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Morne Steyn (Gallo Images)
Morne steyn Enduring courage was on display once again at Loftus on Saturday night when his unerring boot proved decisive in the Bulls ‘ 40-13 victory over him Cheetahs.
The 36-year-old perennial center made all six of his shots on goal to ensure his team strengthened its position at the top of the Currie Cup record.
In addition, Steyn kicked magnificently out of control, particularly in the first half as the hosts battled for territorial advantage and would have capped off their afternoon with the neat chip that saw inside center Cornal Hendricks cross the lime, only for television replays prove it. he was leading the kick.
That indiscretion was a bit disheartening given that it would have kept the Bulls out of sight, but they wouldn’t have to wait too long to eventually do so, as Steyn’s replacement Chris Smith pounced on a one-inning turnover. brilliant downloaded from leftist Marco Jansen van Vuren.
It was the cherry on top for Jake White’s troops, who showed their pedigree of champions by scoring 27 unanswered points in the second half against a determined, albeit outgunned, opponent.
They did it by playing the percentages better, relentlessly harassing the Cheetahs line-out and taking advantage of the indiscipline of the visitors.
Locked at 13 at halftime, the infusion of substitutes Ivan van Zyl, Ruan Nortje and Nizaam Carr made a perceptible difference as the latter two had an immediate impact on the scrum that ultimately led to winger Marco van Staden’s first attempt. at Minute 51.
It was the platform they needed to take control.
Previously, the Cheetahs rebounded from a splendid breakout opening attempt by the Bulls for scrum-half Embrose Papier to provide spirited resistance.
Loosehead Boan Venter made life a pittance for Marcel van der Merwe, who was struggling at home, and was ignominiously replaced after just 33 minutes.
Their unconditional defensive effort also caused the Bulls to get stuck in their own half and appear in a position for a surprise when their scrum led to a try by elevated middle Reinhardt Fortuin.
But they didn’t have the class or precision to make something tangible out of that platform.
Scorers:
Bulls – 40 (13)
Attempts: Marco van Staden (2), Embrose Papier, Chris Smith
Conversion: Morne Steyn (2), Smith (2)
Penalties: Steyn (4)
Cheetahs – 13 (13)
Test: Reinhardt Fortuin
Conversion: Frans Steyn
Penalties: Steyn (2)
