The Vodacom Bulls’ destiny in the Super 12 is in their own hands for the first time in the tournament after a 23-17 victory over the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
This victory means that the Bulls now move into the top four after the Highlanders and the Blues lost their games over the weekend. This means that the Bulls can win their match against the Stormers in Pretoria next Saturday without a bonus point and still qualify for the semis. This lends a new dimension to the match and it is not surprising that the tickets have already been sold out.
The Bulls hardly had things going their way against the Sharks and although they appeared the stronger side, the home side must be commended for the fighting spirit shown by the disrupted team.
Victor Matfield was without doubt the Bulls biggest star and it was his try in the second half that gave the Bulls the momentum they needed. Until that stage the Sharks were in the lead and it started to look like they may cause an upset.
The Bulls’ coach, Heyneke Meyer, often remarks that he will take a victory, no matter how ugly it is. The four log points secured from the match are indeed invaluable, but the amount of mistakes the Bulls made means that a lot of homework must be done ahead of the Stormers game. In the past, the Bulls would have lost matches like the one against the Sharks, but the ability to win when your are not at your best is the sign of a champion.
