Bulls tackled 'Tahs into submission
Tighthead prop Werner Kruger may have scored the match-winning try in the final minutes, but it was defence that won the day as the Bulls recorded a 27-24 Super Rugby win over the ailing Waratahs in Sydney on Friday.
The Bulls moved five points clear of the Stormers at the top of the South African conference with a second win on their Australian tour and leave the Waratahs in second spot in the Australian league.
Bulls skipper Pierre Spies said improved defence was the foundation of his team’s victory.
In their last two matches the Bulls leaded 10 tries, after conceding just 11 in their first eight outings.
However, on Friday they outscored the ‘Tahs by three tries to two.
“When you’re playing away from home you need that defence,” Spies said.
“Last week and the week before wasn’t probably our best, but this match was a lot better,” the Springbok No.8 added.
“It’s always tough coming to Sydney and playing here, we had to fight it out all the way to the end, I am very proud of our team and it was an awesome effort all the way up to the last five minutes.”
Led by returning captain Rocky Elsom, the Waratahs had the advantage at the break and put in a performance that kept the vocal crowd on the edge of its seat for the entirety of a physical encounter.
Coach Michael Foley admitted his side, who dominated up front and had the lion’s share of possession and territory, were understandably very disappointed.
“I thought for large parts of that game we did exactly what we wanted do to and had good control against a side that was obviously very fired up about their performance last week,” Foley said.
“There have been a number of games that have been particularly close and what it has come down to is that there’s been a decision made or an error made that’s cost us.”
The ‘Tahs captain also expressed his disappointment, saying: “It was a terrible result for us, we wanted more out of that game than that and we are going to have to live with the consequences.
“They played very good field position at the end. We had the run of it for a lot of the game but at the end they played the style that they’re very good at and came away with the points.”
Foley though paid tribute to his team’s effort, which was evident throughout the match.
“It’s fantastic that the team has met so many challenges and put itself in a position to beat very good sides, like the Bulls.
“But for us to take that next step, we’ve just got to control those little moments that we can control.”
The Waratahs will on Saturday travel to South Africa knowing that the season doesn’t get any easier.
“All that matters for us now is to recover from the disappointment and to prepare well for next week.
“And when we get into next week’s game, make sure we’ve dealt with the details in preparation that allows us to control the things that we can control.”
