The Bulls kept their nerve to beat a plucky Crusaders side 39-24 in their Super 14 semi-final on Saturday backed by an enthusiastic crowd in the first top-class rugby match played in Soweto, South Africa.
They will play the Stormers in an all-South African showdown next Saturday, which will again be hosted at the Orlando Stadium in the black township, after they beat Australia’s New South Wales Waratahs 25-6 at Newlands in the second semi-final.
The Bulls brilliant scrumhalf Fourie du Preez settled any nerves when his superb second-half try, breaking blind behind a retreating scrum, gave them a 33-17 lead with 15 minutes left.
Flyhalf Morne Steyn was also immaculate with the boot, missing just one of his kicks at goal as he succeeded with three conversions and six penalties.
The tactical kicking of Du Preez, Steyn and fullback Zane Kirchner was a major part of the Bulls success and the Crusaders always looked in danger when the high ball went up.
“The kicks were accurate, the chasers were there and we had the numbers to capitalize,” Bulls coach Frans Ludeke said.
Crusaders captain Richie McCaw and coach Todd Blackadder agreed with Ludeke that the Bulls’ game plan worked perfectly.
“You’ve got to take those balls, it was obvious that sort of tactic to put us under pressure was going to be there,” McCaw said. “It’s those little mistakes in your own half that you cannot afford. A good team like the Bulls will make you pay.”
Blackadder said: “The Bulls are a top-class side, they do the basics really well, they’re effective and ruthless.”
The Orlando stadium was a sea of blue as more than 35,000 watched the holders withstand a spirited effort by the Crusaders.
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