Crusaders v Bulls: Super Rugby finals live scores, blog
Roar Guru By ArtVandelay, 21 Jul 2012 ArtVandelay is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- Bulls, Canterbury Crusaders, Dan Carter, live blog, Morne Morkel, Pierre Spies, Richie McCaw, Rugby Union, Super Rugby
The Crusaders' Robbie Fruean scores a try against the Waratahs during round 10 of their Super Rugby match in Sydney on Sunday, April 29, 2012. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
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The Crusaders Vs. The Bulls |
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|---|---|---|
2012 Super Rugby Tournament, 22 July, 2012 |
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| Rugby Stadium, Addington, Christchurch | ||
| The Crusaders 28 defeated The Bulls 13 | ||
| The Crusaders | The Bulls | |
| 28 | FINAL SCORE | 13 |
| 1 | TRIES | 2 |
| 1/1 | CONVERSION KICKS | 0/2 |
| 6/8 | PENALTY GOALS | 1/1 |
| 0/0 | DROP GOAL | 0/0 |
Top scorers:
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Important moments:
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| Referee: J Peyper |
| Touch judges: K Brown & G Jackson |
The first qualifying final of a blockbuster night of Super Rugby will see the Bulls fly to Christchurch to take on the Crusaders. Join us for live scores and updates from 5.35pm AEST.
It’s no surprise that the Crusaders are heavy favourites leading into the encounter. The franchise has dominated Super Rugby since its inception and this year has been no different.
Their team for Saturday night boasts no less that ten All Blacks, along with a further two on the bench.
The Crusaders have only lost a finals match in New Zealand once and that was all the way back in 2003, against Carlos Spencer’s legendary Blues outfit.
In stark contrast, the Bulls have never won a final outside of South Africa.
The Bulls will head to New Zealand with some comfort, knowing that they beat the Crusaders in their last encounter in round seven. In fact, they have beaten the Crusaders in four out of five of their last encounters.
However, all the victories have been in South Africa and they will know that it will be whole different kettle of fish when they run out onto Rugby Park on Saturday night.
Eye gouging allegations from their last encounter have also been smouldering away, fuelling a bitter and intense rivalry.
Surprisingly, the post-Bakkies Bulls team were the ones pointing their fingers at the Crusaders that night.
This will surely add to the drama with the Crusaders probably relishing the chance to get even for the unsubstantiated, character damaging claims directed at them.
Both teams are at full strength with the only notable injury for the Crusaders being Kieran Read. He is well covered though, with Richie McCaw shifting to the back of the scrum to make room for Matt Todd on the open-side flank.
Pierre Spies will sniff an opportunity to test McCaw in a relatively unfamiliar position, however the All Black stalwart should be up to the challenge.
Both teams boast world-renowned goal kickers, capable of slotting penalties and drop-goals from anywhere inside their opponents half.
But both Morne Steyn and Dan Carter have been uncharacteristically off with the boot in recent times.
Finals rugby is a tight and tough affair and a good or bad day with a boot will be a telling factor in the outcome of this match.
Make sure you don’t a miss a moment of the action by joining us here for live scores and updates starting 5.30pm AEST.
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The Crowd Says (78) | Page 1 of Comments
The Roar Live Blog: Latest comments displayed at the top of the page | Click here to jump to leave a comment
11:49pm
Sylvester said | 11:49pm | Report comment
Good intensity at the breakdown from the Crusaders, but if they kick the ball away aimlessly like they did in the second half the Chiefs will not be as forgiving.
For me, Peyper allowed the game to be killed as a spectacle. How can a team concede 14 or 15 penalties, most in their own half and not even be warned let alone carded?
Once the Crusaders cottoned on to the fact it was open season on killing the ball as well, that was it.
Is this how we want the semis and finals to be reffed?
12:09am
biltongbek said | 12:09am | Report comment
Can’t believe you are complaining, the Bulls were pingedcall over the park, and yes somtimes a bit unfairly as well, even Justin Marshall thought so.
The Crusaders won and weren’t done in by the South African referee.
Geez no satisfying some supporters.
12:18am
Sylvester said | 12:18am | Report comment
I’m not complaining about the treatment of one side or the other. Both sides were culpable.
I’m suggesting if he’s going to penalise so heavily, he might have thought of some early deterrence to save the game as an attacking spectacle.
7:38pm
biltongbek said | 7:38pm | Report comment
If this match doesn’t convince Heyneke Meyer he needs to look away from Morne Steyn, Wynand Olivier, Zane Kirchner, etc he never will.
