Jesse Kriel had a fine game on attack for the Bulls. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
For the second week in a row, the Bulls failed to consolidate an excellent start to a game as they lost 28-41 to the Chiefs in their Super Rugby meeting in Hamilton on Friday morning.
In an entertaining match, the men from Loftus impressed with their refined attacking skills to build an impressive lead of 28-14 before messing up the basics and allowing the hosts back into the game.
An inconsistent and lenient performance from Japanese referee Shuhei Kubo didn’t help matters.
Who was the star in this match?
People watching this entertaining match would’ve enjoyed the backline talent on show. The Bulls’ decision-making axis of Handre Pollard and Jesse Kriel was outstanding on attack, while Warrick Gelant and Divan Rossouw showed predatory skills to get over the whitewash. But it was All Black lock Brodie Retallick that stole the show. Not only did he score two tries, he broke tackles at will, slipped clean through a gap twice, completed 5 tackles and even won a turnover. A giant.
Key moments and themes
Point scorers:
Bulls – Tries: Divan Rossouw (2), Warrick Gelant, Handre Pollard. Conversions: Pollard (4).
Chiefs – Tries: Brodie Retallick (2), Johnny Fa’auli, Mitchell Brown, Solomona Alaimalo, Anton Lienert-Brown. Conversions: Damian McKenzie (4). Penalty: McKenzie.
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