Bulls bully Blues
10 Mar 2013
The Bulls physically battered the Blues into submission to win for the first time in Super Rugby history at Auckland’s Eden Park.
The Bulls won 28-21 against a home team that physically took a beating.
Blues coach Sir John Kirwan made six changes to his starting XV and the powerful Bulls approach never allowed the newcomers to settle.
Kirwan at halftime bemoaned his side’s lack of passion, pride and commitment, but the Bulls were physically too strong for the Blues youngsters, who got their first taste of Pretoria’s finest.
The Bulls, as the Cheetahs did against the Highlanders, showed greater control, composure and appreciation for field position in giving the hosts a Super Rugby lesson. The South Africans were also physically imposing and did brilliantly to last the 80 minutes, given they only arrived in Auckland from Pretoria on Wednesday.
The Blues, under pressure throughout, fought back from 15-6 to momentarily lead 16-15 on 53 minutes. But the Bulls scored through flanker Arno Botha from the resulting kick-off to restore order and Morne Steyn ensured the victory with a penalty from the last kick of the game.
The Bulls scored three tries and could have had a few more. They played with enterprise and always looked dangerous on attack. The midfield of Wynand Olivier and JJ Englebrecht was strong but it was the strength in the contact that was decisive.
Rene Ranger played well for the Blues, as did captain Ali Williams and fullback Charles Piutau, but the rest were a shambles.
Williams described the effort as ‘piss poor’ and said the team would have lost respect with the performance after working so hard in the season’s first two games to win back respect.
The win is the first for every Bulls player, be it at Super Rugby or for the Boks, at Eden Park.
It completed a South African 3-0 clean sweep weekend against New Zealand teams, which like a Bulls win in Auckland doesn’t happen often. Enjoy it because it was fully deserved.
By Mark Keohane
852 Comments
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10 Mar 2013, 16:59 pm
@hendrikp-594: run this by me again?
” The Sharks treated it like a training-run.
Let’s not pretend the Kings did anything
special.”
which other Super rugby team are going to come to PE for training runs?
did john plumtree run this by you?
10 Mar 2013, 16:59 pm
Lol, Agile T*t Tyrant is back, and posting about Stegmann again
10 Mar 2013, 16:59 pm
@Transformation-592: K*k, SARU announced in JANUARY last year that you WILL PLAY SR in 2013 so the planning should’ve started then.
10 Mar 2013, 17:05 pm
@Transformation-601:
You think their 9-point loss that you are so proud of was more a result of a good Kings performance, as opposed to the Sharks playing terribly?
You’re in for a tough, tough season.
10 Mar 2013, 17:06 pm
@ShaunB-602:
Haha, it’s between myself and a very delirious Bakkies:P
And I never went anywhere.
Did you watch the game Shaun?
10 Mar 2013, 17:08 pm
@Anairetes agilis-605: Too early for me
10 Mar 2013, 17:11 pm
@ShaunB-606:
Ja, comeback and post about Steggies when you have..
10 Mar 2013, 17:12 pm
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-597: You’re right, historically we don’t travel very well…but having said that a win in Cape Town would be rather naaas!
That’s after busting a few taxi meters of course!
10 Mar 2013, 17:23 pm
ShaunB your talk is cheap you said you won’t find anyone who didn’t say the Force would win.
These are the people who backed the Kings against the Force in the Hore pool before the bandwagon even left the stadium parking lot. Anyone else who says they did can easily put up their names and which pool they belong to.
John1976 Kings by 7
skolliemajollie Kings by 7
Te Rangatira Kings by 7
Coma Kings by 6
ufo Kings by 5
tjopie Kings by 5
geoker Kings by 5
Maphedo Kings by 5
thatmanvan Kings by 5
nama1 Kings by 4
blank Kings by 3
Angostura Kings by 2
jmskippy Kings by 2
shooter Kings by 1
WPStormerBOK Kings by 1
Angostura is the man good for his word.
10 Mar 2013, 17:33 pm
@hendrikp-551: A few players actually
15 SP Marais has been showing some good promise and considering we dont have a wealth of good 15´s he may develop into something more solid in future – who knows?
