Blue bulls go pink

Bulls definitely missed that spark Hougaard provides. That said Spies was awesome. Looked like the Spies of old and tried to lead by example. He seems to keep struggling with controlling the ball behind the scrum though and that's worrying. Basson had an ok game but nothing flash. Wynand and Venter never really pitched up for the match. I feel for Morne. So much is expected of him each match and he has such great kicking accuracy that we often forget he is just human and makes mistakes. Yes he had a shocker with the boot but his defense was very good. The Bulls forwards also didn't dominate the rucks and were pushed off the ball too easily. Also the turnovers made by the Blues were so easy. Potgieter never really got over the advantage line and when he did he lost the ball in contact.

That actually sums up the whole match. It was dominated by Bulls mistakes and poor execution and no real great play from the Blues. The Blues did what all New Zealand teams do very well and that's punish the opposition for their mistakes and with quick ball from turnovers. Other than that the Blues were pretty ordinary and must feel very lucky leaving Pretoria with 4 points.

What annoyed me the most was the lack of capitalization on all those penalties the Blues gave away.. Its still early days though and the last two games were amazing so not going to get myself too depressed haha..

Yeah I totally agree with you. Bulls left a couple of tries on the pitch due to silly mistakes and poor decisions. But its hardly anything serious to worry about. Its a very long season and a lot can still happen. Don't think they went onto this game with the right mind set and maybe this will shock them back into peak performance. They have a bye next weekend so plenty of time to fix things and to nurse any bumps and bruises.

Just as a matter of interest. That incident at the end where Ranger dove on Basson. I'm positive the ref got that decision totally wrong. Yes he was correct that after the conversion attempt the Bulls should have a penalty on the half line. BUT his explanation that they can't take the penalty as time has elapsed is wrong! The incident or penalty occurred WITHIN the prescribed playing time and the penalty should have taken place regardless if full time was reached. The Bulls would have had possession for one play only though so they would have to had run with the ball and the first mistake or try would lead to full time being called.

I'm not using this as an excuse for losing though. Hardly. The Bulls never deserved to win this one. But there is a serious problem that the IRB is failing to address and that's the consistency of the referee's as well as the different ways the laws are interpreted.

I also think majority of the SA sides have problems with adapting to the rules...we are a bit dim in the head when it comes to the rules...we are our own worst enemies..the bulls should of pumped the blues...cheetahs should of won their match easy...def the better side!

Totally agree. Bulls should have taken an easy 4pts from this game. I don't see the Blues beating the Stormers at home on Newlands. Stormers tight five is looking quite impressive with the young guns. This is a part where they have been lacking for years. Kirtshoff and Kolisi are doing bloody well and although I really detest the Cape Town bunch I have to give credit where its due. Etzebeth is going to be a big player in seasons to come. With this tight five the Stormers should do at home what the Bulls failed to do, that's dominate up front and take an easy 4pts for a home game.

The Cheetahs just never seem to play a full 80min game and this is what's costing them. Many are calling for Drotske's head but let's face it, its not the coaches fault. He has had great success with this team in Currie Cup level. I honestly feel its the players themselves that need to step up. Of course it would help if other unions stopped poaching their talent. The Free State is honestly the breeding ground of many talented players today. Bismark & Jannie du plessis, Morne Steyn, Meyer Bosman to name just a few of recent times who have been poached from the free state. The list increases drastically when past players are included.

The Sharks vs Lions game wasn't that flash either. Not a spectacle for the sport at all. Seriously think the Sharks are going to struggle this year. Mvovo is just class and just keeps getting better. I'm not convinced with Lambie at 10 or Petersen at 13 at all. Only reason Peterson hasn't been exposed badly in this position is because his opposition to date have had ordinary games themselves. Michalak at no9 is hurting the Sharks a lot. Keegan Daniel as a little cocky Luke Watson wannabe. Looking forward to a fit again Alberts and Deysel.

As for the Lions, well how can any team expect to play attacking winning rugby with Butch James at no10? Yeah he had his day and was crucial in the '07 World Cup, but that's where it ended.