Bonus-point win for Bulls
The Bulls continued their late-season revival on Saturday as they claimed all five points in their 32-21 win over the Cheetahs at Loftus.
Last Updated: 28/05/11 9:05pm
The Bulls continued their late-season revival in Super Rugby on Saturday as they claimed all five points in a 32-21 victory over the Cheetahs at Loftus.
Danie Rossouw and Ashley Johnson each crossed on two occasions, standing tall in what was by no means the most entertaining match of the weekend.
Johnson's second try of the night was scored under the uprights and came in the 65th minute when his side had already been reduced to 14 men.
Cheetahs loosehead prop Coenie Oosthuizen had earlier been sin-binned for tackling Bulls full-back Zane Kirchner in the air.
The Bulls won this match at the line-outs where skipper Victor Matfield reigned supreme over Martin Muller.
They stole no less than five balls from the set piece and were also in uncompromising mood at the scrums where Werner Kruger and Dean Greyling took charge of proceedings.
The Bulls' front row neutralised several of the more powerful weapons in the Free State armoury, while some outstanding cover defence ensured that the visiting side remained scoreless until the 52nd minute.
In the first half, the Bulls struck early with a superb try by wing Bjorn Basson, but could only add three more points, courtesy of a Morne Steyn penalty to enjoy a 11-0 lead at half-time.
While Johnson again delivered a performance which would have impressed the Springbok selectors, it was Rossouw's brute strength at the contact area which put his side on the front foot. That Rossouw is still starting off the bench is a mystery.
And although there were a few occasions where the brilliance of the Ebersohn brothers shone for the Cheetahs, one of the most important moments of the match came courtesy of scrumhalf Francois Hougaard who scored the bonus point try after the full-time siren had sounded.
This win has put the Bulls right back into the Super Rugby race after a very disappointing start to the season.
The Bulls are currently placed seventh on the combined Super Rugby table with 45 points and face the sixth-placed Waratahs in Pretoria next week.
