Africa-Press – South-Africa. They made it difficult for themselves at times, but the Bulls’ superior class was eventually evident in a comfortable 53-27 Currie Cup victory over Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.
In many ways, this was a thrilling encounter, particularly because of the visiting team’s willingness to employ a more attractive, expansive approach.
Director of rugby Jake White and Currie Cup coach Gert Smal have sung from the same hymn sheet in that regard for some time now and will be pleased by the seven tries their tries managed to score at a venue that’s notoriously uncomfortable to play at.
However, there’s still some evidence that the Bulls still aren’t quite comfortable going at it at full tilt, or rather, are still fine-tuning the balance.
They were distinctly threatening when they kept things tighter and, especially when Griquas were still in contention during the first half, they might’ve been a bit more conservative in small patches just to keep control.
Nonetheless, when they got things right, the Bulls’ product was compelling.
Kurt-Lee Arendse was a menace at fullback, Bismarck du Plessis belied his 37 years by consistently finding himself on the wings and scouring the breakdown and loosehead Simphiwe Matanzima was a menace as carrier.
Pivot Chris Smith was also excellent in spearheading a more effective tactical balance in the second half, notably kicking two 50-22 kicks within 3 minutes.
Griquas were worthy in the first half, at times feasting on some suspect defending in one-on-one situations.
But the sapping heat and a mounting penalty count meant they simply didn’t have the ammunition to keep up with the defending champions.
Point scorers:
Griquas – (15)
Tries: Zander du Plessis (2), Hanru Sirgel, Michael Amiras
Conversion: Du Plessis (2)
Drop goal: Fiela Boshoff
Bulls – (22)
Tries: Simphiwe Matanzima, Walt Steenkamp, Cornal Hendricks, Arno Botha, Canan Moodie, Bismarck du Plessis, Keagan Johannes
Conversions: Chris Smith (6)
Penalties: Smith (2)
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