The running of the Bulls

This was the third week in the row that the Bulls had to stage a comeback after allowing the opposition a good head start, but the 2010 model of the blue machine seems to have found an extra gear when it comes to scoring points.

SuperWrap

In fact, the Loftus scoreboard has been ticking over so regularly this year that Bulls flyhalf Morne Steyn (77) has scored more points by himself than the supposedly free-scoring coastal franchises the Sharks (44) and the Stormers (70).

With home games against the Highlanders and the Hurricanes left before a relatively short four-week tour down under, the Bulls again look the most likely of the local teams to be representing the Republic at season’s end. The bye this weekend may well see them drop off the top of the log, but they should still be right in the mix by the time they hit the road.

Disappointing losses by the Stormers and the Cheetahs at home this weekend have raised questions about consistency, while the Lions continue to fight hard for narrow losses. The Cape outfit looks the best they have in a few seasons, but home losses are very costly in this competition, and the likes of the Hurricanes, the Crusaders and the Bulls will still visit Newlands this year looking to follow in the footsteps of the Brumbies.

The Lions’ tour is about to get tougher with the seven-time champions Crusaders next up. And why is it that the Cheetahs’ intensity levels drop through the floor the moment they don’t face South African opponents?

An even bigger mystery is the Sharks. Who can explain their indifferent start to the season? Surely a team packed with former and current Springboks must have enough experience to identify and fix flaws within a game plan.

Surely there is enough leadership within the squad to ensure that a lack of motivation is not an issue. Yet for three weeks in a row we’ve seen the Durbanites go through the same kick-and-chase motions seemingly not bothered by the scoreline.

Something has to give, and at this stage it looks like it might be the stand holding up the inch-deep stack of hymn sheets.

Kiwi onslaught

Casting an eye over this week’s team selections it is clear that the New Zealand onslaught on this year’s title is the strongest it’s been for a while. All five Kiwi outfits seem to be going well, and this is reflected in nine New Zealanders making it into this week’s Super XV.

The Bok Barometer this week is dominated by Bulls players, with six of their eight representatives in the backline. The Stormers are next in line with five players on the sheet, but it really should have been four, as only Todd Clever’s passport kept him from being crowned the best No 8 South Africa had on show.

Super XV for week three:
15. Cory Jane (Hurricanes) 14. Lelia Masaga (Chiefs) 13. Conrad Smith (Hurricanes) 12. Wynand Olivier (Bulls) 11. Zac Guildford (Crusaders) 10. Dan Carter (Crusaders) 9. Luke Burgess (Waratahs) 8. Wycliff Palu (Waratahs) 7. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 6. George Smith (Brumbies) 5. Anthony Boric (Blues) 4. Brad Thorne (Crusaders) 3. Werner Kruger (Bulls) 2. Andrew Hore (Hurricanes) 1. Heinke van der Merwe (Lions).

Bok Barometer for week three:
15. Joe Pietersen (Stormers) 14. Gerhard van den Heever (Bulls) 13. Stefan Dippenaar (Bulls) 12. Wynand Olivier (Bulls) 11. Francois Hougaard (Bulls) 10. Morne Steyn (Bulls) 9. Fourie du Preez (Bulls) 8. Duane Vermeulen (Stormers) 7. Juan Smith (Cheetahs) 6. Heinrich Brussouw (Cheetahs) 5. Victor Matfield (Bulls) 4. De Kock Steenkamp (Stormers) 3. Werner Kruger (Bulls) 2. Tiaan Liebenberg (Stormers) 1. Heinke van der Merwe (Lions).

Match of the week:
There really is only one match that could be considered this weekend. The clash between the Bulls and the Waratahs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday was the perfect showcase for the new set of law interpretations. It had lots of spectacular tries, but also strong defence from both sides and fair contest at the breakdowns. The game was in the balance until the dying seconds thanks to an almost perfect start by the visitors and a home side that seems to have misplaced their panic button.

Try of the week:
Andrew Hore was certainly pleased with this effort.

“I was hoping someone would cut me down because I was pretty puffed. I didn’t want Michael Paterson to score a double, so I sold the dummy and snuck over the line,” the burly hooker commented after the match. “As soon as I got off the field Jason Eaton kindly pointed out it was probably the furthest I’ve run ever, even in the warm-ups.”

Schlepper of the week:
Waratahs captain Phil Waugh was certainly not too pleased about having to face the South African media after his team’s second consecutive loss on tour in the Republic. His answers to journalists gathered for the traditional post-match press conference at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night dripped with sardonic venom.
The highlight came when he was asked his opinion on the Waratahs not getting a yellow card despite repeatedly sacking the maul. “You’re writing the story, mate. You come up with the ending.”