The Chiefs are fresh off a bye, and will be looking to hand the Bulls a second straight loss after their defeat to the Queensland Reds last start. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match starting from 5:35pm AEDT.
Round 5 kicks off with the rested Chiefs tackling the battered and bruised Bulls outfit that will be desperate for redemption after their last start performance.
Brad Thorns’ Reds defeated the Bulls thanks to their superior set piece and immense defensive tenacity last week – and that’s something that Bulls coach John Mitchell will need to sort out, and sort out quickly, if they’re to push the Chiefs away from home tonight.
In team news for the Bulls, skipper Burger Odendaal returns at inside centre, whilst Divan Rossouw assumes his position on the left wing. No.8 Nic De Jager is injured, which sees Hanro Liebenberg pack down at the back of the scrum.
On the other side of the coin, the Chiefs will be looking to continue their good recent form, their 27-21 win over the Blues in round three was impressive.
Angus Ta’avao starts in the front row, whilst Damian McKenzie and Tiaan Falcon swap the 10 and 15 jerseys, with McKenzie taking up his place fullback. Liam Messam plays No.8, and Lachlan Boshier shifts to blindside flanker.
Prediction
History is a good indicator of the future. The Bulls haven’t won in NZ for five years, and they don’t have the attacking weapons to deal with the Chiefs firepower – particularly out wide. I think it’ll be closer than many predict, but expect the Chiefs to win their second on the trot tonight.
Chiefs by 12
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 5:35pm AEDT.
Highlander
Guest
Was a nice win OB, and feeling your injury pain, this time last year we were 15 injured from 34 - Love the no name forwards big effort - awesome Huge heart ' But Cane and Retallick - different class
Old Bugger
Guest
haha - reminds me of a bits and pieces pack from down south that piled on the huge efforts every week a couple of seasons ago except, they were the same pack from the previous year......just unheard of. I wonder how that southern pack, would've behaved if they lost their 5 top props, a lock and both No8's before having to scratch around the country, for replacements that couldn't even receive, an SR contract at season's start?? If the tutu fits then I'm happy if that scrapes a win - I guess, that's why they're called princesses or do you think its ballerinas??
Taylorman
Guest
No, but they do say NZ style, often. Tis what it is.
Missed the possible yellow card, but regardless of refereeing errors the SA teams need to be good enough to win by overcoming controversial decisions. I am tired of blaming referees when the SA teams make poor errors in judgement themselves. It is time to rise beyond the quotas, referee errors, excuses etc. Most of all I am just tired of seeing them lose. If it is worth playing the sport you might as well start learning how to win.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Agreed, BB. I wrote the Bulls off after their poor effort last week against the Reds. Not any more and they will be dangerous once they get it right for 70-80 minutes. They were unlucky as the Chiefs deserved a YC in the 1st half.
riddler
Guest
mate you have to support your team, even if your head knows that it is a fool's errand..
Fionn
Guest
Hahaha, I'm lucky I don't bet on rugby the way I always tip the Brumbies...
riddler
Guest
i will indeedy, can't wait... it always goes far too quickly these 2 months.. love the 6 nations.. i think the english will do a number on the paddies though would be great for them to get only their 3rd slam.. france will revert to type.. and the jocks will be too strong.. but i am pants.. had 6 bets at the start of the comp.. 5 were out of the money after the first weekend.. i am crap!!
Fionn
Guest
Cheers mate, I'll try and check it out :) Going to watch the 6N this weekend?
riddler
Guest
fionn on a complete side note.. watch an amazon prime series called 'all or nothing' it is about the arizona cardinals 2015 season.. 8 episodes.. surprisingly enjoyable and interesting.. if you do watch it.. would like to get your take-aways from it.. sorry.. anyone else if they are interested.. not just fionn, all i would welcome some views/input..
Harry
Guest
Great game but Bulls very hard done by from the refs.
Taylorman
Guest
Agree, they were fun to watch too, some top notch tries out wide.
Faith
Guest
I said that this will be a tight game. NZ teams stay warned about an S.A Kiwi coached team - Mitch knows how to play against YOU. That could have easily been a 2nd scalp by the Bulls over an NZ team. A yellow card in the first half to the Chiefs and that's all she wrote. Watch this space - Bulls will probably beat another NZ team at home. And I think that they will really grow into the comp. They need to build theit fitness. Next up for the Bulls - the injury-depleted Saders ...
Lara
Guest
That was headhunting ,right up there with Kefu head shots.
Lara
Guest
Cracker game. Bulls deserves points , Chiefs can count themselves lucky.
Thedarknessfan
Guest
Rugby is a 80 minute game. The first 60 minutes is a kiwi ploy to keep people watching rugby.The last 20 minutes is the natural order of things being restored. Passion only gets you half a game., makes for interesting commentry though.
Sean
Guest
Seems like our Saffa boys can also play for only 40 minutes and 80+.Bulls does look a lot fitter than in previous years. Retallick a standout performer for the Chiefs,world class player.Bulls scrummy(Papier)had a good game,but then too many passengers in their squad overall imho.
Fionn
Guest
The Chiefs just stopped committing penalties. Thought it was silly to kick for the corner at about the 50th min mark when they had that penalty from out in front about 40m out.
Reds did well last week, but I can’t help thinking the Bulls are contributing to their demise. Both matches the Bulls go into a lead, but then somehow loses control of territory and possession. Only to be caught and beaten. I personally think Pollard is not taking the control he should. It seems once he is into it he forgets the fundamentals to control the match
Cal
Guest
Chiefs lucky with the obstruction call and bulls lucky with the yellow...easy red these days. Geez Retallick is such a machine. Good on you bulls..deserved to be closer with that effort