|
Bulls captain praises team
16/05/2008 22:02 - (SA)
Pretoria - It was a relieved Carel Hoffman, captain of the Blue Bulls, who accepted the trophy and a cheque for R1 million after his side's 25-21 over the the Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night.
Television match official, Jenny Bentel, made a crucial call long after the final hooter which denied the visitors the try that would have won it for them.
The Blue Bulls were pipped last year when Zane Kirchner, now playing for the Bulls in the Super 14 competition, scored the winning try at the death for Griquas to win the title.
This time, the Bulls had to defend as wave after attacking wave was launched by the Free State with time already gone.
Free State captain Ashley Johnson was full of praise for the winning side.
'Must accept the decision'
"It is obviously disappointing to lose, but we did well to get to the final. All credit to the Blue Bulls."
He would not be drawn on whether he thought the try-that-wasn't had been scored.
" We must accept the decision of the TMO. We came back well after our earlier defeat against the Blue Bulls, but the ball just didn't go our way," Johnson said.
An elated Hoffman said: "I think we deserved it. We played well and we're very happy.
"We are a young and inexperienced bunch and we were obviously nervous. But full credit to the guys...I think we forced our game plan on them."
- SAPA
|
