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Blue Bulls torture Force
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 17:24
A Vodacom Blue Bulls XV made short work of the Western Force touring team at Loftus Versfeld on Friday and their 54-0 victory signalled a warning to the other provinces that the Pretorians will be strong contenders in this year’s Currie Cup, even without their Springboks.
The Blue Bulls’ victory was more convincing than the Force’s previous two opponents on the tour, the Wildebeest and the Lions. What made the victory even sweeter was the fact that the Blue Bulls were without 28 of their players due to injuries and call-ups from the Springboks and SA under-21 side.
Even with a team that has not played together, the Blue Bulls played clinical rugby and although the score suggests one-way traffic, the Force made the home side work for their tries and all these scores were the result of good interplay. Even when all twelve the Blue Bulls’ reserves were on the field, the game did not become loose.
If a Man of the Match was appointed, Tim Dlulane would lead the queue. He had a busy game and his two tries were well-deserved. His flank partner, Derick Kuün, also crossed the whitewash twice.
Morné Steyn got the backs going well, althoug his tactical kicking did not always hit the mark. Goal kicks were a different story, however, with six from six.
Heinie Adams also used his chances well and the newcomer, Rayno Gerber, scrummed well and also enjoyed a few good runs, but the Blue Bulls will consider the match as a strong fifteen-man performance. Their Currie Cup onslaught starts next week against the Valke on the same field.
Points:
Vodacom Blue Bulls XV: Tries: Tim Dlulane (2), Derick Kuün (2), Akona Ndungane, Frikkie Welsh, Adriaan Fondse, Riaan van der Bergh.
Conversions: Morné Steyn (6), Jacques-Louis Potgieter.