Preview: Crusaders vs Bulls
2006-05-18 08:35
Garrin Lambley
By hook or by crook the Bulls reached the Super 14 semi-finals.
Some may cry foul believing the Bulls had the easier draw while others will argue that if it wasn't for Linston Manuals it wouldn't have come down to the 32-point differential in the end.
Enough!
It's time to put the past to rest and focus on the Bulls' next objective: defeated the reigning Super 12 champions, the Crusaders, in their own backyard on Saturday.
It won't be easy. The Crusaders are not five-time champions for nothing and Jade stadium is an imposing venue for visiting teams.
By comparing the two teams, both results-wise in 2006 and rating the players (out of 10) who will wage war on Saturday, we'll hopefully get some understanding as to who can look forward to a spot in the final.
The Crusaders topped the log after 11 wins, one draw and one defeat in their 13 matches. They scored 412 points while conceding 210. They managed to score 47 tries while found themselves standing behind their own posts on only 19 occasions.
The Bulls in turn finished fourth on the log with seven wins, one draw and five defeats. They scored 355 points while conceding 290. Although they managed to score 41 times, they leaked 32 tries in the process.
The Crusaders were convincing 35-17 victors in their round robin clash at Loftus on May 5.
BULLS:
15: Jaco van der Westhuyzen
Springbok coach Jake White has made it clear that he believes Van der Westhuyzen's best position is flyhalf while Heyneke Meyer continues to pick him in the number 15 jersey. Returning from injury in the latter stages of the tournament, Van der Westhuyzen made an immediate impact with his ability to sum up the situation in an instant before setting off on a weaving run or kicking for touch.
Rating... 8
14: Bryan Habana
The current South Africa Player of the Year hasn't enjoyed a memorable campaign being overshadowed by his fellow wing Akona Ndungane. However, as they say, form is temporary, talent is forever, and Habana rose to the occasion when mattered most, scoring a brace of tries at Newlands in the Bulls' final round robin clash. In total Habana dotted down six times this year and his experience will be vital on Saturday.
Rating... 9
13: JP Nel
Big, strong and robust, Nel took a back step to no one this year. His solid defence proved problematic for opposing centres and he was quick as a flash in turning defence into attack. Often the unsung hero of the Bulls' midfield, look for JP to stamp his mark on proceedings.
Rating... 7
12: Wynand Olivier
Few players in South Africa have enjoyed a more meteoric rise than Olivier. Relatively unknown and certainly untested at 'Super' level, Wynand burst onto the scene with a bang this year upstaging many a more experienced opponent. Rewarded with a spot in White's Springbok squad, the sky is the limit for this young star.
Rating... 8
11: Frikkie Welsh
Welsh appears to have won the battle for the left-wing spot ahead of Ndungane. Following a stint at Bath in the Guinness Premiership, he's returned to the Bulls fold. To be fair Welsh has been more solid than spectacular to date and will have his hands full with Rico Gear.
Rating... 6
10: Morné Steyn
Steyn has assumed the flyhalf duties ahead of Derick Hougaard and many will question why he wasn't entrusted with the pivotal position from the outset. Steyn has scored 67 points to date this year and holds the record for the most points by a Bulls player in a 'Super' clash (35 against the Stormers in 2005). He's in the unenviable position of having to directly mark the mercurial Dan Carter and whether he shapes up or not will go a long way to determining the Bulls' fortunes.
Rating... 8
9: Fourie du Preez
Another strong showing by Du Preez this year as he's marshalled the forwards with authority. His kicking game, although at times it appears it's a case of 'kick first, think later', has in the main resulted in ground gained for the Bulls. Du Preez was substituted against the Crusaders at Loftus but will have to play for 80 minutes if the Bulls are to succeed.
Rating... 8
8: Pedrie Wannenburg
It's no coincidence that Wannenburg's game improved following his shift from flank to the back of the scrum. Pedrie loves the physical aspect that the game offers and won't be found hiding - a trait that has resulted in five tries and joint top spot for a South African forward this year. A 'veteran' of the Bulls pack at the age of 25, Wannenburg will be champing at the bit to get stuck into the Crusaders' loose trio.
Rating... 8
7: Tim Dlulane
Dlulane has been impressive of late and was an outside bet for a surprise Springbok squad call-up. That wasn't to be, but his form has relegated both Pierre Spies and Danie Rossouw to the bench. He may well face a baptism of fire against a shrewd Crusaders backrow, but he'll be a better player learning from the best.
Rating... 7
6: Jacques Cronjé
Personally I don't believe Cronjé has lived up to the high expectations placed upon him this year. Hugely talented and still only 23-years-old, Cronjé will be a permanent fixture on the international stage for years to come. He'll have to raise his game against Richie McCaw and do the hard graft on the ground to prevent the Crusaders starving the Bulls of possession.
Rating... 7
5: Victor Matfield (captain)
A stalwart in the engine room for both the Bulls and the Springboks, Matfield is widely considered one of the premier locks in world rugby. Commanding respect from teammates and opponents alike as he sets an example for the rest to marvel at. Matfield's attributes include an uncanny ability to disrupt the opposition's lineout ball while 'speeding' around the field like a loose forward. He'll have his hands full with Chris Jack, but will hold his own. Of that I'm certain.
Rating... 9
4: Bakkies Botha
John Philip 'Bakkies' Botha - bet you didn't know that - brings 'mongrel' to the Bulls pack... in the most flattering manner of course. Certainly wouldn't say it to his face. Bakkies has been a bit of a 50-minute player this year, but in that time has contributed more than most find possible in 80. He gives the pack the 'go forward' required on occasions and will be instrumental in the Bulls' lineout possession and - hopefully - their many surges at the Crusaders' tryline.
Rating... 9
3: Danie Thiart
Without doubt the Bulls' weak point has been the frontrow this year. Desperately missing both Kees Lensing and Richard Bands, Thiart has been an adequate placement at best. It's no surprise the Bulls pack hasn't dominated as in previous campaigns thanks to the absence of the aforementioned powerhouses. He'll have to be at his best to achieve parity in the scrums.
Rating... 6
2: Gary Botha
Back in 2005 it could be argued that despite not being a regular member of the Springbok set-up, Botha was the form hooker in South Africa. In 2006 however, I believe his stock has fallen - slightly - and he's rightly second in line behind John Smit. However he remains a key cog in the Bulls machine and plays the part of a fourth loose forward. His understanding with Matfield and Bakkies at lineout time will be key.
Rating... 8
1: Wessel Roux
For Roux read Thiart. Much of a muchness really between Roux and Thiart as both have been solid rather than outstanding. Roux did score a try against the Stormers and will be hoping for similar joy against the Crusaders.
Rating... 6
TOTAL: 114 out of 150
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