Congratualtions to the Crusaders, your execution at the breakdown was superb.
7:50pm
Emric said | 7:50pm | Report comment
What happened to the Bulls they are a far far better side then they showed tonight. I was disappointed
7:58pm
atlas said | 7:58pm | Report comment
Bulls? i thought I was watching the Waratahs.
Poor showing; and again the Crusaders looked sloppy at times, lost that mean streak.
7:24pm
ArtVandelay said | 7:24pm | Report comment
Crusaders 28-13 Bulls Full Time
Well it was a mammoth first half from the Crusaders that really shut the Bulls out of the game. The Bulls couldn’t match their intensity at the breakdown and a poor performance from Steyn gave them little opportunity to control the tempo of the match. While they looked unstoppable at times, it was far from a perfect performance from the Crusaders with a few uncharacteristic handling errors and the backline not gelling 100%. Two missed penalty kicks from right in front and missing touch twice as well will not be as easily forgiven against the Stormers or Chiefs next week.
Let us know who your man of the match was. The Crusaders put in a solid 15man performance but if I had to choose their best player, I’d have to give it to Morne Steyn.
7:18pm
Red Kev said | 7:18pm | Report comment
Well the Crusaders look like will be hard to beat next week, that was a good performance.
A few poor kicking options but otherwise clinical.
7:17pm
Johnno said | 7:17pm | Report comment
I love rugby my no1 sport but that was a very boring game of rugby, not fun at all, was all anti climatic, the match never really flowed hardly running rugby or gridning rugby just sloppy and boring and lots of mistakes. I hope the reds vs sharks is ,more exciting. That really was a boring game very disappointed with the 1st semi fina, i hope the reds match is a better ad for rugby
7:25pm
Kuruki said | 7:25pm | Report comment
Maybe you were only watching one team play Johnno. The Crusaders played a very good game. They smashed into the breakdown all night and dominated with numbers and aggression. They had a very good scrum all night and Carter was very good controlling the game and taking the points on offer. The rugby was not as fluent as it could have been in the backs but finals rugby never is.
I guess the Crusaders winning would be anti climatic to anyone hoping their side will win the title this year.
7:55pm
Johnno said | 7:55pm | Report comment
Kuruki you a typical kiwi. You probably thought Craig joubert’s referiing in the RWC grand final was acceptable, and the rest of the world are just whingers about the all blacks winning the world cup and sour grapes. HHA HA. Im sure book fans, and wallabies and the french fans think otherwise. Kiwis ay when ever i meet a kiwi now i just laugh and go dodgy kiwi i have some kiwi friends and i basically just say straight up dogy kiwi. The ref was a book but like the french, the AB’S and saders got the rub of the green as per usual, and the classic coincidence that pest , or should i say pest to the rest of the world Mccaw was at it again, what an annoying guy macaw is to the rest of the world kuruki , except too you lot form the long lost cloud.
8:41pm
Rev said | 8:41pm | Report comment
Johno… U can’t really say this game was disappointing when every game in the Australian conference ( bar the one last week) has been dull and pathetic… So to me u wouldn’t no a good game if it hit u on the head… And johno the world cup is done and dusted learn to move on, sure France could have won…. But the wallabies were never going to so move on cause it’s bad for ur health
9:09pm
Johnno said | 9:09pm | Report comment
Thanks rev, i will have a prayer and move on, good advice mate.
9:44am
guinness14 said | 9:44am | Report comment
OMG, talk about a WHINGER. Mate the RWC is over, get a grip. The Crusaders played a good game, the Bulls were poor on the night. Why don’t you change sport and watch some thing like bowls or take up a craft like scrap booking, and let those who appreciate rugby for what it is. AB, Crusaders and Western Force supporter.
7:16pm
ArtVandelay said | 7:16pm | Report comment
Crusaders 28-13 Bulls
80′ The siren goes as the ball sails over the cross bar. The Crusaders get a comprehensive victory over a disappointing and at times diabolical Bulls side.
7:15pm
ArtVandelay said | 7:15pm | Report comment
Crusaders 25-13 Bulls
79′ Well I don’t think anyone would have picked that the Bulls would score more tries in the game. The Bulls fumble the ball into touch from the restart, that really sums up their night. Another penalty for slowing the ball down at the ruck and Carter will pop it over from right in front on the 22m line.
