Following the Bulls' 40-34 win over Glasgow Warriors at Loftus Versfeld, here are five takeaways from the United Rugby Championship match.
top line
The match was really up and down, with both teams trading blows at first, before the Bulls stood up and changed their style in front of a modest crowd in Pretoria.
The Bulls built a decent lead and continued to hit the post whenever possible, putting more and more pressure on the scoreboard and keeping their distance. That was a good thing as Glasgow showed great character to get back into the game and take two points from this clash.
In the end, both teams scored four tries each, with four on-goal decisions proving the difference for the hosts. In the end both teams will be reasonably satisfied, the Bulls will be happy with their performance in the first 60 minutes and Glasgow will be happy with their two points and comeback.
Bulls could be title contenders
This section was originally titled “Bulls highlight title credentials” but was changed after leaving the backdoor open for a comeback in Glasgow that would have cost them the game on any other day. There was a possibility.
The Bulls were deadly in the first 60 minutes, tearing their opponents to shreds at times, but elsewhere they were strong with set-pieces and defense to keep Glasgow at bay.
This match highlighted how dangerous the Bulls were at home and how their style was suited to knockout rugby through their generation of penalties and accurate goal-kicking.
There is a sense in the Bulls' camp that they are on the verge of something special, and the Bulls are loaded with world-class Springboks who have proven themselves at every level. However, during the knockout period, he will need to be alert and ensure he can perform for 80 minutes.
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Springbok back three pulls away from Bulls
Part of what makes the Bulls a real title threat is their outrageous back three, which was on full display this afternoon.
Balance is key and wise old fox Willie Le Roux brings great cohesion and tempo to the Bulls attack and is a dream full-back for a fly-half. He has the ability to appear in the right place at the right time, and when you throw in Kanan Moody, who has a natural skill at beating defenders, he is always dangerous.
Finally, “The Butcher” Kurt-Lee Arendse's running ability may rival the best in the world. It's just one aspect of his game, but the former Sevens star is a triple threat. Run, pass, kick. Arense is a nightmare for anyone on defense and he is absolutely critical to the Bulls' offense.
Kurt-Lee Arendse is dangerous from 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞🥵@BlueBullsRugby I'm here to have fun #KidsRound 😍@vodacom #URC | #BULvGLA pic.twitter.com/rt1YTvjw9E
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) May 11, 2024
Gritty Glasgow refuses to do nothing
Glasgow were completely buried in the middle of the game, but that wasn't the case in the end and that didn't stop Franco Smith's side from collecting a valuable two points reward.
Kyle Steyn showed tremendous heart to recover a yellow card and his 63rd minute try was just reward. Crucially, this try was followed by two more goals in the final 12 minutes.
It was a frenzied period when the league leaders looked like they were pushing the Bulls into a corner, but a Chris Smith penalty put the hosts within reach. In the end, the visiting team had to take a penalty kick to earn the second bonus point.
Many teams would have given up and collapsed, but Glasgow refused. This is a strong indication that this team has a lot to offer towards the end of the season.
The top spot is not guaranteed
Glasgow's two goals could be crucial in helping the Bulls reach the 60-point mark as they sit second on 56 points. Of course, Leinster and Munster are not playing at the time of writing, but what is becoming more clear is that the top four could mathematically finish top of the table.
The final few games will be interesting as the top four teams will push to finish as high as possible to ensure a spot in the knockout stages.
Glasgow will be smiling secretly against the Lions and then Zebre with two games remaining. There are some inter-professional derbies in Leinster and Munster, so this will be the easiest mix for the top four.
There's a lot to play for in the last few rounds.
read more: Bulls survive second-half comeback in Glasgow, Springbok flyers take center stage in fierce battle for URC top four