Bulls can go on tour with confidence after show against Ulster
The Bulls' performance against Ulster at Loftus Versfeld last weekend was proof that Jake White's request to be given time to build something special was not unfounded.
Forget about the Bulls’ performance last weekend against Edinburgh. Or, if it must be discussed, see it as a test for the depth of players at Loftus, which was well passed.
Jake White’s men produced a solid performance all around to outplay Ulster 47-21 at their fortress Loftus Versfeld.
The win marked the 2023/24 finalists second in a row this season, and they will be particularly impressed with their attack which saw them score seven tries while limiting the visitors to three – only one of which was scored in the first half.
It was especially the way in which they could keep the pressure on the visitors in the second half, which would get many ticks from the critics.
The Bulls forwards laid a strong foundation up-front, and this was supported by a well-rounded backline performance.
However, this is also where one of the few red flags goes up for the Bulls. Gerhard Steenekamp, Johann Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw are so many notches above the rest at Loftus as a front row, that it could become a problem later in the season. It is good to have these guys and build victories around their scrum dominance, but they cannot be expected to play in every game of the season. In addition, at least Steenekamp and Grobbelaar will probably tour Europe with the Springboks in November, which means the Bulls will have to do without their services.
White and his management will therefore have to find at least a proper backup for Louw as soon as possible.
There were also doubts as to whether Henry (Boeta) Chamberlain was a good acquisition, after he was lured from Durban to Loftus Versfeld.
However, this native of the Paarl, who at 25 is still young in rugby terms, showed on Saturday that he has the ability to become a very good flyhalf. He has a good kicking boot, he has a lot of speed and if his confidence can get a boost after a few more performances like the past weekend, he can become a stalwart in the team.
The Bulls leave this week on a three-week tour, during which they will play two games in Wales (Ospreys and Scarlets), as well as one game in Italy against Benetton.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
