Tshwane – Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais celebrated his team’s fighting spirit after they scored a converted try in the final minutes to snatch a place in the Currie Cup final against the Free State Cheetahs from in front of the noses of the Western Province team at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The Bulls won 36-30 after leading 16-10 at half-time.
Marais, who thanked their fans for their support, claimed that his team had come a long way in terms of their ability to win close games.
“Today we kept on fighting. A year ago we may have lost that game,” he said.
Speaking about their prospects in the final against the rampant Cheetahs, he said that they will assess things on Monday when they start their preparations.
Bulls captain Arno Botha commented that some mistakes by them had let Western Province into the contest. When asked about their prospects in the final, he conceded that the Cheetahs have been good all season.
“We will celebrate tonight and then start our preparations for the Cheetahs on Monday,” Botha said.
A disappointed Chris van Zyl, WP captain, felt that they were involved in an outstanding game of rugby.
“We are heartbroken but I am very proud of the boys. It was a very tough game. The Bulls were very good today,” he said.
Bulls flyhalf Tian Schoeman was named Man of the Match for his contribution of 21 points consisting of 5 penalties and 3 conversions. Schoeman said they were ecstatic to have won the semifinal. He also revealed that he had to nurse a knee niggle going into the match but was not troubled by the injury.
– ANA