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Morne Steyn, whom new Bulls coach Jake White calls his “general,” had the last word with his penalty ensuring the Bulls win but not preventing the Griquas from taking an extra losing point.
The Bulls beat the Griquas 30-23 on the second day of South Africa Super Rugby unlocked on October 10, 2020. Image: Twitter / @ SuperRugby
PRETORIA – A strong finish allowed the Bulls to beat the Griquas 30-23 in Pretoria on Saturday on the second day of South Africa’s Super Rugby Unblocked after an unexpectedly close match.
The Bulls have been among the ‘big four’ of South African rugby with the Lions, Sharks and Stormers for decades, while the Griquas’ only major trophy came 50 years ago.
But the hosts took 63 minutes to get ahead, through a penalty by 36-year-old former South African midfielder Morne Steyn, behind closed doors at Loftus Versfeld due to the coronavirus.
A try by substitute captain and weak forward Arno Botha stretched the lead to nine points before the Griquas responded with a second try from winger James Verity-Amm.
Steyn, whom new Bulls coach Jake White calls his “general,” had the last word with his penalty ensuring the Bulls’ victory but not preventing the Griquas from taking an extra losing point.
Super Rugby Unlocked | Bulls v Griquas – Round 1 Summary
It wasn’t easy, but the @BlueBullsRugby found a way, shaking a determined @GriquasRugby Saturday night in Pretoria.#SuperRugby #SuperRugbyUnlocked #BULvGRI pic.twitter.com/HwQ9omItDV
– Super Rugby / TRC (@SuperRugby) October 10, 2020
“I’m happy with the victory, but not with the way we did it,” said Botha, one of many new hires made by 2007 Rugby World Cup winner Coach White when he took office last March.
“We lacked discipline in the breakdowns during the first half and we all need to see a recording of this game and study where we did not execute the game plan correctly.
“Morne’s (Steyn) experience was a key factor for us and I don’t think this guy is going to get old.”
Back in Pretoria after six years with Stade Francais, the French Top 14 team, Steyn contributed 13 points from two conversions and three penalties after missing his first shot on goal.
‘UNACCEPTABLE’
Griquas’ half-high captain George Whitehead also noted a lack of discipline and was self-critical after being sent off in 53 minutes.
“Getting a yellow card was unacceptable,” he admitted. “One of my tasks as captain is to set a good example for my teammates and I clearly failed.
“No one gave us a chance before the game and I’m proud to have raced the Bulls close. Our goal is to compete in this competition and not just participate.”
Steyn’s cunning aside, the Bulls were indebted to their scrum, which made life increasingly uncomfortable for the Griquas.
North Cape Town’s team Kimberley built a 10-point lead only to grant an extra time attempt to block Ruan Nortje and change the level to 10-10.
An Anthony Volmink try helped the homeless lead 18-10 before a penalty try triggered a Bulls comeback that gave them a victory they deserved.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Jaer scored three attempts and fellow winger Rosco Specman two for the Cheetahs to clinch a 53-31 victory over the Pumas in Bloemfontein.
In a two-half game, the home side averaged one point per minute in the first to take a 41-3 lead at halftime against overwhelmed opponents.
But Mbombela’s (formerly Nelspruit) team was much more competitive after a half-time beating from coach Jimmy Stonehouse.
The Pumas outscored the Cheetahs four to two in the second half with the home team temporarily trapped by trash from replacement hooker Louis van der Westhuizen.
A clearer picture of the capabilities of a Cheetahs team skippered by former Springbok running back Ruan Pienaar should emerge next weekend when they host the Bulls.
On Friday, the Sharks edged the Lions 19-16 in Durban in the opening game, and the Stormers stacked with Springbok said goodbye.
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