Loftus Versfeld – WP coach John Dobson had cast doubts over the Blue Bulls’ transformation from their traditional 10-man game into an outfit that can truly master the art of champagne rugby.
Whatever doubts Dobson and the rest of the teams in the Currie Cup had were blown away by another display of ruthless and near flawless running rugby by a Bulls team not considered a threat to the domestic crown held by the Capetonians.
In the same manner in which the Free State Cheetahs and Griquas were reminded of the talent that lies north of the Jukskei River, Province were put to the sword by an inexperienced, youthful Bulls team that completely dominated the second half to cement their spot at the top of the table.
Maybe it was Dobson’s underestimation of the talent in this Bulls team that left Bulls coach Nollis Marais with little to say to his team leading up to this encounter, but the truth is they are far removed from Bulls teams of the past.
It was probably the burden of having to remain true to a philosophy that had proven to be successful during the golden generation of the Bulls that had convinced them over the past five years they would again dominate domestic and southern hemisphere rugby.
But with much of the relics from the past no longer at Loftus, it seems the time has come for Marais to carve a new playing style for the Bulls, one that will be every bit as successful.
Marais’ explosive new blueprint to finally bring domestic silverware back to Loftus after six years led to the complete capitulation of an already brittle Province defence as the hosts ran in five tries in the second half to cast doubt over the champions’ ability to retain their title.
Much of what transpired in the first half had been due to the nerves and guarded nature of the teams in South Africa’s fiercest derby as a war of attrition unfolded.
While the Bulls seemed to get the upper hand at the breakdown, where they were able to gain crucial penalties for flyhalf Tian Schoeman to slot over five penalties, the breakdown proved effective for them in repelling the waves of attack from the visitors.
Province maintained a stranglehold on the first half through the boot of Demetri Catrakilis and may have felt that the game had swung their way when Seabelo Senatla cantered over for the first try of the game.
However, Marais’ young starlets lit up the capital’s warm evening with classy running rugby that had the Loftus faithful on their feet.
Where the Bulls broke WP was in the three kick-offs after Catrakilis penalties as lapses in concentration saw the Bulls launch britzkrieg attacks that led to tries by Burger Odendaal, Jamba Ulengo and Travis Ismaiel.
Ulengo grabbed his brace and the Bulls’ bonus-point try on the hour-mark as forgotten Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard threw a deft pass to charging fullback Warrick Gelant, who danced through the WP defence before passing to Ulengo.
Gelant finished off a 40-minute display not seen in these parts by cantering over four minutes later after the Bulls’ brave decision to take an up-and-under when awarded a penalty.
Marais’ reconstruction of an archaic, predictable Bulls team may be far from complete but it is becoming evident that the finished product can return the Bulls to total domination of domestic rugby as they collected the maximum amount of points on offer for the third week running.
Province will be left pondering if it is not their game that needs looking into and so too their chances of holding onto the trophy.
Loftus Versfeld
Blue Bulls (15) 47
Tries: Ulengo (2), Odendaal, Ismaiel, Gelant; Conversions: Schoeman (2); Penalties: Schoeman (5), Fouché
Western Province (16) 29
Tries: Senatla, Leyds; Conversions: Catrakilis (2); Penalties: Catrakilis (5)
– The Sunday Independent