VIDEO: Chiefs break Super drought with Bulls rout
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Chiefs recorded their first win of the season, doing so in impressive fashion by putting 50 points past the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The Chiefs outscored the Bulls by seven tries to two in a 56-20 rout – earning a bonus point in the process.
Not only was it their first win of the season, but also the first time since 2001 the Chiefs won in Pretoria.
It was their biggest win against the Bulls in Super Rugby, passing their previous winning margin of 33 – recorded in 2000.
It was an embarrassing performance by the Bulls, who looked lethargic and at times disinterested.
However, credit must go to the Chiefs, who managed to outplay the Bulls in all facets of the game.
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The visitors relied on the experienced of lock Brodie Retallick and creativity of fullback Damian Mckenzie.
The Chiefs went to the half-time break leading by 18 points and the Bulls were unable to turn things around in the second half.
The visitors were the first on the score sheet through an early penalty kick by McKenzie, but Handre Pollard equalised in a similar manner shortly.
The first try went to the Chiefs, as they managed to stretch the Bulls defence – with McKenzie supplying Solomon Alaimalo on the left sideline.
The Chiefs increased their lead with a try by Alex Nankivell, who picked up a bouncing ball inside the Bulls 22 area – before he touched down.
Pollard reduced the deficit to eleven points with his second penalty.
On the stroke of half-time, the Chiefs further increased their advantage when veteran Retallick registered their third try of the match.
In the second half, Chiefs scored tries by Retallick, Nankivell and Ta Toiroa Tahuriorangi, while Jesse Kriel and Burger Odendaal scored for the Bulls.
Man of the match: Damian McKenzie was at his creative best. Tyler Ardron and Lachlan Boshier worked hard up front. Centre Alex Nankivell and lock Brodie Retallick (who was also captain on the day) both scored a brace. Retallick had plenty of carries and worked hard on defence. He wins our award.
The scorers:
For the Bulls:
Tries: Kriel, Odendaal
Cons: Pollard 2
Pens: Pollard 2
For the Chiefs:
Tries: Alaimalo, Nankivell 2, Retallick 2, Tahuriorangi, Alaimalo
Cons: McKenzie 6
Pens: McKenzie 3
Yellow card: Solomon Alaimalo (Chiefs, 62 – foul play, dangerous tackle)
RECAP Bulls v Chiefs
Did you miss any of the action? Recap all the drama here!
Teams:
Bulls: 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Ruan Steenkamp, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Hanro Liebenberg, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Lizo Gqoboka.
Replacements: 16 Corniel Els, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Dayan van der Westhuyzen, 19 Eli Snyman, 20 Tim Agaba, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Manie Libbok, 22 Dylan Sage.
Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Alex NankivellA, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Tyler Ardron, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Mitchell Brown, 4 Brodie Retallick (captain), 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Aidan Ross
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tevita Mafileo, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Michael Allardice, 20 Jesse Parete , 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Ataata Moeakiola.
Referee: AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa), Stephan Elenchus (South Africa)
TMO: Willie Vos (South Africa)
