This was a live score update.
Preview
This could be a classic. It is a game that features the tournament’s most successful team, a side with a proven winning recipe, against the side currently on the hottest streak of the year.
The question is simple: “Will the Crusaders’ proven play-off track record be the decisive factor, or will the Bulls continue with their impressive form?”
Match detail
The question is simple: “Will the Crusaders’ proven play-off track record be the decisive factor, or will the Bulls continue with their impressive form?”
Match detail
The first half of the second semi final has had both teams kickers scoring all the points.
The Bulls have come very close to scoring tries twice but the TV ref said no.
The match is a very tight one and only a few minutes before half time the scores were level at 9 all. The Bulls Derick Hougaard kicked two penalties at the end of the half.
The Crusaders are giving away far too many penalties and have given 8 penalties away so far.
Dan Carter missed one kick at goal. Whenever Derick Hougaard kicks a penalty 53000 sing “Liefling” which is an afrikaans song meaning darling.
Habana has put a brace on his leg and may have tweaked a hamstring.
The half time score was Bulls 15 Crusaders 9
The Bulls kicked across for Akona Ndungane who would have been home and dry but he dropped the ball and tripped as he caught the ball.
The Crusaders again give a penalty away and this time it’s in front of the posts. Derick Hougaard again slots the kick and again the crowd sings Liefling.
The Bulls are keeping themselves in the Crusaders half and the Crusaders are giving penalties away like its xmas. Again Hougaard kicks it.
The Crusaders do get a penalty back and Carter slots it.
The Crusaders give another penalty, this time well into the Bulls half so Hougaard kicks for the lineout and sends the Bulls downfield.
The Bulls work the ball to the middle and the Crusaders again give a penalty away again. Richard McCaw who was given a warning earlier is sent to the bin.
Hougaard kicks another penalty and he equals the record for 8 penalty goals in a Super rugby match.
The Crusaders are playing into the Bulls hand and players like MacDonald are making mistakes. Ross Filipo is replaced.
Hougaard keeps the scoreboard ticking as he goes for a drop goal and gets it.
The Crusaders do create some good ball and create the overlap but the Bulls defence gets back and the ball goes out.
Richie McCaw comes back on for the Crusaders. The Bulls kick the ball up and back and this time it’s Caleb Ralph who makes the mistake and drops the ball. The Crusaders seemed to be subdued – its most uncharacteristic.
The Crusaders now need to score some quick tries to stay in this. Penalties won’t do as there is not enough time.
The Crusaders get up into the Bulls 25 but it ends up with the Bulls clearing the ball and they Crusaders get sent back to their half.
It’s really looking like the Bulls will be in the final.
The Bulls get another penalty but to take up more time they go for the lineout.
The siren goes and its over.
Report to follow.
The Bulls will play in the Super 14 Final and a South African team will win the Super 14.
Full time score Bulls 27 Crusaders 12
Scorers
Bulls
Tries –
Penalties – Derick Hougaard (8)
Conversions –
Drop goal – Derick Hougaard
Penalties – Derick Hougaard (8)
Conversions –
Drop goal – Derick Hougaard
Crusaders
Tries –
Penalties – Daniel Carter (4)
Conversions –
Cards – Yellow – Richard McCaw
Penalties – Daniel Carter (4)
Conversions –
Cards – Yellow – Richard McCaw
Teams:
Bulls: 15 Johan Roets, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JP Nel, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Derick Hougaard, 9 Fourie du Preez/Heinie Adams, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Pedrie Wannenburg, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Rayno Gerber, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Jaco Engels, 17 Danie Thiart, 18 Bakkies Botha, 19 Derick Ku’n, 20 Heinie Adams/Nicholas Eyre, 21 Morn’ Steyn, 22 Jaco van der Westhuyzen.
Crusaders: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Caleb Ralph, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Kevin Senio, 8 Mose Tuali’i, 7 Richard McCaw (c), 6 Reuben Thorne, 5 Ross Filipo, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Campbell Johnstone, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Ti’i Paulo, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Paterson, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Andrew Ellis, 21 Stephen Brett, 22 Johnny Leo’o
Date: Saturday, 12 May
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17.30 (15.30 GMT)
Conditions: Sunny and warm. High 25’C, low 6’C
Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)
Touch judges: Paul Marks (Australia), Brett Bowden (Australia)
Television match official: Julian Pritchard (Australia)
