The Chiefs survived a more than a few big scares to beat the Bulls in front of their home fans in Hamilton. In a Chiefs fight back victory, the 41-28 final scoreline flattered the hosts, and did not reward the visitors efforts.
Surely, a side coming off back-to-back losses, having traveled thousands of miles around the globe wouldn’t be able to get the better of a team fresh off a bye week? That very nearly happened tonight for the Bulls, after pushing the Chiefs far closer than most pundits predicted before kick-off.
It was nothing short of a spectacle in Hamilton, where nearly everything a rugby fan could possibly ask for in a Super Rugby match occurred. Action from end to end, brilliant skill and positive rugby; 80 minutes of enjoyment.
In the end though, it was the Chiefs who fought back from a tough early deficit, to win 41-28. A three-pointer by Damian McKenzie put the Chiefs in front, with 13-minutes to play. At that point, the Bulls didn’t do themselves any favours as the tide began to turn on them. In a critical moment, replacement prop Conraad van Vurren was lucky to see just a yellow card, for his late shoulder charge.
Up to that point, the Bulls were right in the contest. The visitors were holding their own, until the end came. All Black, Anton Lienert-Brown scored a sixth try, to put the icing on the cake for the home side.
Bulls Dominant Early in ‘Epic’ Encounter
Clearly, the Bulls wanted to make a big statement early. The style of play put on by the Bulls was a treat to watch, even for the most passionate of Chiefs fans.
The Bulls began with no fear and played high risk, fast flowing rugby to take a tired looking Chiefs franchise ‘off guard’ early on. That resulted in early tries, and it wasn’t just thanks to a better start out of the gate. Because the Bulls only got better as the first half went on.
A high penalty count was one negative going against the Chiefs. Yet even more concerning was their lack of possession and ability to make tackles. Three of the Bulls four tries in the opening 40 minutes came from a steady build-up in phase play. Exhibiting superior pace in their backline, an ability to read the Chiefs defensive plays was as if they’d been watching their opponents at the training field all week long.
Whether any of that had to do with Bulls coach John Mitchell enjoying a ‘homecoming’ of sorts – former Chiefs head coach of course – remains to be seen. But he will be motivated by his sides demonstration on the field.
Mix of Experience and Youth in Epic Chiefs Fight Back
Big match experience, coupled with the raw talent of youth really does matter for any team, competing in a sport when you face adversity. For head coach Colin Cooper, he will be pleased that the balance looks to be a positive at the Chiefs.
Brodie Retallick brought every bit of his All Black and Chiefs experience to a rapidly sinking ship. Two tries notched on the badge of the lock, but it was the second that will have everyone talking on Saturday. The famed ‘big man’ bumped off four defenders on his way toward the line. Incredible.
Watch: Rampaging Brodie Retallick scores individual try to remember against Bullshttps://t.co/g9ELdjNnJX pic.twitter.com/30qYmD4uZF
— 1 NEWS – Sport (@1NewsSportNZ) March 16, 2018
Then it was the turn of the young left-wing speedster, Soloman Alaimalo. (see main photo) He showed, once again, why he has become an integral attacking weapon for the Chiefs.
Six Chiefs tries to the Bulls four, was the final tally. Yet, the telling number was 28. For the Bulls, 28 points in the first half versus none in the second, tells you a lot about what happened, to kick-start Round Five of Super Rugby.
Chiefs 41 – Tries; Brodie Retallick 2, Johnny Fa’auli, Mitchell Brown, Solomon Alaimalo, Anton Lienert-Brown; Conversions: Damian McKenzie 4; Penalty McKenzie
Bulls 28 – Tries: Divan Rossouw 2, Warrick Gelant, Handre Pollard; Cons: Pollard 4)
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Look for more analysis on this match, and others in the full coverage of Super Rugby 2018.
“Main photo credit”
Embed from Getty Images
