All Blacks dominate Bulls in Pretoria fixture
The All Blacks secured a 50-19 victory over the Bulls in Pretoria, scoring eight tries in their latest Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour fixture. This win maintains their unbeaten record on the tour, following previous victories against the Stormers (38-21) and the Sharks (54-0). The match served as a warm-up for the upcoming first test against the Springboks.
The All Blacks demonstrated control throughout the game, with a solid set-piece and dominance at the breakdown. Their discipline also showed improvement. Flanker Anton Segner was named Man of the Match, leading the team’s tackle count with 13 and making 12 carries, contributing to consistent ball supply for the backs.
Early in the match, the All Blacks scored their opening try through wing Josh Moorby, who crossed in the corner after a backline move countered the Bulls‘ rush defence. Moorby added a second score. Captain and hooker Codie Taylor also scored two tries, with his first coming from a quick-tap penalty after Bulls prop Francois Klopper received a yellow card for repeated infringements.
The All Blacks‘ potency at the breakdown led to numerous turnovers and errors from the Bulls, allowing Taylor to score his second try and give the visitors a 24-0 lead by halftime.
Second-half exchanges and continued All Blacks pressure
The Bulls initiated the second half with a try from lock Ruan Vermaak. Referee Nika Amashukeli awarded the score despite a perceived knock-on, disagreeing with television match official Eric Gauzins.
The All Blacks quickly resumed their scoring, with wing Leroy Carter adding two tries. Centre Rieko Ioane and loose-forward Wallace Sititi also contributed tries, pushing the team past the 50-point mark. Carter‘s first second-half try came from a turnover, while his second was a result of coordinated play between forwards and backs.
The Bulls managed a second try in the 53rd minute when No. 8 Jeandre Rudolph linked with first five-eighths Curwin Bosch, leading to wing Stravino Jacobs scoring. Later, Bulls replacement fullback Hakeem Kunene and captain Marcell Coetzee also scored.
Despite the Bulls‘ efforts, the All Blacks maintained their strong performance. Ioane, Carter, and second five-eighths Anton Lienert-Brown were prominent in the free-flowing contest. Ioane made 15 carries, while Carter made 16 carries and five line breaks. Moorby also made 13 carries.
Looking ahead to the Springboks test
New Zealand captain Codie Taylor acknowledged the physicality of the game against the Bulls, noting that the Springboks would elevate the tempo and physicality further. He stated that the team has now played three games and experienced South African rugby, which he believes has prepared them well for the test series.
The first test against the world champion Springboks is scheduled for next Saturday in Johannesburg. The All Blacks will travel to Johannesburg for this opening test of the series.
The All Blacks‘ squad for the fixture included Xavier Numia, Codie Taylor (Captain), Tyrel Lomax, Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu, Simon Parker, Anton Segner, Peter Lakai, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Josh Moorby, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Leroy Carter, and Beauden Barrett. Replacements included Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower, Siale Lauaki, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Emoni Narawa.
The Bulls‘ lineup featured Alu Tshakweni, Juann Else, Francois Klopper, Ruan Vermaak, JF van Heerden, Marcell Coetzee (Captain), Hanro Liebenberg, Jeandre Rudolph, Embrose Papier, Curwin Bosch, Stravino Jacobs, Harold Vortster, Stedman Gans, Thaakir Abrahams, and Willie le Roux. Their replacements were Jaundre Schoeman, Sti Sithole, Khuta Mchunu, Reinhardt Ludwig, Mpilo Gumede, Paul de Wet, Katlego Letebele, and Hakeem Kunene.
Source: rnz.co.nz
