I watched the game to see what we can learn frm it - and it showed somethings very interesting. In the first half the Bulls had 62% possession yetthey trailed by 13 points to 9 at halftime. The Griquas backline scored the only spectacular comverted try of the half with a very constructive move in which they completely bewildered the defensding Bulls players. Their other points came from a penalty and drop goal
On the other side - despite the 62% possiesion - the Bulls managed to convert three penaties. Most of the possession was nullified by donkey kick after donkey kick - and also in a few cases by handling errors. There must have been somes erious talk to the offenders during the break - and there was a noticeable diference in playing style resulting in the Bulls winning the game convincingly. No more donkey kicks and more construvive attacks through skilful play and the result was there for everyone to see.
The other issue of note was when Werner Kruger came on in the second half. Scrummaging became nightarish and it is clear that he is still - even on CC level - useless in the extreme.
Jan Serfontein came on very late in the second half and he was given no opportunities to show his flare. It is still a mystery to me. The Junior Player of the year in 2011 - Aaron Cruden - played Super 15 rugby and was even in the All Black team - but the Player of the Year for 2012 is not even utilized properly on CC-level by the Bulls. What is going on - do we have such a large talent pool that that could be allowed?
