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.
Vic
Guest
Yes, just hope the same applies to Australian and NZ refs in Aus and NZ - it is not a problem only encountered in SA. And the solution is not to unfairly advantage the away team.
Digby
Roar Guru
Fair enough.
Johnno
Guest
Canes still might step up and beat the Force in Perth next week. 2-dream wins on the road in South Africa, then they will throw the kitchen sink at the Force and give it everything as they know, they have the bye the week after so 2-weeks off. Season set up nicely for them, no more big road trips, after next week only 1 more week of travel in OZ, Where as other teams still have to do complete there SA road trip.
nickoldschool
Guest
Peter and digger, I don't base my impressions on stats. What I am saying is that last week and today I had the impression the saffa team hosting a non saffa team was hard done by. That's it. Of course it is subjective but when I watch a game and I think 'wow, those guys were unlucky there' after a few times I tend to think something isn't right perhaps.
PeterK
Roar Guru
NOS - Just outright conjecture and speculation that SARU have been warned, no evidence what so ever. It is good to see more neutral refs in games, exactly what we have been asking for. It should be every game.
Digby
Roar Guru
Canes certainly had the run this morning Nick but against the Lions? They conceded 13 to the lions 9? I lamented their lack of discipline last week and they were rightly pinged. Really not sure what you were seeing there?
Nick I am beginning to care less and less, let them do whatever suits them.
Well PeterK, it doesn't matter, it is what it is, the comp has little credibility anyway, so if it makes some people happy some of the time then so be it.
PeterK
Roar Guru
where did I say it was all. In fact I stated it in singular ie in sa with a sa ref. Not in in sa with sa REFS. It was 2 SA refs IMO last year in multiple games.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Oh my bad hadnt paid attention. Almost worst then! Still think refs officiating there have been briefed. If it continues like this it will almost be better for SA teams to play away.
Yeah, in all them, eh? Or should we be more realistic and admit it was one referee, but hey, if generalisation and payback works for you then we will go with that. That is good news for us, maybe this time we will win in the Antipodes then
PeterK
Roar Guru
the issue is NOT 50/50 calls that is why they are 50/50. It is when 20/80 ones (and 0/100) went the home teams way in sa with a sa ref.
Nick, both games were officiated by non Saffa refs. Hoffman who officiated the Lions is Australian, so is Andrew Lees who officiated this match.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Yeah I also noticed it during last week's lions match biltong but gave refs the benefit of the doubt. With what happened this morning its clear the refs are trying ' too hard ' to be impartial and are actually favoring the non saffa team. Couldnt help but think this morning that sanzar have probably warned the saru that they better make sure their refs do not favor their teams otherwise... Well, message recieved loud and clear but a bit too much for my liking.
RobC
Roar Guru
yup, HG adv seems to be the opposite this year
Yeah, I walked away from commenting, best nothing is said.
nickoldschool
Guest
Just watched.this game and although am happy the canes won can't help but think refs officiating in the republic have been briefed big time after last year early season shockers. Most 50/50 calls went for the visiting team. IMO the 2015 saffa teams don't have to pay for last year a blunders. Would be filthy if I were a bulls supporters. But canes 2/2 after their SA your is a good feeling.
RobC
Roar Guru
Bulls going for expansive game. Passes not sticking, pushing too many passes. They should hit their straps before too long
RobC
Roar Guru
Gonna catch a Gloucester Leicester replay for a bit. Suspect they dont drop the ball as much
RobC
Roar Guru
It looked out.