Match Result
What a game high scoring and high skilled, if you wanted an exhibition of rugby that was it, hard hitting and no nonsense. Scrums were clean and over with quickly.
Pollard and Lambie were superb with their kicking with both finishing the game with a perfect record, Kriel and Marais were good in the first half but didn’t get involved in the second half.
Labuschagne got through a mountain of work, two questionable tries to the Bulls may have the Sharks feeling a little funny about this game in one they probably should’ve won, but that’s Rugby and sometimes it doesn’t go your way.
Bulls are on the board in 2015. No losing bonus point for the Sharks will hurt as well.
Bulls 43 defeat The Sharks 35
Match Preview
The Sharks and Bulls meet in a heavy-weight encounter that could go a long way to deciding the pecking order in South Africa’s conference this year. Join us for live scores and commentary from 1:55am AEDT.
The Bulls started this season with consecutive defeats at home for the first time since 2011. If they lose tonight it will be the first time since 2005 that the Pretoria side has lost its first three games of the season.
This game could really come down to controlling the ball, with the Bulls giving an astonishing 34 turnovers in two games. The Sharks however aren’t much better, turning the ball over 33 times. The Bulls’ Pieter Labuschagne has laid the most tackles in Super Rugby this year with 38.
The Bulls will be lamenting last week’s game against the Hurricanes as one that got away from them. Grant Hattingh had a chance to score the winning try late but his left hand slid out of play. Some have argued he should have been carrying the ball in his other arm but what’s done is done.
I’m excited to see what Jesse Kriel can produce after showing glimpses of brilliance last week against the Hurricanes. It was his second half that was quiet, but he showed that he could take the next step in becoming a Springbok if he continues that sort of play.
Meanwhile, the Sharks were clinical against a side tipped by many to be the cellar dwellers of the competition in 2015, the Lions. Marcel Coetzee was most damaging, scoring two tries to take an equal lead in the competition’s try-scoring category.
Expect a close game here with four of the last six matches between the two being decided by five points or fewer. However the Bulls have won seven of the last ten meetings between these two.
If the Bulls do win expect it to be close, with their last 12 wins over the Sharks being single figure wins.
Prediction
The Bulls won’t want to lose three in a row at home to start the season; that’s enough motivation to get them the win here.
Bulls by 5.
Koos
Guest
The best feedback ever. Pitty that despite all the additional eyes and technology the referees still get it wrong. Maybe one has to ask who is mentoring them.
Harry Jones
Expert
Yes, he could've played vs Lions if absolutely necessary but still had pectoral pain. I think he will be active for Sharks game--maybe ARG lock Manuel Carizza too. Also, the adorable Schalk Burger flies back from Japan tomorrow. So there is some more abrasion... Thor, Burger, Carr, Kolisi in the loosies... This will be a smash mouth match
RobC
Roar Guru
Eben is back next week?
Harry Jones
Expert
Bismarck fights with everyone Watch next week at Newlands.... Etzebeth vs Bismarck
Nese Nese
Guest
hi do you know the result for the 1st half
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
What a game that was! But seriously how on earth can 4 refs including one sitting in front of a telly not see the pass was forward! Meyer may have to call a meeting with victor and Bismarck before the next boks camp.
Jan Greeff
Guest
Without detracting from the Bulls' display, tonights match was a pathetic display of ineptitude by what should be experienced match officials. The pass in the lead up to the Bulls' first try went forward by at least two metres but the TV referee adjudged that the hands did not move forward in the pass. As far as I am aware the rules stipulate that the BALL may not move forward from the pass, it has nothing to do with what the hands are perceived to have done. There was much more doubt about the ball being knocked when the Sharks scored, but it was nevertheless adjudged that the Sharks had knocked the ball. The last Bulls try was another shambles; after the Bulls forward had lost the ball forward near the line, it was knocked further forward by a Sharks hand and then the try was awarded - ridiculous. The game could have been won by the Sharks by a big margin had the rub of the green gone the other way, professional refereeing is called for in a professional game.
twit
Guest
TMO may be looking for a new hobbie
RobC
Roar Guru
what a win Bulls. Running game starting to click. Scrums neutral (except the odd Jannie collapse), lending to running Rugby Sharks: - Some LO steals, some stolen. sigh - tonne of tackles, missed 1 in 5. - not enough possession Bulls: - Some LO steals, some stolen. sigh - Lot of runs, lot of points - Good punchy runs, winning collisions Halves from both sides were excellent. TMO not really
Moreton Bait
Roar Pro
Great game to watch as a neutral. Tough and skilful. Great kicking games from hand and tee. But I disagree that it's "rugby" to accept a loss and loss of a bonus point under these circumstances. TMOs are supposed to make more accurate decisions to provide fairer outcomes. Sharks were robbed of at least a bonus point, if not the win. That TMO performance was based upon either discrimination or incompetence, both of which are unacceptable and SANZAR reviewing officials should act accordingly.
RobC
Roar Guru
cheers Brent. Have a good rest!
RobC
Roar Guru
Second favour to the Bulls by the TMO. This one denies Sharks a bonus point
RobC
Roar Guru
100%. Thanks Brent!
JT
Guest
honestly why does a rookie ref, make his debut in this game. Not too surprised to see he's schooled in Waterkloof and studied at Tukkies
Harry Jones
Expert
Lappies 15 tackles 0 misses 11 carries Just another day at the office
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Thanks mate good to see there is plenty out there who appreciate Lappies as much as I do! :D
Harry Jones
Expert
Great blogging BF
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Cheers all! Good to see the Bulls get on the board, plenty of talent and their season is back on track.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time What a game high scoring and high skilled, if you wanted an exhibition of rugby that was it, hard hitting and no nonsense. Scrums were clean and over with quickly. Pollard and Lambie were superb with their kicking with both finishing the game with a perfect record, Kriel and Marais were good in the first half but didn't get involved in the second half. Labuschagne got through a mountain of work, two questionable tries to the Bulls may have the Sharks feeling a little funny about this game in one they probably should've won, but that's Rugby and sometimes it doesn't go your way. Bulls are on the board in 2015. No losing bonus point for the Sharks will hurt as well. Bulls 43 defeat The Sharks 35 Bulls 43 - Sharks 35
Sharks will feel aggrieved with this result, two questionable tries by the bulls, but an entertaining game nonetheless