'Frustrating': Bulls lament lost opportunities
REACTION: Frustration took its toll on the Bulls during their Currie Cup 10-39 semifinal defeat to the Cheetahs on Saturday, says backline coach Hugo van As.
The Pretoria side travelled to Bloemfontein with a host of United Rugby Championship players that looked like they can force an upset.
They created a lot of chances in the Cheetahs’ 22, but handling errors and poor decision-making, coupled with the incredible Cheetahs’ defence left the Bulls 3-20 down at the break.
“We are very disappointed,” Bulls backline coach Hugo van As said in the wake of the defeat.
“In the first half, we had a lot of opportunities and didn’t use it.
“There were one of two tough decisions and the bounce of the ball didn’t go our way, like the grubber we lost behind the try-line.”
Van As said the team were still optimistic they can produce a second-half comeback.
“Coming into the changeroom being down 3-20 at half-time, we felt we were still in the game and we just needed to capitalise a little bit better.”
#REACTION: Joey Mongalo’s plan backfired 👇#CurrieCup #Sharks #Pumas #SHAvPUM https://t.co/Db7ZgIDT1k
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‘Disciplined enough’
The Bulls’ discipline was another factor that overshadowed the team’s performance, especially in the closing stages.
They conceded 16 unanswered points in the last half-hour – including three Ruan Pienaar penalties.
They also had to conclude the encounter with 14 men after Jan-Hendrik Wessels was handed a yellow card.
“I truly believe that the team is disciplined enough,” Van As said.
“The last quarter was nothing to do with the discipline, it was more frustration that crept in and the fact that we created opportunities and the Cheetahs kept us out.
“So, a lot of credit to the Cheetahs, they brought physically and rushed us on defence. The breakdown was messy That is why they are number one and have the potential to win this competition.
When asked about Bulls fullback Johan Goosen’s exchanges with the referee Cwengile Jadesweni, Van As said: “Goosen asked the referee a question and I don’t think it was handled in the best manner.
“However there’s nothing we can do about it now.”
