The Bulls have scored an emphatic 50-32 win over the Brumbies at Loftus Versfeld. A man of the match performance from Morne Steyn contributed a personal haul of 35 points.
The game was one the Brumbies had targeted for a win as they got their 2 game African tour underway, but once again ill discipline and the effects of playing altitude took their toll in a game that lived up to the cliche as a game of two halves.
The Brumbies got off to good start with a first minute penalty to Stirling Mortlock for an obstruction, gaving the team some confidence. The Bulls responded with some strong play which the Brumbies did well to keep out. Morne Steyn wowed the crowd with a penalty attempt from 58m; while it was one he’d rather forget, he did land a penalty in the 11th minute from 30m out.
Matt Giteau returned to the Brumbies backline and looked dangerous when he got his hands on the ball. The forwards helped by getting quick ball for Giteau and the rest of the backs which led to a try to Rocky Elsom in the left hand corner on 13 minutes, OK’d by the TMO.
The Bulls accepted the challenge to throw the ball around and attempted to unleash their backline through Wynand Olivier who led by example, whilst trying to lead the inexperienced players outside him. Unfortunately for the Brutes, a set move went amiss after pressure by the Brumbies back row and Elsom collected a loose ball and with support and a nice pass from Hoiles, George Smith went over under the posts and with Mortlock converting the Brumbies were up 15-6.
Not long after, the Bulls were awarded a penalty within kicking range for Steyn and declined the shot, instead going for touch. From the lineout, the Bulls used their rolling maul to great effect and after a screen from referee Mark Lawrence, Fourie du Preez scored the Bulls first try. Steyn converted and the score was 15-11.
Another penalty to Mortlock after a Bulls lineout error gave the Brumbies a 5 point buffer, but this was soon erased after Steyn went over for the first of his two tries following a mistake by the Brumbies in their 22. Another Mortlock penalty was the end of the scoring in the first half and the Brumbies went to the sheds at 21-20.
The Canberrans got the 2nd half scoring underway within 2 minutes with a long range drop goal from Giteau that went over with some help from the uprights. The Brumbies made telling substitutes early in the 2nd half with Stephen Moore and Justin Harrison leaving the field, but took with them the chances of a lineout that had been functioning well to that point. The Brumbies were able to convert a penalty to give the them a 7 point lead but after that it started to go pear shaped.
In the space of 10 minutes the Bulls scored 2 tries through Van den Heerver and Olivier, both from Brumbies mistakes in the lead up, and both were converted by Steyn to give the Bulls a 37-27 lead. Morne Steyn then added 2 extra penalties and his second try within a period where the Brumbies weren’t able to get through a strong Bulls forward pack. The Aussie side did manage to score a face saving try right on full time through Pat McCabe, after some good hands by lingering forwards in the backline. The final score; 50-32.
The Brumbies head to Cape Town next week to take on the Western Stormers on Saturday morning AEDT.
WALLABY WATCH
Put his hand up: Rocky Elsom was outstanding in his first game.
Did himself no favours: George Smith – Still looking at post rugby travel brouchures?
Bolter watch: Pat McCabe looked good with limited chances and scored a good try at the end.
Bulls 50 – du Preez, Steyn 2, van den Heerver, Olivier tries, Steyn 5 cons, 5 pens
Brumbies 32 – Elsom, G Smith, McCabe tries, Mortlock con, 4 pens, Giteau drop goal
