Potent Bulls forget the basics as they throw it away in Hamilton

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

• The progressive influence of coach John Mitchell on the Bulls was once again evident. This is a side that doesn’t bash into opponents anymore. Instead, they purposely look for space and it led to some great tries with Kriel and wing Travis Ismaiel impressing with their ability to create play.
• A particularly impressive aspect of their play, especially in the first half, was their ability not only to control possession but also recover quickly from setbacks. The Chiefs had twice narrowed the gap – pretty much against the run of play – which threatened the Bulls’ dominance but Mitchell’s troops were willing and skillful in restoring their lead.
• But their inability (believe it or not) to add to their four first half tries within those 40 minutes cost them dearly. The Bulls lacked accuracy when they tried the rolling maul as they kicked numerous penalty to touch. Mitchell has said previously he desperately wants specialist defensive coaching at the franchise and the way some of defenders rush out of the line underlines that point.
• The Chiefs deserve credit for their fightback. They looked nowhere in the first half before pouncing on the Bulls’ myriad of mistakes in the last 40. There could be an argument that the New Zealanders looked stronger again in terms of conditioning at the death but that would be disingenuous. The Bulls’ fitness level were up to standard, it was just their error rate that proved crucial.
• Replacement scrumhalf Embrose Papier’s disallowed try was a big blow for the Bulls. The referee ruled Warrick Gelant’s scything break was made possible by lock Lood de Jager’s obstruction. That would’ve put the visitors up 35-26.

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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