The Crusaders make the trip to South Africa looking to extend their undefeated streak against a Bulls side on a winning run of their own. Catch the live scores on The Roar from 1:15am (AEST).
The Crusaders are now nine from nine in 2017 and have continued racking up victories long after the last undefeated side went down.
They’re averaging just shy of 40 points a game and are coming off the back of a big win over the Cheetahs in Round 10 where they fell just two short of bringing up the half century on the scoreboard.
Interestingly, despite having not lost a game and being the title favourite, they’re coming second in the New Zealand Conference leading into this game.
The Chiefs blistering win over the Reds this week has put them one-point clear of the ‘Saders with nine wins from ten games.
The Crusaders need just a losing bonus point to reclaim top spot thanks to their points difference, but it shows how tight the New Zealand battle is at the moment for that leading finals position.
For the Bulls, they have bounced back from a three-game losing streak, including a massive upset loss to the Sunwolves, with a short two-match run of victories leading into the bye last week.
This will be their third of four home games in a row as they currently sit second in the Africa 1 Conference.
They are a long way behind them though in the battle for very few finals spots, needing to make up a 12-point deficit to eclipse them in top spot.
There isn’t a lot to work with in terms of recent history, with their last fixture coming back in 2015 when the Bulls got up 31-19 at home.
In fact, the ‘Saders haven’t beaten the Bulls in Pretoria in nearly a decade, losing their last five games there dating back to 2008.
Team News
Just the one change in the starting line-up for the home side this week and it is the return of former Waratahs Super Rugby champion Jacques Potgieter.
The 31-year-old returns from a lengthy injury layoff to play his first game at flanker since joining the Bulls for his second stint. His reintroduction has pushed Jannes Kirsten onto the bench.
For the Crusaders, coach Scott Robertson has made a pair of changes in the forwards and backs.
Mitch Drummond comes in at halfback in place of Bryn Hall as those two continue to rotate the No.9 position, while Ryan Crotty has been moved to the bench to make space for Tim Bateman at inside centre.
In the forwards, record-breaking Super Rugby veteran Wyatt Crockett has been given the starting jumper in the front row, replacing Joe Moody who moves to the reserves.
Luke Romano is the final addition, slotting in at lock to round out the 15.
Prediction
There’s a reason that the Crusaders remain undefeated so far into the season and it’s difficult to see the Bulls being the ones to bring that to an end, despite being at home.
The up and down form of the South Africans will be no match for the ‘Saders.
Crusaders to win by 19
That is also fine, however the questionbegs why should they withdraw from internationals if they withdraw from super rugby?
cuw
Guest
he did well to keep up with Jack Goodhue and get over despite the attentions of a fullback :) because of Dane Coles , now every hooker wants to run like the wind LOL
cuw
Guest
if i remember correct the Bulls 2nd rowers played in under 20 tournament in 2016 or 2015. the sad part is , unless there is a spate of injuries they will not get to play for saffers - given there are PSDT , LDJ , Moster competing play with Eben.
Old Bugger
Guest
Oh and who could ever forget the Saders reserve hooker Makalio....his try, was the epitome of a well rounded, over sized dumpster truck running at full speed, catching a pass with one hand and burning off the opposition, over a final 20m dash for his try. That's what rugby is all about and why players, of all shapes and sizes, can play this game if, they apply themselves. Well done Andrew.....your effort IMO, just convinced a lot of youngsters out there that they don't have to be as big as Brodie Retallick, as fast as Beauden Barrett, as deceptive as TJ Perenara or as menacing as Jerome Kaino ......just a youngster, who has the temerity to dream, when everyone else is saying, you don't deserve to play because you have neither, the right shape or size. That's what dreams are for......and scoring a try like that, is the icing, on the cake.
Mark
Guest
They'd have to withdraw from Internationals as well then...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
You are assuming a lot. ...NZ will always have 5 teams,SA are only good 4 teams at best...
WEST
Roar Guru
Great win by Crusaders!! Bulls looked terrible. 10 wins from 10 for the Crusaders is very impressive, It was the most points the Bulls have conceded at their Loftus Versfeld stronghold in 130 matches, and was also the highest tally the Crusaders have scored in any away match. The Crusaders unbeaten streak could be threatened next week in Christchurch there they'll face the defending champion Hurricanes.
Bob
Guest
While I agree with everyone about Australian and South African teams poor performances. Remember these were sides that did play well years ago. There is always hope that they will improve. I have a foot in both camps Aus and RSA and I am sure we have the talent to one day bring it to NZ. (maybe a long wait) The heads of our governing bodies need a real shake up. Until this happens keep watching the NZ teams win
DavSA
Guest
The bulls Biltong Bek are not reflection of SA rugby , that is an insult to us all . They are a disgrace in their own right. I watched the first 10 min and saw Strauss at the mall having zero interest in commuting. He too is a rank disgrace to the jersey and must go . But he and Nollis Marais should hang their collective heads in shame at what they have done to one of the most proud rugby unions on the planet.... Without any further doubt the bulls must dissolve... The Kings must be back in SR next year.. And if anyone questions this my answer is look at the crowd. There own have said no more.
Kaizer
Roar Rookie
Their is New Zealand Rugby, the great Pacific Ocean, Antarctica, Lord Howe Island to Perth and then there is South Africa and Australian Rugby (exception of Lions). The canyon between them and the rest of us is unbelievable. In the space of me going to the fridge to get a beer and make a cheese and ham toasted sandwich, the Crusaders score three tries.
taylorman
Guest
Ha ha, oh well we can forgive him this one. Must say I've never seen a SA side take the field being told not to tackle. The missed count must surely be a record. Bulls are playing touch out there.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
When The Roar staff arrive at the office at 9 am I fear they will discover Connor Bennett slumped over his keyboard asleep, having completely missed his obligation as thread leader to guide readers through the intricacies of this match - which team was ahead from time to time, who might create the turning point for the other team, possible man of the match arguably on paper, how the result might pan out - that sort of thing.
This is becoming seriously embarrassing, South Afriva should withdraw from Super Rugby, There is no pride left.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
I forgot the Crusaders' expectation that the first few minutes of every second half shall be set aside to pay homage to, to honour, the rugby try. Echo, echo, echo ....
MH01
Guest
Damn v super rugby has become boring. Miss the days of Super 12, when it was an actual competition. Just take 2x SA teams and 4X NZ teams and just go straight to the finals. These one sided matches are not helping the comp/code
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Some things in rugby do not change. There is the Bulls' "locks policy" - if you do not scone yourself on the door lintel as you pass through you're not in with a chance for selection. Then there is the Crusaders' "just about everything policy" - it hasn't been updated since Con Barrell took the field. One is expected to pass truly, to catch reliably, to tackle properly all the time, to back up always, and to switch instantaneously from disciplined defence to scintillating attack. Backs are all expected to be as clever as Aaron Mauger and everyone is required to be composed at all times.