14 Seargal Pietersen – he plays with a lot of heart, defends well and has speed to burn – we´re already 2 class wings down and only 4 games into Super Season – Habana and Basson out – we might need the services of new wings sooner than you think – at present we have available – Mapoe, Mvovo, JP Pietersen, Raymond Rhule, Aplon, and thats it – then open to possibles like Mastriet and Seargal if you ask me.
10 Catrakilis is showing some skills – he has a huge queue of players ahead of him but he is playing like a real champ. Always good to have another backup flyhalf – but he would be behind M Steyn, Elton Jantjes, Pat Lambie, Johan Goosen and possibly Handre Pollard once he start playing senior rugby. But that places him 6th in the pecking order if you ask me – not bad.
8 Jacques Engelbrecht has been very physical as an eight man – he is a possibility at least – given some time to develop more.
4 Sykes has been playing some really good rugby – havent ever been a big Sykes fan but he is a lot more physical than he used to be – again considering we dont have huge depth at lock he is a definite backup
4/5 Adongo – heard he has Bok aspirations – is built like a gladiator and put in some good hits in his debut yesterday – will definitely keep an eye on him.
2 Maku i reckon is at least as good as Chilliboy – maybe even better.
Thats a decent list if you ask me.
10 Mar 2013, 17:34 pm
@Anairetes agilis-598:
hehehe
hy was in n woord; ‘manjefiek!’
wonderlik
wonderlik
a fit Stegmann is a huge ingredient for any Bulls success. i definitely think Ludeke is right to ration his playing time though, he’s an asset and the Bulls know his worth. Kiwis have a habit of targeting key players for injury once they realise their game is up, just look at the Crusaders assault on Basson who up until that playoff game was the top try scorer.
Spies’ directness, as well the rest of the trio’s, made me pity the Blues at times. i can easily see the three of them making the Bok squad, although to be fair there was quality shown by the other SA teams loosies as well this weekend.
you’re right about a few let downs though and we definitely left some points behind. Morne wasted about 8 plus a few tries which went begging (but i cant fault Vermaak for what was a very dirty and illegal tackle on him when he attempted to go in for a try on the corner – a text book copy of Ranger’s efforts last season), the score should have been much bigger. this was a solid hiding, make no mistake, and a great team effort but also incredible individual efforts within that.
i was concerned our physicality would take an extra season or so to get back to its best considering the changes to the team but today reminded me of good, vintage Bulls rugby.
a good weekend all round for SA rugby too, i should say, and well done to all the players.
HM would be a fool not to consider the standout Bulls players. its my opinion the current Bulls team plus maybe Etzebeth, Brussow, Goosen and JPP would make a devastating Bok squad (i’m deadly serious).
10 Mar 2013, 17:35 pm
@Anairetes agilis-607: Ja Stegmann is the dogs bollox – really? Again with the Stegmann thing? I think he has some very strong contenders ahead of him – we are certainly not lacking in 6´s 7´s or 8´s
10 Mar 2013, 17:36 pm
@BudYza-609: Ever heard of hyperbole?
Clearly not.
Well done. You have found a grand total of 15 names. Out of how many in that group and on Superbru?
Can you come back with the total numbers, and please google “hyperbole” before coming back with your answers…..
In fact I will make it easy for you. Hyperbole “is the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is not meant to be taken literally.”
So shove your “man of your word” BS, ok sailor?
10 Mar 2013, 17:39 pm
@ShaunB-602:
by rights he should
Stegmann was huge this morning
there’s distance, then a windpomp, then more distance between him and Coetzee atm.
and in case you missed it, Ratel is also back.
10 Mar 2013, 17:42 pm
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-611: lol first up congrats – Bulls played a belter of a game and i´m loving their gameplan but i definitely wouldnt play the whole Bulls team as the springboks – theres some great talent smattered throughout the Sa conferences at present and its really heart warming to see so much new talent coming through as well.
The first round vs the kiwi teams went far better than expected and I have to say the Cheetahs played some bloody outstanding rugby this weekend too. Also loving their game plan.
Lovely to see Spies being more physical once again. Juandre and Flip definite Boks. Arno Botha another hard worker. Vermaak I would make current Bok Scrummie ahead of Houghaard. M Steyn better than last year and will definitely make the Boks again this year.
Wynand is Wyanad – Id prefer to see Jan Serfontein take the reins of the 12 jersey in future – if ever there was a Bok its him. Engelbrecht was good today but we have a number of good centres at present – but interested to see how Engelbrecht develops.
