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Bakkies Botha - Source: Photosport -
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In another Super 14 rugby result of cricket proportions, a
rampant Bulls team was too clinical and powerful for the
Highlanders in running up a 50-35 win at Loftus Versveld stadium,
Pretoria, on Sunday morning.
It was the third half-century of the season by the Bulls in what
was a 12-try romp that saw a brave come-back attempt in the second
half by the Highlanders. Visiting skipper Jamie MacIntosh admitted
to Supersport Television after the game that in the early stages
his side "was staring down the barrel of 100 points" but he was
proud of the way his team fought back to score three second-half
tries.
Enterprising fullback Israel Dagg was outstanding in snaring a
hat-trick of tries from incisive running.
The Bulls went into the match as overwhelming favourites, and lead
by No 8 Pierre Spies, the clinical forward pack provided the
platform for its backline to make full use of the ball.
The imbalance of power between the two teams was further emphasised
by the absence of two of the Highlanders' most influential players,
the curfew-breaking Adam Thompson and Michael Hobbs, who had been
stood down for disciplinary reasons by the visitors'
management.
The Highlanders started promisingly enough but reality set in when
Bulls hooker Gary Botha ran in the first of five first-half home
tries, the best being a brilliant individual effort by fledgling
wing Gerhard van der Heever.
The onslaught was assisted by some porous Highlanders
defence.
Against the tide, Dagg answered with two tries himself in the first
40 minutes, but by the break the Bulls had a 36-14 lead.
The Highlanders rejigged their line-up with the Southland
contingent of Jason Rutledge, James Hardie and Robbie Robinson,
who, along with Hayden Triggs, brought new life into their
ranks.
The early try to flanker Tim Boys was a signal for a much-improved
second-half performance.
But the Bulls' points advantage was too great to peg back and the
high veldt team proved they are front-runners to retain their title
from last season.
Bulls 50
( Gary Botha, Francois Hougaard (2), Gerhard van den
Heever, Wynand Olivier, Pierre Spies (2) Tries; Morne Steyn 6
Conversions:Steyn. Penalty:
Highlanders (Israel Dagg (3), Tim Boys Tries); Matthew
Berquist (3), Dagg (2). Conversions)
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