Bulls wing Stravino Jacobs tries to force his way through the Griquas defence at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night. Photo: BackpagePix
YOU might think that after an eight-match unbeaten run, the Blue Bulls can’t get any better than what they have been in the Currie Cup.
But after being put under intense pressure by Griquas to trail 14-0 in the opening quarter, the manner in which the Pretoria side roared back to claim a 47-24 triumph spoke wonders about the spirit in their side.
Captain Nizaam Carr’s charges looked like headless chickens in the early stages of the match as they conceded two tries and made several errors, but once Jaco van der Walt dotted down for the first of seven touchdowns, the Bulls got into their groove.
Coach Phiwe Nomlomo’s outfit played some enterprising rugby, with some silky touches from Carr, scrumhalf Keagan Johannes and fullback Devon Williams mixed with powerful surges by the likes of Player-of-the-Match Mpilo Gumede, centres Chris Barend Smit and Cornel Smit and wing Stravino Jacobs, as well as flank Mihlali Mosi.
One memorable passage in defence also saw the Bulls hold out Griquas for 22 phases before visiting flank Thabo Ndimande scored.
After Van der Walt kicked a few unnecessary grubbers on attack, the Bulls fired once they opted to hold onto possession instead.
“It wasn’t a perfect game ... We’re not looking for a perfect game – it’s a performance that we’re after. It was serendipitous for us. We ended up defending a lot more than what we would’ve liked. However, there are certain things that we saw and liked from a defensive perspective,” Nomlomo said afterwards.
“So, that was good for us – being able to adjust to it. We went 14-0 down quite quickly, and bounced back well. There’s a lot of good that we saw today in an imperfect game.
MAN OF THE MATCH 🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/xoxwxxsIN4
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) August 23, 2024
“We went over twice and we got held up. So, when you look at it that way, it probably balances itself out.
“Holistically, we are at a good place. We just have to tidy up one or two things, and then we will really be able to put pressure on teams.”
The Bulls top the log with 36 points ahead of yesterday’s matches, and will next face the Golden Lions in a home game at Midstream College near Olifantsfontein – about a 30-minute drive south of Loftus Versfeld, and 35 minutes north of Ellis Park.
There is talk that the Johannesburg outfit may field a full-strength United Rugby Championship team as preparation for that tournament, but that won’t sway the Bulls’ plans.
“It is going to be a great challenge next week, and it’s a different venue for everyone,” Nomlomo said.
“I’m probably going to be called philosophical, but we honestly go just game by game. We gave Griquas the necessary respect that they needed.
“Did we start well? No, we didn’t. Once we woke up, we were really able to put them to the sword.
“Next week is the Lions, and nothing is more important than that. We are looking for a better performance next week.
“We are looking for an 80-minute performance, which we haven’t done yet. Last week, the lapse was in the middle of the game, and this week at the beginning,” Nomlomo said.
“Our discipline was horrendous. It’s individual errors, and that’s quite easy to sort out. It’s (about) honest chats... It’s all about honesty, trust.
“We are almost preparing for two (Lions) sides, and two coaching teams are different. So, there’s a lot of planning going into it.”
Points-Scorers
Blue Bulls 47 – Tries: Jaco van der Walt, Chris Barend Smit, Henry Immelman, Mpilo Gumede (2), Juann Else (2). Conversions: Van der Walt (4), Boeta Chamberlain (2).
Griquas 24 – Tries: Marco de Witt, Dylan Maart (2), Thabo Ndimande. Conversions: Zinedine Robinson (2).
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