7:13pm
ArtVandelay said | 7:13pm | Report comment
Crusaders 25-13 Bulls
74′ Bulls have the penalty advantage as they move it wide. Englebrecht looks threatening again the midfield, he has shone in a lazy looking Bulls backline tonight. The Bulls 2m out now. Fouche throws a shocking pass to nobody with an overlap outwide. It pays off though as Kirchner tidies up and off loads to Olivier who goes in for a try. Whitlock rushed up their to try pounce of the loose ball which opened up the hole. The conversion bounces back off the posts.
7:09pm
ArtVandelay said | 7:09pm | Report comment
Crusaders 25-8 Bulls
‘The benches are emptied now as Steyn is replaces by Fouche. Fouche finds a good touch with his first kick. Bulls lineout now on the Crusaders 22m. They maul again.
7:07pm
ArtVandelay said | 7:07pm | Report comment
Crusaders 25-8 Bulls
73′ The Bulls still persist with high ball! Dagg isnt complaining. The Crusaders clear and the Bulls promptly kick it back to them, I am speechless. The Bulls must really just be going through the motions now.
7:07pm
Kuruki said | 7:07pm | Report comment
Very poor showing from the Bulls in such a big game. Rub if the green went with the home side which didn’t help but the Bulls were never in the game. Morne Steyn had a poor night out by his standards and the Crusaders pack dominated at the breakdown. Very hard to understand the tactics of the Bulls when they needed to chase 14+ points in as many minutes they continued to kick the ball away.
Good game from the Crusaders pack and they will be hard to beat.
7:05pm
ArtVandelay said | 7:05pm | Report comment
Crusaders 25-8 Bulls
72′ Whitelock gives away a penalty now but Steyn missed touch! Well that really caps off a disappointing night for the Bulls, they will be livid with this performance.
7:04pm
ArtVandelay said | 7:04pm | Report comment
Crusaders 25-8 Bulls
70′ If this goes over the Bulls need three converted tries. It does! That should surely sew up the match.
7:03pm
ArtVandelay said | 7:03pm | Report comment
Crusaders 22-8 Bulls
69′ Touch found on the 22m. Romano takes at the front and they set up a maul. Maul goes down and they plaug away around the ruck. Bulls give away another penalty. Maitland misses a drop goal attempt. Carter goes for goal again, he could throw this over.
7:02pm
ArtVandelay said | 7:02pm | Report comment
Crusaders 22-8 Bulls
67′ Not out! Kirchner kicks straight back though. The Crusaders go again from halfway. Horrible chip kick though and the Bulls have it. They send runners off the ruck but Spies it nailed!! The Crusaders walk over the top and have-intercepted by Venter! He tackled quickly though. Carter steals it off Greyling! The embarrasing for the big man and the Bulls give away yet another penalty at the ruck.
6:59pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:59pm | Report comment
Crusaders 22-8 Bulls
63′ Steyn clears from the restart but Dagg drags it in from touch and the Crusaders go agian from around halfway. The Ball is swung across the field and back without making much ground and Ellis kicks. The Bulls kicks it straight back though. Penalty Crusaders 10m inside their half. Carter goes for touch.
6:56pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:56pm | Report comment
Crusaders 22-8 Bulls
Steyn looks to convert from the touch line but it just fades away
6:55pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:55pm | Report comment
Crusaders 22-3 Bulls
62′ The Bulls maul well and D Potgieter gets over the line!
6:55pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:55pm | Report comment
Crusaders 22-3 Bulls
60′ Carter goes for goal from 40m out again, right in front. Off the post! No players chasing though and Hougard can clear easily. He does well and Whitelock just gets finger tips to it before it dribbles out. Bulls line out 39m out from the Crusaders line. Crusaders snaffle the lineout though! Ellis puts it high to Spies to who steps Guildford. Vermaak puts it high and Carter can’t take it. The bUlls on the charge now. Olivier is taken easily again while jogging across the field. The Crusaders give the penalty away though and Steyn finds the corner.
6:51pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:51pm | Report comment
Crusaders 22-3 Bulls
58′ Spies wins the lineout under pressure. Vermaak clears straight to Whitlock and they counter well. Bulls give away another penalty in their own half. In the side and not rolling away there.
