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Match Result
The Hurricanes survived a late scare to record consecutive victories in South Africa for the first time since 2006. At times the game was an enterprising and entertaining affair with Jessie Kriel good for the home side early before having his influence nulled in the second half.
It was a scrappy affair with 20 handling errors for the game with 13 of those coming for the Bulls. Matfield was epic in the line outs but they were scrappy to say the least from both sides. Savea muscled his way over the line against three men to score the winning try.
But it was heart in mouth stuff for the Hurricanes with Grant Hattingh having his hand slipping out as he went to score a certain try, it could be a season defining moment for the Bulls who lose back-to-back games in South Africa for the first time since 2011.
So the final result is the Hurricanes 17 defeating the Bulls 13.
Match Preview
The Bulls are licking their wounds from a defeat last time out, and it won’t get any easier as they look to defend their fortress against a Hurricanes side aiming for a second consecutive win on South African soil. Join us live on The Roar for commentary and live scores from 4:10am AEDT.
Injuries to the Bulls have weakened their line-up, with Arno Botha and prop Werner Kruger out, which forces a reshuffle of the Bulls forward pack.
Where there is some woe there is a bit of joy with captain Pierre Spies returning to the starting line-up. JJ Engelbrecht will also take his place in the side after avoiding suspension following a dangerous tackle last weekend.
Ma’a Nonu will add some spice to the midfield pairing for the Hurricanes, coming in at inside centre for Ray Lee-Lo in the only change for the Hurricanes following their win last week.
Matches between these two franchises have been shared quite evenly with the Bulls leading the head-to-head count 9-8, but recently they have won four of the last five. In their only game last year the Hurricanes defeated the Bulls 25-20 and at Loftus Versfeld their record stands at 3-5 with their last win coming in 2008.
The Bulls’ defeat to the Stormers last week was their first loss at Loftus since 2013, they managed to get close despite trailing 17-5 at halftime, but it was a bridge too far and the Bulls faded late.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes were impressive winning 22-8 in Johannesburg. They held the Lions scoreless after the break despite a lack of possession. Beauden Barrett missed both conversions but his boot was crucial with four penalties.
This came could hinge on the centre match-up between Jan Serfontein and Ma’a Nonu; both stars in their own right, whoever can dominate this battle will give their side an edge.
One of the important stats heading into this game is that the Bulls’ loss last week ended an eight-match winning streak at home, but with that said they haven’t lost back-to-back games at home since early 2011.
If the Hurricanes can control the Bulls’ monster pack they have the firepower to win this one.
Prediction: Hurricanes by 5.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.