the Sharks a huge favour today – by losing. The Stormers could return the favour though…

  • 427.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:54 pm

    …that said the Chiefs are looking are looming as a huge threat.

  • 428.houston, we have a problem...: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:55 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-389:
    hehehe

    enjoy it hurricane, enjoy it.

    was a good game all said, and well done to the chiefs.

  • 429.houston, we have a problem...: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:56 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-403:
    ja but if they lose then its backto square one for bulls, stormers and sharks.

  • 430.bos_otter: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:56 pm

    @Puma(Puma)-420: Not bad mate, thanks. Sitting at work, but don’t have much to do. IT embargo starting this weekend, so all projects on hold. My fellow saffer colleage and me trolling the internet. Had to follow this mornings game on Kiwiw radio…only live feed we could find.

  • 431.Bill Reyts: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:56 pm

    @houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-428:

    …no-one can ever say you are not a good sport Whitney! Kudos to you…

  • 432.HongKongSlong: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:58 pm

    @fitzella(fritz ellenbogen)-394: And Spies will probably be captain….

  • 433.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:58 pm

    @the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-392:
    And you seemed to have missed the cheating statements from Housten that us Kiwis seem to keep doing.
    About the houses, carry on. I am lucky. Your not. Live with it.

  • 434.houston, we have a problem...: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:59 pm

    @Te Rangatira(Te Rangatira)-408:
    mark lawrence wasn’t very good in the last 3 minutes.

  • 435.bos_otter: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:59 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-423: lol….Certainly seem to be a lot more happening here

  • 436.cane: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 14:59 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-431:

    Bakkies is one of the best.
    (when he is having a good day).

  • 437.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:00 pm

    @houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-428:
    :-)
    Only having a laugh Housten, you know that.

  • 438.Te Rangatira: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:01 pm

    @houston, we have a problem…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-434:
    nor were the Bulls

  • 439.Hurricane: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:03 pm

    @the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-421:
    Oh and the Hurricunt….. lol, seems you need new material. I am sure that is what HG calls me when he gets his knickers in a twist.

  • 440.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:04 pm

    Was a very good game… But farkme Spies is farken next to useless when the going gets tough…

    CJ Stander impressed me a helluva lot…

    Olivier, Kirchner, Steenkamp, Flippie and Basson had very good games too.

    Greyling got crunched at scrumtime and was fcked up on his runs.

    The Bulls lost this game by being too slow on the recycle and Hougaard did not look after the ball. Simple.

  • 441.the artist formerly known as gunther: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:04 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-433:

    you don’t sound lucky.

    :lol:

  • 442.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:05 pm

    Howzit HG
    I see the stormers fans are scarce today,they seem very gunshy

  • 443.Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:05 pm

    gunther he may sound lucky but certainly not happy.

  • 444.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:06 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-439: And that is truly what you are proven beyond doubt… Grunter is just being honest, nothing wrong with that….

  • 445.houston, we have a problem...: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:06 pm

    @cane(cane)-436:
    today’s the absolute pits, man.
    but ja, thanks cane.

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-437:
    cheers boet.

    @Te Rangatira(Te Rangatira)-438:
    true…true…

  • 446.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:06 pm

    @the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-421: :mrgreen: ripper

  • 447.Heavens Game: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:07 pm

    @Fern is not a stud,he is merely no19(Fern)-442: Farkem… This place will be like a ghost town come Monday, I shityounot…

  • 448.bos_otter: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:07 pm

    @Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-440: Couldn’t agree more on Spies.

  • 449.houston, we have a problem...: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:08 pm

    @Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-431:
    thanks bill, and the same to you.

  • 450.cane: Reply to this comment
    25 May 2012, 15:08 pm

    @Hurricane(Hurricane)-433:

    Old Bakkies (aka Houston) gets a bit emotional from time to time Hurricane.

    But when he settles down, and gets back on his medication,
    he is a true gent.

    And quite funny sometimes as well. (though I’m not sure the humour is intentional).

    He loves nothing more than a good stoush.

Pages: « 1 … 4 5 6 7 8 [9] 10 11 12 13 14 … 16 » Show All

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

Have your say

You must be logged in to post a comment.