6:50pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:50pm | Report comment
Crusaders 22-3 Bulls
54′ The Bulls win the lineout, another poor throw from Flynn. The Bulls have slow ball that they bash up off the ruck but the Crusaders tackle hard. Crusaders have had superior body position all match. Whitlock is caught on the wrong side of the ruck and the Bulls have advantage so they look to use the backline. A useless pass from Steyn forces Peyper to blow the penalty. They tap and go quickly. Steyn throws away a huge overlap and turns in back inside and the Crusaders turn it over and Fruean charges up field! He’s taken by the cover though. Dagg belts it down field and finds touch 10m from the Bulls line. The Crusaders defended that well but the Bulls really didn’t challenge them enough.
6:46pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:46pm | Report comment
Crusaders 19-3 Bulls
53′ Spies does well under a highball and the Bulls go wide now but Olivier is nailed after running across the field. Steyn finds a good touch now right in the corner after two quick turnovers.
6:45pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:45pm | Report comment
Crusaders 22-3 Bulls
but wont miss again! Steenkamp comes on now for Gruger. The Bulls need to try shake things up now.
6:44pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:44pm | Report comment
Crusaders 19-3 Bulls
50′ Carter dow brilliantly under pressure taking a high ball from Kirchner and offloading in the tackle. Dagg returns the kick and the Bulls put it out on the full. The Crusaders attack again now from a line out near halfway and are up to the Bulls 22m in no time. Steyn getting a talking to now for a high tackle. The replay shows the referee up their. Steyn hit Carter perfectly round the chest. Carter goes for goal now right infront, 40m out. Missed one like this earlier on…
6:41pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:41pm | Report comment
Crusaders 19-3 Bulls
49′ Great box kick from Vermaak comes down right outside the 22m. Englebrecht gets up to compete and knocks it back nicely for Potgieter who knocks on.
6:40pm
Red Kev said | 6:40pm | Report comment
Crusaders were a mile offside in that passage of play, that turnover should have been called back.
Interesting that Justin Marshall’s impartiality has gone out the window now it is finals time.
6:40pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:40pm | Report comment
Crusaders 19-3 Bulls
45′ Carter puts it right through the middle from near the touchline. Well the Bulls are look better but the Crusaders just took them game to a whole new level.
6:39pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:39pm | Report comment
Crusaders 16-3 Bulls
46′ Huge defense from the Crusaders now! The Bulls get smashed behind the advantage line twice and then turned over. Brilliant work from McCaw and then Todd on Potgieter and Olivier and the Bulls give away a penalty for a high tackle.
6:37pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:37pm | Report comment
Crusaders 16-3 Bulls
43′ Bulls maul and then use it quiclly to Englebrecht. Potgeiter charges up now and Carter rips it free. The Bulls regather though but now lose it again 5m out. The Crusaders quickly counter from their in goal and Guildford runs it right up to the 40m line before he is dragged out by the cover. Ndungane gets injured in the tackle though. Hougard reluctantly has to move to the wing now with Vermaak coming into scrum half.
6:35pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:35pm | Report comment
Crusaders 16-3 Bulls
41′ Steyn kick long to Carter who returns to Hougard who puts it high to Dagg. Dagg takes under no pressure and the Crusaders make easy metres again. Carter chips over the top and finds space before Hougard clean up. The Bulls look to run now and start making some meteres. Englebrecht does well outwide and offloads back to Steyn, quick ball allowd Potgieter to make some metre. They go wide to Kirchner now but he is rapped up well by an offiside looking backline. Crusaders win the penalty at the ruck! Carter misses touch though and the Bulls bring it back up. Aerial ping pong now and Ellis puts it out on the full. Bulls line out just outside the 22m.
6:31pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:31pm | Report comment
Well at halftime the Crusaders are well on top with a clinical display. The Bulls have been unable to match their intensity and looked to be chasing shadows for periods of that half, being unable to mount any recognisable challenge at the breakdown. The Bulls should look to utilise Deon Stegman off the bench to try cause some disruption to the Crusaders ruck ball. The Crusaders handling did let them down though at crucial points and the Bulls can consider themselves lucky to only concede the one try. The Bulls main issue has been Steyn’s poor night with the boot compounded by his shaky defense. The big Bulls pack just haven’t been able to establish themselves due to poor field position and being run ragged by a Crusaders backline with plenty of possession. The Crusaders defense has also fronted up well and shut down the Bulls’ big runners. The Bulls need to front up better in defense this half and then hopefully we can see a more competitive match.
6:22pm
stu said | 6:22pm | Report comment
a rugby lesson for the bulls…this carter fella seems to know his stuff
6:21pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:21pm | Report comment
Crusaders 16-3 Bulls
40′ Steyn boots it into the crowd and they’ll be happy to get back into the sheds after a dissapointing first half performance. The Crusaders run off the paddock with their heads held high.
