Bulls win back to back Super 14 Titles
The Bulls have won their third Super 14 Title, defeating the Stormers 25 – 17 in front of a packed Orlando Stadium in Soweto. It was a game with plenty of attacking flair from both sides, yet the Stormers well documented defense seemed to concede too many penalties, with Morne Steyn unforgiving with his boot.
As you may know, we organized a Super 14 Final “party” at Turf Bar in the city. The atmosphere was great, 40+ people, mainly Bulls and Stormers supporters, lots of passion and lots of colour. There were a few like myself though, neutral, there to enjoy Rugby. We weren’t disappointed.
It has widely accepted that this match would be the best display of Super Rugby this year (some might argue the Reds a tad), it was certainly the best two teams. The Bulls commanded a 16 – 3 lead by halftime. With Morne Steyn kicking 3 penalty goals, 1 conversion and Francois Hougaard scoring a try. However Morne Steyn was left a bit red faced when he gifted a blind pass to Bryan Habana within the Bulls half, 14 minutes after the break. Habana, raced to the line, unchallenged. Steyn made up for his error, piling on 9 points with 3 more penalty goals.
The Stormers looked like they were coming back late in the 2nd half, with Ricky Januarie crossing the line, and Peter Grant converting. Bringing the scores to 25 – 17. Ultimately it was the Stormers discipline that let them down. Examples such Andries Bekker leap frogging into the side of the ruck. These kind of actions make you scratch your head, considering they had possession at the back of the ruck, and were in a good position to attack within the Bulls half. Too often players were isolated and caught holding onto the ball also.
Source: Rugby Heaven
During our “party” this morning, we attempted to raise money for the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal (their major annual fundraising drive). A great idea was to collect a gold coin donation for each try scored. We managed to raise $52.95, though it was a shame more tries weren’t scored.
As the 2010 Super 14 season comes to an end, we look forward to the June Tests, the Tri-Nations and the Spring Tours. We’ll be providing plenty of coverage of this, predominately of the Wallabies.
If you don’t already know, Super 14 will be re-branded as “Super Rugby” from next year. The obvious is to avoid re-branding the competition each time a franchise is added.
More importantly we look forward to the 2011 Super Rugby season, the Rebels running out onto AAMI Park for the first time and the mighty Rebel Army marching as one to AAMI Park.
Good work Gav!