Bulls, with half their URC side, overwhelm Griquas

Posted on April 08, 2022 by Ken

The Bulls, with half of their URC side in tow, overwhelmed Griquas with seven tries to win their Currie Cup match 53-27 in Kimberley on Saturday.

Playing with high tempo, plenty of intent to get the ball wide and some excellent handling, the Bulls were just too slick on attack for a typically willing Griquas side.

But with the home side flagging in the second half and giving the Bulls plenty of territory through conceding back-to-back penalties, the defending champions were able to convert a 22-15 halftime lead into a comprehensive victory.

The Bulls were also playing with the wind in the second half and flyhalf Chris Smith controlled the game with aplomb, succeeding with a couple of 50/22 kicks.

Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee said “all credit to Griquas for stretching us and they played some terrific rugby”, while also praising veteran hooker Bismarck du Plessis for “inspiring us every day”.

The Springbok great’s lineout work was precise and he provided plenty of running metres gained down the tramlines, as well as showcasing nifty handling skills.

He was rewarded with a 63^rd minute try off a rolling maul, while there were also thrilling tries scored in open play by prop Simphiwe Matanzima, centre Cornal Hendricks, lock Walt Steenkamp, flank Arno Botha, wing Canan Moodie and replacement scrumhalf Keegan Johannes.

The Bulls were particularly potent on counter-attack, with fullback Kurt-Lee Arendse making Griquas pay for kicking on them.

Scorers

Griquas – Tries: Zander du Plessis (2), Hanru Sirgel, Michael Amiras. Conversions: Du Plessis (2). Drop goal: Theo Boshoff.

Bulls – Tries: Simphiwe Matanzima, Cornal Hendricks, Walt Steenkamp, Arno Botha, Canan Moodie, Bismarck du Plessis, Keegan Johannes. Conversions: Chris Smith (6). Penalties: Smith (2).

Tags: Bulls, Currie Cup, Griquas, half, Kimberley, overwhelmed, seven tries, side, their, tow, United Rugby Championship, with
Category Rugby, Sport
Trackback: trackback from your own site.

Thought of the Day

John 15:4 – “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

For those who believe in Christ, their greatest desire should be to grow into the likeness of His image.

But once the emotional fervour has cooled, what about your daily life? Do you reveal his indwelling Spirit through the sincerity of your motives, your honesty, unselfishness and love? You may speak of Christ living in you, but is that reflected in your actions and do you allow Him to find expression through your life?

We need to draw from the strength Christ puts at our disposal – the indwelling Spirit that overcomes our human weaknesses and inadequacy.

And remember we bear fruit, we cannot produce it.

My Springbok squad for Europe tour

Aphelele Fassi, Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Edwill van der Merwe, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jaden Hendrikse, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Jasper Wiese, Cameron Hanekom, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Elrigh Louw, Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, Franco Mostert, RG Snyman, Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Johan Grobbelaar.

Ken Borland