6:20pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:20pm | Report comment
Crusaders 16-3 Bulls
39′ Carter throws a forward pass to Fruean. Bulls scrum.
6:20pm
Johnno said | 6:20pm | Report comment
the ref helping the crusaders all the way
6:22pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:22pm | Report comment
The Crusaders are flooding the breakdown with numbers making it difficult for him so he has a missed a few things, but I think overall he has been good.
6:19pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:19pm | Report comment
Crusaders 16-3 Bulls
36′ Basson finally makes way for Venter. Spies drops the restart cold and the Crusaders charge for the line again. The Bulls defend well though and manage to turn over an isolated Carter. Steyn clears to touch very well 38m out.
6:17pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:17pm | Report comment
Crusaders 16-3 Bulls
35′ The maul looked good that time and Romano gives away a penalty coming in from the side. Steyn puts it out and the Bulls try again. A messy lienout and Spies charges at the line! Just stopped short though. Terrible pass from the ruck though and Steyn has to try regather. Crusaders turn him over and boot it down field. Englebrecht races back but the Crusaders are onto him. The Crusaders look to walk over the ruck again but go to ground and give away the penalty. Steyn will go for goal now. Good kick and the Bulls are on the board.
6:14pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:14pm | Report comment
Crusaders 16-0 Bulls
34′ The Bulls get a penalty now from the restart as the Crusaders fall over the ruck. Steyn with now choice but to go for the corner. Bulls lineout 10m out and they go to the maul.
6:13pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:13pm | Report comment
Crusaders 16-0 Bulls
31′ Carter shows and goes. Crusaders really dominating the breakdown getting very quick ball and making lots of metres. Just outside the 22 now. Crotty makes ground out wide into the 22m. Slow ball now 10m out and Peyper has his arm out for slowing it down. Carter gets a poor pass. Gets back to recover and bangs over a lazy drop goal!
6:17pm
Red Kev said | 6:17pm | Report comment
That (and his pass to create Guilford’s try) is a perfect example of why Carter is still the world’s premier flyhalf. He really is a pleasure to watch.
6:10pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:10pm | Report comment
Crusaders 13-0 Bulls
30′ The Bulls scrum has looked shaky so far tonight and it foes backwards again. Spies under plenty of pressure gets dragged backwards. Hougard knocks on under pressure at the ruck. Basson looks to be struggling now but will play on.
6:08pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:08pm | Report comment
Crusaders 13-0 Bulls
28′ The Bulls look very frustrated. Carter clears to Ndungane who runs back and the puts it high. Carter takes brilliantly in the air. A bit of Aerial ping pong ends in the a Crusaders knock on on halfway. The Bulls kicking game is not serving them well tonight.
6:06pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:06pm | Report comment
Crusaders 13-0 Bulls
27′ Hero to zero for Guildford as he fumbles the restart into touch. The Bulls now set up a maul off the lineout inside the Crusaders 22m. McCaw gets through the maul though and shut it down. The Bulls can’t use it and so they lose it.
6:13pm
billy the kid said | 6:13pm | Report comment
go the blacks
6:04pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:04pm | Report comment
Crusaders 13-0 Bulls
25′ The Bulls defend it well but the Crusaders are getting quick ball and just keep challenging the line. Carter put Guildford straight through, brilliant line there and there no cover. Guildford goes in under the posts. Morne Steyn being caugh out there on defense, he is not having a night to remember. Carter thrown the conversion over and Crusaders are well on top now.
6:02pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:02pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
23′ Steyn looks to put a cross kick over to Basson but strikes it horribly and it ends up hitting Crotty in the back. I’ve never seen that before. Crusaders have another centrefield scrum about 30m out.
6:01pm
ArtVandelay said | 6:01pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
23′ The attack comes to nothing though and a bad pass goes over the touch line. Bulls are having to make plenty of tackles. The Bulls are rushing up in defense trying to cut the ball off before it gets out to the wings.
5:59pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:59pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
21′ Perfect set up now for the Crusaders. Centerfield scrum on the 22m. Hougard disrupts play at the back and turns it over. He puts a dodgy looking kick in and finds touch on halfway. The Crusaders attack again.
5:58pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:58pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
19′ Carter goes for goal now from right in front about 39m out and misses! Should’ve got that. Steyn now puts it straight out from the 22 drop out. Awful kicking display!
