Crusaders vs Bulls: Super Rugby live scores

23rd March, 2018

The enigmatic, yet frustratingly inconsistent Bulls, continue their Australasian tour when they meet the Crusaders in Christchurch in a bumper Round 6 clash. Join The Roar for live scores from the match 5:35pm AEDT.

Round 6 kicks off with the Bulls, who gave the Chiefs a mighty shake-up before being beaten late, meeting the heavily fancied Crusaders in New Zealand.

The odds reflect not only the history of this fixture, but also the frustrating nature in which John Mitchell’s Bulls outfit haven’t been able to close out games they could, and probably should, win.

Last week against the Chiefs they led by two converted tries at oranges, before changing their entire game plan, and changing their attack-oriented play into defence. In the first half, Kriel, Gelant and Roussouw would look to counter-attack and keep ball in hand, and they scored four impressive five-pointers.

After the break, it was as though they were keen to protect a lead that wasn’t nearly sizeable enough to do so. Kicking the ball back to the Chiefs allowed for counter-attack after counter-attack, and they were run down to lose by 13.

That makes it two straight defeats on this tour, and they’ll be desperate to nab a victory this evening. Embrose Papier returns at scrumhalf, whilst Hanro Liebenberg shifts to the openside of the scrum; Tim Agaba taking his place from last start at number 8. The tight five is unchanged but for Jason Jenkins, who starts in the second row.

For the Crusaders, the big news is the return of Ryan Crotty from a head knock suffered two rounds ago. Mitchell’s Drummond and Hunt continue to mature as a halves combination, whilst Scott Barrett starts in the row with skipper Sam Whitelock.

Where the game will be won
As I said last week, history is a good indicator of the future. The Bulls haven’t won in NZ for five years, and the Crusaders have an immaculate record against their South African counterparts in Christchurch. Crotty’s return for the Crusaders is a huge in, and they should be strong enough

Crusaders by 15

Join The Roar for live scores from the match starting from 5:35pm AEDT.

The Crowd Says:

2018-03-24T00:11:18+00:00

Old Bugger

Guest

I agree. And I know he's an OC but, I'd like to see him havago at IC. My main reason is because after RWC 2019, I suggest both SBW and Crotty will move on and with ALB and recently Reiko Ioane looking at OC, I think it would be short sighted of both the Saders and AB camps, to have 3 talented players all challenging, for the same position.

2018-03-24T00:05:24+00:00

Old Bugger

Guest

I admit I'm no expert but, I'm getting worried about Crotty's continuing HIA problems. This is the third match (I think) where he's had to undergo an HIA test this season. If we take into account his problems he had last year, then the trend he's exhibiting, doesn't look very good IMO. He's a key player in the ABs scheme of plans now and next year for the RWC so I believe, it is incumbent upon the AB coaches and medical team to look at Crotty's position, under these serious problems. This SR season is only into Rd 4/5 with a long way to go to the GF and the June test window, also to happen. The Saders and ABs do not need Crotty to go down with HIA symptoms similarly suffered by both Charlie Ngatai and Reggie Goodes. They both spent long periods of time on the sidelines recovering eventually leading Goodes, to pull the pin and retire. I know Crotty is a team player in both camps and for anyone to ask him to take things a bit easier, would be akin to asking Shag to dump him.....neither scenario, would occur. But, if he suffers another setback, then I'd hate to think that he'd be sat on the sideline, for the rest of this season and next season.

2018-03-23T19:43:25+00:00

lassitude

Guest

I've now seen enough of Goodhue to think he's a genuine long term All Black. Excellent awareness and skills and strength - even a kicking game.

2018-03-23T14:06:06+00:00

Harry Jones

Expert

The Bulletjies are out of bullets. Empty tactics. Empty holster. So ... it’s Lions and Stormers ...

2018-03-23T09:43:28+00:00

The Neutral View From Sweden

Roar Guru

A couple of questions to the Bulls: 1. Ever heard of the concept of slowing down the ball for the opponents? 2. Ever heard of the concept wet weather rugby? 3. Ever heard of the concept of focusing on getting the basics right? 4. Ever heard of the concept of actually tackle with some intent and grit around the goal line?

2018-03-23T09:31:10+00:00

Gepetto

Guest

The Bulls are the dumbest in the comp. 15 minutes on tne Saders tryline at the start and no points. No one is organising the attack... sack the coach!

2018-03-23T08:18:09+00:00

moaman

Guest

Awful.

2018-03-23T08:16:53+00:00

Machpants

Roar Guru

For the Bulls and Boks I'm very disappointed with Pollard's performance, Saders grind out the win in a very Bok like manner

2018-03-23T08:07:54+00:00

Utterly pathetic defence

2018-03-23T08:02:21+00:00

With defence that flat a little grubber or chip in behind can do wonders