Error-ridden Bulls slammed by coach

Irrespective of the tough conditions the Bulls faced in Buenos Aires – a combination of rain just before the game and high humidity making the ball extremely slippery – coach Pote Human was not at all happy with their performance in going down 27-12 to the Jaguares in their Super Rugby match in the early hours of Sunday morning.

While the Bulls enjoyed 56% possession, they simply could not hang on to the ball long enough to put the Jaguares under pressure, and the home side were content to live off their mistakes.

There were plenty – 16 turnovers, 22 missed tackles and many poorly-executed kicks gave the home side more than enough ammunition for a bonus point win.

“The conditions were tough forboth sides but they used the conditions better and put us under pressure with their rush-defence. I am not happy with our performance tonight but neither are the players,” said Human.

The curse of Buenos Aires continues to afflict the Bulls, who slipped to their third successive loss in the Argentine capital in a game in which they simply could not build enough momentum.

“We were confident of following up our great start to the season with another win and cannot offer the slippery conditions as an excuse,” said Bulls skipper and lock Lood de Jager.

The performance of Springbok halfbacks Handre Pollard and Embrose Papier was also disappointing, with the flyhalf obviously failing to take control of the game and the scrumhalf not being accurate enough in his kicking game.

The physicality of the pack never sagged, but their efforts were not accurate enough either.

The Bulls were actually leading 12-10 midway through the second half, but the Jaguares used the numerous penalties they were given and the strength of their driving maul to burst the bubble of the visitors.

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