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Bulls remain a 'tall order'

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:51

The Bulls are not just dominating the Super 14 table - with a fullhouse 15 from a possible 15 log points - but they are averaging just short of 50 points and six tries age.

That is way ahead of the next best team, the 2009 finalists the Chiefs, who have amassed 128 points (just on 43 per game) and 14 tries (just short of five per game).

While this has now finally dispelled the absurd notion that the Bulls are a one-dimensional team that can only play a kick-and-chase game - or a bunch of 'parasites' as Brumbies fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper so infamously labelled them - the Bulls proved that set pieces are still an important part of the game.

They won 100 percent of their line-out ball against the Waratahs and that laid the foundation for their 48-38 victory, Bulls forward coach, Johan van Graan, said on Monday.

And thanks to the good possession from that phase, numerous rolling mauls could be used as a platform for attacks.

"Our line-out drives were excellent and that created numerous scoring opportunities for us," Van Graan said.

He was pleased with the side's ball control and possession.

"We had 59 percent territorial advantage in the end and also had 53 percent possession. It was excellent, considering our poor start.

The scrums again went well, despite the Waratahs having Benn Robinson in their front row.

"It was a good first phase for us again and another good try was scored from a scrum. The backs created some great space with that and exploited it."

According to Van Graan, the ball was in play for 35 minutes, which was the highest of all matches played last weekend.

It is also more that the Cheetahs match (29) and Brumbies (33).

"As teams are starting to play better, this number will go up," Van Graan explained.

The Bulls kicking coach, Vlok Cilliers, was a happy man too, considering Morné Steyn's 100 percent strike rate.

"It was quite pleasing, especially those kicks from the touch lines. Those are vital as it adds the extra two points."

Cilliers was not happy with all the tactical kicking.

"Our defensive kicking was very good and Morné in particular relieved the pressure quite well. On attack we tended to kick too far and could not get to the receivers in time. They could counter by running from the back," Cilliers said.

"This was a great test of character for the team and the players showed good temperament as we only got ahead on the score board in the 50th minute. It shows how tough it was to get back into the game."

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