Wings – Akona like Odwa is a good servant of the game but there are many better wings at present. Mapoe doing well at Bulls – nice to see him regaingin form – Mastriet also a good wing and Basson but now injured. Kirchener as usual solid without being amazing.
All in all the Bulls could put together a Bok team on their own but it wouldnt be the best team we have. So lets not get too carried away – but 3 from 3 is a good start – hoping they keep on in this vein.
10 Mar 2013, 17:44 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-608:
well good luck, you’ll have easy games after the Republic and it would be nice if you kept some of the Kiwis humble, they need it.
@Slumtown-612:
name the order from best to worst.
10 Mar 2013, 17:44 pm
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-611:
You’ve put your goggles on there Bakkies!
Sharks front-row would have to be a must, as well as Frans Steyn however poor he might be playing – given what he’s capable of.
I like a handful of players as Springboks in the Bulls squad.
Flip vd Merwe
Arno Botha
Pierre Spies
Francois Hougaard – off the bench only
Morne Steyn
Bjorn Basson – But really only due to a shortage of quality wingers. Very useful in the air is Basson.
Then of course Jan Serfontein could also force his way in.
Deon Stegmann unfortunately doesn’t have a hope in hell considering his previous performances in the Bok jersey, plus his size, which is something Heinrich has already been excluded for – and Heinrich is miles ahead of him.
10 Mar 2013, 17:45 pm
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-614: I´m not a fan of Coetzee either. But F Louw is our best option at 6 at present – he was huge last year. Brussouw back on the scene. Kolisi is a solid option and so is Deysel. then Frans Viljoen also put in a huge performance this weekend.
So there is solid competition for the 6 jersey.
10 Mar 2013, 17:47 pm
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-616: My pick at 6 would be
F Louw
Deon Fourie (seriously)
Siya Kolisi
Heinrich Brussouw (judgement out on him till he has had a few games)
Deysel
10 Mar 2013, 17:53 pm
@Slumtown-610:
If any of those make the Bok squad, we are in serious trouble.
10 Mar 2013, 17:53 pm
ShaunB hyperbole/bullshitartist potaytoe/potahtoe
You said you couldnt find one this list proves that if it looks like BS and sounds like BS and smells like BS what comes out your mouth and through you keyboard is obviously BS. But keep telling us its just hyperbole if that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. We all know not to take your ‘hyperbole’ seriously.
Your talk is indeed cheap Agosturas is a good price. I know who I will find more believable in future.
Angostura 1 – ShaunB 0
10 Mar 2013, 17:56 pm
@hendrikp-620: none are ready right now granted – give them time – cant tell me they havent been playing decently
10 Mar 2013, 17:57 pm
@Slumtown-612:
The big dog’s bollocks.
If you’re gonna say it, then say it right.
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-614:
Hehe. I see Coetzee as the same type of flank that Tanerau Latimer was. But that’s not enough considering what an SA team consists of in the rest, usually.
It’s not that much of a stretch to think the Bulls trio could feature for the Boks since they will have had campaigned together all season- very effectively.
Natural order of things with the Bulls heading the log as conference leaders now. Tour from hell my pink metal ***.
@hendrikp-617:
HM already said that Heinz could play himself into the Bok team soon. They aren’t too small to be considered.
10 Mar 2013, 18:00 pm
@Slumtown-615:
agreed.
excellent rugby from the Saffas all round although the Sharks do need to get their attacking offload game going again. they’re a shadow of their last season selves.
@hendrikp-617:
ok.
Sharks front row dominated yesterday, this was the Kings but they have done it to other comers too. lets see how they go against the Kiwis.
in my opinion Frans Steyn is not good captaincy material at the present, maybe in a few more seasons?
Bulls players eligible for ‘wider’ provisional Bok squad selection:
Flip van der Merwe
Juandre Kruger
Deon Stegmann
Arno Botha
Pierre Spies
Jano Vermaak
Morné Steyn
Lionel Mapoe
Willie Wepener
Zane Kirchner
Chiliboy Ralepelle
Francois Hougaard
Louis Fouche
Sampie Mastriet
Jan Serfontein
Dewald Potgieter
Handre Pollard
10 Mar 2013, 18:01 pm
@Anairetes agilis-623: we shall see how he goes then – never say never. I´ll keep an eye on him but he hasnt made the cut to date.
