The Vodacom Blue Bulls are back in contention for a spot in the Vodacom Cup final after a fine 50-29 victory over die log leaders, the Valke, in Brakpan on Saturday.
The Blue Bulls have to win all their remaining matches to have a chance of playing in the final and the highest hurdle was the Valke. The Blue Bulls’ remaining matches are against the lower placed teams in the competition, while the leaders still have to play each other, which will count in the Blue Bulls’ favour.
The Wildebeest look certain of a place in the final, with a race ensuing for second place between the Blue Bulls, Cavaliers and Valke. The Valke are two points ahead of the Blue Bulls and the Cavaliers are two points behind the Blue Bulls, but they still have a game in hand.
Of the Blue Bulls’ remaining opponents, the seventh-placed WP is the highest on the log. The Valke and Cavaliers still have to play each other, however, and this match could decide the fate of the teams. At this stage it would seem as if bonus points will play a huge role.
The Blue Bulls, who fielded a very inexperienced side due to injuries, produced a sparkling performance from their young backline and all but one of the backs dotted down. The brilliant individual tries by Marius Delport and Len Olivier especially will be remembered for some time to come. The backs were given the perfect platform by the pack, who created the win by neutralising the Valke’s strong forwards.
Points:
Vodacom Blue Bulls: Tries: Len Olivier, Hennie Daniller, Marius Delport, Curlian Genis, Neil Powell, Luvuyo Mhlobiso. Conversions: Olivier (4). Penalties: Olivier (3). Drop Goal: Olivier.
Valke: Tries: Brendan April, Jacques Nieuwenhuis, Sarel Pretorius, Jan Cloete. Conversions: Riaan Viljoen (3). Penalties: Viljoen.