Role reversal for the Bulls and WP
The boys from the Cape had fancied their chances, and with due cause, having outplayed the Sharks the week before at a very wet Newlands.
It was frustrating in so many ways. The obvious was in terms of the result. A stupid rush of blood by highly rated scrumhalf, Dewald Duvenhage, cost his team a bonus point for finishing within seven points of the hosts. That was perhaps the final slap in the face, one of many on the day. A few others were tries by the Bulls backline off errors of the visitors.
After all, Western Province seemed to be the team playing the rugby and in unfortunately in doing so, making the mistakes. Mistakes which the young bullocks of Pretoria swooped upon without any second invitations.
What was interesting is how the game progressed with regards dominance. WP, who have over the last ten years at least suffered from a fragility in the tight five, totally dominated their opponents, who conversely have been the yardstick in tight fives. In the backline, WP who have often had a far superior line to pack, were overshadowed by the Blue Bulls backline, previously regarded as one-dimensional, rugby’s equivalent of boors.
And was it not refreshing to witness that? The Bulls franchise has to be the least recognised in World rugby with regards their talent and game plan. World rugby is cursed with misconception and pre-emptive labelling. In Southern Hemisphere rugby, the All Blacks are revered beyond reason, the Australians promote themselves as saints and the South Africans are perpetuated as arrogant bullies. In similar vein, the Bulls have been viewed as having a pack of forwards supported by untalented, slow, tacklers called backs.
The Super 14 smashed that image. The Currie Cup seems set to install the Bulls as the quintessential ‘complete’ team. They play a far more expansive game than most acknowledge. The Bulls second string backline were the difference between defeat and victory on Saturday. No, they were not better than the visiting backline, not on the team sheet anyway. Where they were better was in seizing scoring opportunities. Young players in key positions, supported by some wiseheads. Jaco Pretorius steadied the midfield, instilling confidence in young pivot Francois Brummer, who had the veteran ‘newcomer’ Heini Adams inside him. Adams, understudy to Fourie du Preez, has benefitted from his liaison with du Preez and combines his prodigious talent with that experience. Retreaded scrumhalf Francois Hougaard was all energy and determination, and Tiger Mangweni was solid at the back. Right wing Gerhard van der Heever’s pace was always a threat.
They were composed and had the edge on their opponents. By contrast, the Bulls forwards, traditionally a strength, were completely overshadowed by Luke Watson’s warriors. Their front row, an accomplished one by most standards, were given a torrid time by their opponents. Wicus Blaauw took the challenge to his highly rated opponent, Werner Kruger, outscrumming him and taunting him to boot. Even Gurthro Steenkamp could not stamp his authority on Brok Harris, one of the less imposing props in the game. To be fair to Harris, he is taking his lessions well and improves with every outing.
But the big difference to the Cape pack has to be the presence of the two colossal locks, Anton van Zyl and Chris Jack. Their sheer physical presence is clearly an inspiration to those around them and the defining factor in the change in the performance of the Western Province forwards. Andries Becker’s talent is undeniable, but the onus on the WP forwards to produce front foot ball for their talented backs is far greater than normal, and the presence of these two is undeniably a major factor in the teams play so far in this year’s competition.
As an aside, it is being rumoured that Jack’s presence at Western Province is only a fulfillment of a clause in his contract so that outstanding monies in terms of the termination of his Saracens contract are paid to him. If this is so, then his legend must surely be growing exponentially in this country. Already revered in South Africa as one of the best locks in the World, his professionalism knows no bounds if this is the case. He certainly does not look like someone going through the motions. If he is, then heaven forbid when he is motivated!
Yet was the difference in the teams really what it seems? Has the power in the game shifted? Has Bulls rugby become soft in the pack and sharp in the backs? Were the Bulls backs the real difference? Or were WP their own undoing in the backline? On the evidence, perhaps WP had themselves to blame. Dewald Duvenhage’s service was wanting at times, erratic and slow. In fact he was caught in possession once or twice. Willem de Waal, probably playing under instruction, seemed to overdo the kicking out of hand in the hope of putting the less experienced opposition backline under pressure. This succumbing to pressure did not materialise.
The accuracy of the Western Province backline was lacking and stalled many a promising move. Sireli Naqelevuki does not warrant his place, no matter which way you look at it. He is slow, indecisive, and may it be said, lazy. Surely there are others in the mix? Gio Aplon, as exciting a runner as he may be, is perhaps not suited for the fifteen man game. But now blame is being apportioned, and that is not fair.
The Bulls took their opportunities, a sign of a quality team, something which will carry them through, probably to the championship. But don’t be too surprised if the final is contested between these two teams come October. Western Province as much contrived to lose the game as the Bulls won it. It will be interesting to watch the development of these two teams as the tournament progresses.
As far as this shift to which is being alluded, maybe not. The Bulls have a formidable group of forwards both now and when the Boks return. WP are sublime on their day in the three quarters. These two divisions experienced off days in Pretoria, but it is exciting to see WP with grunt up front, and the Bulls with flair in the backs. It bodes well for our rugby.
The Lions can only get better.The Sharks are just too classy to fall off the pace, although their implosion in the Super 14 may be a sign of some ailment. Wise money however, will be on the traditional rivals WP and the Blue Bulls, South African rivalry at it’s traditional best.