5:56pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:56pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
18′ The Crusaders attack off the line out now but the Bulls line holds firm. Bulls come up off their line well but give away another penalty at the ruck, tackler not releasing there.
5:55pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:55pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
18′ Ellis put a high ball up and Basson takes it well. Get nailed by Flynn though and driven into touch.
5:54pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:54pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
17′ Bulls penalised for going off their feet at the breakdown.
5:53pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:53pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
16′ A loose throw from Flynn and the Bulls turn it over. Steyn kicks down to Guildford who look ot counter with Dagg. Bulls shut it down and turn it over well. Steyn goes for corner and finds it! Much better from the Bulls.
5:52pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:52pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
15′ McCaw finds some space to run off the lineout. 5m out now! The ball comes slowly and they look to drive off the ruck. The Bulls holding them out well and a brilliant turn over from Greyling. Hougard clears 35m out.
5:51pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:51pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
13′ The Bulls are penalised for wheeling the scrum and Carter finds touch on the 22m. Bulls are struggling and the game is slipping away from them.
5:50pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:50pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
12′ The Crusaders are everywhere tonight the every player looking on song. Chilliboy comes off the field with an injury.
5:49pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:49pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
11′ Romano secures the restart. Dagg puts up a high ball to Spies on the 50m. JPotgieter is held up in the tackle and the Bulls can’t use the ball, scrum Crusaders. The Crusaders are really out thinking the Bulls tonight.
5:48pm
Kuruki said | 5:48pm | Report comment
Greyling is lucky to remain on the paddock after that blatant offside.
5:47pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:47pm | Report comment
Crusaders 6-0 Bulls
7′ Crusaders secure from the restart and Ellis put up a box kick. Spies takes well and the Bulls look to build now inside the Crusaders half. Hougard snipes and gets absolutely man handled and the ball is turned over. Carter kicks very high and long to Kirchner who is hammered by Freuan! Crusaders turn it over again and they continue to march up field. A loose pass from Ellis halts momentum a bit. But they still make steady progress. Some slick running and passing gets them into the 22m now. McCaw is tackled hard now though and driven back. Greyling thinks the ball is out and comes charging through the side of the ruck and gives away a penalty under the posts. Crusaders are look red hot tonight! The Bulls are putting in some big hits in defense but the Crusaders just keep coming at them and are finding holes out wide. Carter pops this one over easily.
5:42pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:42pm | Report comment
Crusaders 3-0 Bulls
6′ and he just sneaks it inside the uprights!
5:42pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:42pm | Report comment
Crusaders 0-0 Bulls
5′ Chilliboy takes forever to throw it in and then over thows. Crusaders throw it wide immediately and get all the way up to the halfway line. A chip down the touchline puts Kirchner under pressure now. The Crusaders ruck right over him and he gives away a penalty playing the ball on the ground. Carter to go for goal now from the right hand touchline about 35m out.
5:40pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:40pm | Report comment
Crusaders 0-0 Bulls
4′ Bulls freekick, Crusaders went early. Steyn is putting up a high ball. Interesting decision… the kick has gone too far and Dagg mark easily and clears to touch.
5:39pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:39pm | Report comment
Crusaders 0-0 Bulls
3′ Crusaders scrum 10m inside their half. First one goes straight to deck.
5:38pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:38pm | Report comment
Crusaders 0-0 Bulls
2′ Bulls take the lineout well and look to attack through the foreward. Crusaders turn it over at the ruck! Carter puts in a grubber outwide but the Bulls stop it! Bulls just unable to gather cleanly though and knock on. If they had got that they would’ve been in for a try. Time for the first scrum! Its been very physical so far.
5:36pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:36pm | Report comment
Crusaders 0-0 Bulls
Carter kicks deep and we are under way. Bullls secure and Steyn clears straight to Dagg and the Crusaders look to run through Guildford. Carter probes for the corner and puts it out on the full! Bulls lineout 40m out.
5:35pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:35pm | Report comment
Crusaders 0-0 Bulls
Brace yourselves for a brutally physical encounter. Jaco Peyper will be wanting to stamp his authority early on.
5:34pm
ArtVandelay said | 5:34pm | Report comment
Crusaders 0-0 Bulls
Conditions are perfect! A cool evening with very little wind. The crowd is around 16 to 17 thousand. The Bulls run out onto the field followed by the Crusaders. The atmosphere is thick with nerves and excitement. I can’t wait for things to get under way!
5:15pm
Kuruki said | 5:15pm | Report comment
CRUSADERS !!!!!!