Big first within Bulls grasp
2006-03-30 21:54
Morris Gilbert
Pretoria - A big first is within the Bulls' grasp in their Super 14 rugby match against the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday morning (SA time).
The Bulls have never beaten the Blues in New Zealand and in their four previous attempts have conceded more than 50 points in three of the matches: 65-24 (2002), 65-19 (2004) and 54-11 (2000).
The Bulls are presently in the best position ever to beat the Blues on Kiwi soil.
Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer said: "You can never say you're the favourite when you play overseas, but I agree that we've got the potential to beat them. If we want to do that, however, we will have to give our best performance of the season."
He thinks the outcome of the match will be determined in two areas: in the lineouts and in the attack and defence channel between scrumhalf and flyhalf.
The Blues coach, David Nucifora, is also of the opinion that the battle in the lineouts could be decisive.
Meyer says the Bulls can win if they put the Blues halves under pressure from the word go. The new flyhalf, Isa Nacewa, will be targeted as his only experience in this position is at club level.
Blues under more pressure
The former Bulls coach, Phil Pretorius, says the Blues are under more pressure because they have battled so far in the Super 14. They will be forced to take more chances as they have to win to stay in the running.
"This makes the Blues very dangerous opponents. They do not blindly follow a fixed playing pattern. They have to win on Friday if they want to qualify for the semi-finals, which makes them even more unpredictable."
"Teams like the Bulls, the Crusaders, the Waratahs and the Brumbies play well because they outwit their opponents with their basic pattern of play," said Pretorius, adding that it would be of cardinal importance who scored first.
"If the Bulls take the lead, they can beat any team in the series. They have a solid pack, excellent tactical players with kicking skills and a very efficient defensive pattern that allow them to tighten the noose slowly but surely.
"The Bulls could have problems if they have to play catch-up, because this means they have to deviate from their game and start taking chances. This usually leads to many unforced mistakes."
Both Meyer and Pretorius say the performance of Dries Scholtz at inside centre could be decisive. He will be expected to get the Bulls on the front foot because of his size and physical strength and also curtail the efforts of his direct opponent, Rua Tipoki.
"It's quite a while since I've seen him play, but if he's on form, he'll be a star. Dries is strong mentally, is able to make huge tackles and is also a battering ram who could open gaps in the Blues' midfield defence," Pretorius said.
The teams:
Blues: Brent Ward, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Anthony Tuitavake, Rua Tipoki, Joe Rokocoko, Isa Nacewa, John Senio, Nick Williams, Angus MacDonald, Troy Flavell, Ali Williams, Greg Rawlinson, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (c), Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: Tim Dow, Saimone Taumoepeau, Anthony Boric, Auva'a Tololima Onosa'i, Junior Poluleuligaga, Tasesa Lavea, Ben Atiga.
Bulls: Johan Roets, Akona Ndungane, J P Nel, Dries Scholtz, Bryan Habana, Derick Hougaard, Heinie Adams, Jacques Cronje, Pedrie Wannenburg, Danie Rossouw, Victor Matfield (c), Bakkies Botha, Andries Human, Gary Botha, Jaco Engels.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Wessel Roux, Francois van Schouwenburg, Pierre Spies, Tim Dlulane, Fourie du Preez, Morne Steyn.
Referee: Brett Bowden (Aus).
Kick-off: 09:00 (SA time).
TV: 08:30 on MNet and SS1.
- Beeld