Bulls take charge in Pretoria
The Bulls reinforced their play-off claims with an enthralling 33-27 victory over the free-scoring Chiefs in Pretoria on Saturday.
Last Updated: 25/04/09 7:03pm
Thrills and spills were the order of the day on Saturday as the Bulls furthered their play-off claims in an enthralling 33-27 victory over the free-scoring Chiefs.
The hosts obviously delighted to be back on home soil after what was, by their own high standards, a disappointing Australasian return.
In contrast, their opponents arrived in fine fettle and seemingly brought the best out of their South African hosts, who just about edged matters thanks to a brace from Derick Kuün, one from Wynand Olivier and Morné Steyn's assured boot.
Spectators were blessed with the complete opening half-hour of rugby as both outfits demonstrated their attacking prowess at altitude.
First the Chiefs opened matters within nine minutes as prop Werner Kruger was pulled up for boring in, allowing Stephen Donald to open the scores for what was the briefest of leads.
Pressure
Immediately from the restart though, the chasing Akona Ndungane rose the highest and the Bulls' were rewarded for their early possession as the winger found himself involved two phases later, feeding Kuün to make it 7-3 in a flash.
But the New Zealanders' impressive form is not for nothing and they took five minutes to show their own try-scoring credentials down the other end.
Centre Richard Kahui's ability to stand up defenders before releasing the ball caused all sorts of trouble before sustained pressure eventually saw Sione Lauaki crash over from close range.
Steyn pulled the scores back level with a hefty drop-goal before the 20 minute mark then Kuün seemed clearly offside as scrum-half Toby Morland attempted to feed his runners.
Nothing was forthcoming and the hooker completed his first-half brace with a 50-metre sprint to the whitewash.
At 17-10 with just 22 minutes gone and the tit for tat continued as Donald knocked over a lead-cutting penalty on 26 minutes - both goal kickers enjoying faultless offerings that continued until the end.
Resolute defence
The Chiefs found themselves down to 14 men on the half-hour after Lauaki was caught out by Bryan Habana's change of foot - the number eight taking his opponent high with the momentum.
But the Kiwis showed resolute defence that brought huge reward in the shape of Callum Bruce's breakout score, which Donald converted to level proceedings...again.
The hosts weren't done though, and went in at the break ahead after the impressive Wynand Olivier picked the perfect line to push his side 27-20 ahead.
The centre's stocks are continuing to rise in blue and it would be hard for Peter de Villiers to ignore his 2009 form particularly after Jean de Villiers' injury fate.
The second half was not so captivating but what it lacked in points, it made up for in gut-wrenching action for both sets of followers.
But Steyn's boot secured the victory even though Kahui's fine score set up the fitting grandstand finish in a result that leaves both sides very much in the Super 14 play-off frame.