10 Mar 2013, 18:03 pm
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-624: pretty much agree with that list of possible Boks from the Bulls but like I said all not the best in their positions
10 Mar 2013, 18:04 pm
FLO
BRUSSOW
STEGGMANN….
magic fetchers……all bloody 3 of them…..
Steggmann most valuable Bulls player…..they just not the same team without him
10 Mar 2013, 18:05 pm
@Slumtown-625:
According to you
You’re gonna have to PVR it and watch multiple times because he was freakin everywhere. I was surprized given that he had a hammie strain last week still.
Pity about the biased ref, but it was still a good clean slog.
10 Mar 2013, 18:06 pm
Flippie VD Merwe looking the business …
10 Mar 2013, 18:06 pm
@Slumtown-618:
@Slumtown-619:
ok
seriously..?.. Fourie… seriously..?..
after the weekends games:
Stegmann
Viljoen
Brussow
Kolisi
Coetzee
Louw (to be rated)
Sykes (?)
10 Mar 2013, 18:07 pm
Wow and I thought Puma had an unnatural infatuation with Lambie.
And by the way, the Stormers loosies performed the best as a combo this past week-end.
10 Mar 2013, 18:08 pm
@Anairetes agilis-628: yeah no he had a great game but I still reserve judgement on him.
10 Mar 2013, 18:08 pm
Sharks will come right this next weekend and give Brumbies a snottie…
10 Mar 2013, 18:09 pm
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-630: seriously Fourie – as a fetcher he is bloody excellent – he is always everywhere – he has pace and mongrel – he is frikkin excellent – just not a great hooker. So 6 is where I would play him.
10 Mar 2013, 18:09 pm
@Jeraldjay-631: actually the Cheetahs gave them a bloody good run for their money – they were power
10 Mar 2013, 18:10 pm
Elstaht , Vermeulen Kolisi and A Beker…huge
as was De Kock Steenkamo.
D Fourie all over the place , busy as can be…
Kiwis got on their moer……love it man…
Oh yes….the Goose is back!!
10 Mar 2013, 18:11 pm
Lappies Labuschagne you beauty!
10 Mar 2013, 18:12 pm
and hat cheetahs 4 lock? Cant remember his name, but hell he was busy !
10 Mar 2013, 18:12 pm
hat is that
10 Mar 2013, 18:12 pm
@grant10-636: Definitely was a power weekend for SA Rugby – even the Kings can hold their heads up high.
10 Mar 2013, 18:13 pm
Poms paid the the ref off! Go Italy!!
10 Mar 2013, 18:13 pm
@Slumtown-634: Awesome talent that D Fourie
10 Mar 2013, 18:14 pm
@Slumtown-640: Brilliant weekend…I am over the moon!
10 Mar 2013, 18:14 pm
The west coast fisherman were out in their full bulks regalia this morning.
Magnificent.
Some kreef to celebrate is in order.
10 Mar 2013, 18:15 pm
I also prefer D Fourie at 6 Slumtown
10 Mar 2013, 18:15 pm
@grant10-643: and apart from winning and good play all round the new attacking style of play from Kings to Bulls to Cheetahs and Stormers was most welcome. Glad to see SA teams getting their mojo back
10 Mar 2013, 18:16 pm
@Anairetes agilis-623:
yip
he is good but he misses something and is definitely not playing his game from last year atm.
if we’re going to accomodate a small 6 Meyer will probably weigh up the sizes of his 7,8, 4 and maybe one of the front rowers in relation to this. Bismarck would a long way to settling any such considerations though.
@Slumtown-626:
agreed, in the main.
@grant10-627:
i agree but why do you list them as:
FLO
BRUSSOW
STEGGMANN….
i’m curious
also, no mention of Kolisi?
10 Mar 2013, 18:16 pm
Italians sniffing blood at Twickenham
10 Mar 2013, 18:18 pm
@grant10-629:
he looked more like a runaway freight train this morning…
10 Mar 2013, 18:18 pm
@Slumtown-646: That was most heartening…the attacking intent…@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-647: Kolisi a wonderful young player…..but not a classic fetcher….those other three I mentioned are the real deal classic opensiders…..Flo a bit of a hybrid…..I would always start Boks with one of those starting
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