Bruising Bulls sparkle too as Reds are swatted aside

The worst fears of Bulls supporters looked set to be realised when the Reds closed to 10-20 down with 20 minutes remaining in their Super Rugby match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening, but this time the Bulls got the job done in the final quarter, winning 32-17 and claiming an important bonus point in the process.

The match had followed a similar path to last weekend’s shock loss to the Jaguares, with the Bulls dominating but wasting several points-scoring opportunities and they were also 20-10 up going into the final quarter then. But this time they sealed the deal and first place in the South African Conference in the process.

Who was the star in this match?

Lock RG Snyman was a richly-deserved Man of the Match, although the lineouts, his main department, were probably his weakest suit but that was mostly due to hooker Jaco Visagie’s poor throwing and a puzzling reluctance by the Bulls to use Snyman’s height more. But in his comeback game, his first Super Rugby appearance of the year, Snyman was immense with ball-in-hand, constantly splitting the Reds defence with his athleticism and power, and also unveiling a neat box of skills as well. He also added his weight to a strong scrummaging performance by the Bulls.

Key moments and themes

• Snyman played the key role in the 61^st-minute try that probably settled the outcome shortly after centre Samu Kerevi had powered through to score for the Reds and close the gap to 10-20. The Springbok lock was the central figure in a piece of play that would have been daring for a flyhalf. Snyman was actually pulling the strings in the flyhalf channel as he first passed inside to fullback Warrick Gelant, then got the ball back and burst clear into the Reds’ 22. He then passed outside to Hanro Liebenberg, running up on the angle, and the flank completed a superb try as the Bulls went 27-10 up.
• The actual Bulls flyhalf, Handre Pollard, had a good day too, although his misses with the boot tallied up to six points as he missed three conversions. He showed a clinical finishing touch with ball in hand though when he scythed through under the poles in the 41^st minute for a trademark try, and an important one for the Bulls after a frustrating first half in which they would have felt they should have been more than 13-3 up. Pollard also helped nail the Reds’ coffin down three minutes after the Liebenberg try with a brilliant crossfield kick to wing Jade Stighling, who came steaming through at pace to catch the ball and burst through the last tackle to score and put the Bulls 32-10 ahead.
• The Bulls won’t be reporting to training on Monday because it’s a bye week for them coming up, but coach Pote Human will nevertheless be well-pleased with how well the returning players and those who are probably back-up selections did. Snyman was the most spectacular returnee, but Jannes Kirsten at lock dovetailed very well with him and new loose forwards Paul Schoeman and Marco van Staden were both very impressive as well. Johnny Kotze had a strong game on the wing and Burger Odendaal was a prominent figure at centre.
• Lizo Gqoboka, who muscled over for the Bulls’ first try, and Trevor Nyakane once again anchored a strong Bulls scrumming display, although most onlookers were baffled at times by referee Glen Jackson’s calls at the set-piece. If the Bulls props can keep their form and fitness through to October, South Africa should have tremendous depth in the front row when it comes to the World Cup.

Point scorers:

Bulls – Tries: Lizo Gqoboka, Marco van Staden, Handre Pollard, Hanro Liebenberg, Jade Stighling. Conversions: Pollard (2). Penalty: Pollard.

Reds – Tries: Samu Kerevi (2). Conversions: Bryce Hegarty (2). Penalty: Hegarty.

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