Africa-Press – South-Africa. The Bulls’ abrupt end to a taxing season – they were eventually comprehensively outplayed 10-39 by the Cheetahs in Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final in Bloemfontein – was perfectly illustrative of a campaign where good (perhaps even lofty) intentions don’t translate into success.
As Hugo van As, Wits’ stalwart mentor in the Varsity Cup who’s been employed as the men from Loftus’ backline coach for the competition, almost poignantly noted, the core of the URC squad’s continued willingness to put their bodies on the line was laudable in terms of attitude but it became abundantly clear on Saturday that they’ve been running on empty for some time.
And, in the end, 2022/23 will be mostly remembered for the wrong reasons.
“It’s been very disappointing. Let’s be honest, the Bulls are a proud organisation and we’re definitely not happy falling short in the quarter-finals of the URC and now the last four of the Currie Cup,” said Van As.
“However, credit must also go to this group, who decided that they want to participate and be part of this campaign, particularly in light of us being pretty much down and out after the first six rounds. There was a lot of character shown, but the outcomes weren’t great.
“It’s been a long season, this team has played a helluva lot of rugby. As much as these men showed resilience and a willingness to keep on fighting in making the semis, it probably counted against them in the end.”
Frustratingly, for all their waywardness and continued suspect discipline, the Bulls had more than enough opportunities to potentially run the high-flying hosts closer.
“In the first half, there were small margins. We had a lot of opportunities and didn’t use them. A few bounces of the ball didn’t go our way, like the grubber we lost behind the try-line,” said Van As.
“Even though we were down by 20 at half-time, we still felt we were in it and had we capitalised a bit better, the match complexion would’ve been different.”
Under mounting pressure and desperation though, the Bulls became feckless, exemplified by Johan Goosen’s clumsy exchange with referee Cwengile Jadezweni over a decision.
“Those are things that are out of our control. Goose did ask the ref a question and I don’t think it was handled in the best manner, but there’s nothing we can do about it now,” said Van As.
“A lot of credit to the Cheetahs, they brought physicality and rushed us on defence. That’s why they’re No 1 and have the potential to win this competition.
“I truly believe this team is disciplined enough. It’s just frustration that crept in, we were afforded opportunities and the Cheetahs kept us out.” “I truly believe this team is disciplined enough. It’s frustration that crept in, we were afforded opportunities and the Cheetahs kept us out.”
Mercifully then, this longest of seasons has come to an end, bringing with it an unusually long pre-season because of the World Cup in France later this year.
“These boys deserve a good mental and physical break. Getting out of the system a bit, out of each other’s company will do them good. They need some refreshment. It will be good for them,” said Van As.
For More News And Analysis About South-Africa Follow Africa-Press
