Bulls v Ospreys: Five takeaways as David Kriel shows Springbok credentials while Loftus a step too far Toby Booth’s men

Following the Bulls’ emphatic 61-24 victory over the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship clash, here are our five takeaways from the match at Loftus Versveld.

Top line

The Ospreys arrived in Pretoria hot off the back of a fabulous win over the Stormers last week but they met a far bigger fiercer challenge in Jake White’s Bulls side hurting from a defeat to Munster.

The Welsh outfit would have been confident of knocking over another South African side in the Republic, but it was not to be as the Bulls showed their ruthless edge and produced a stunning attacking display, running in eight tries and being awarded a penalty try.

Ospreys were within touching distance of the Bulls for most of the first half, but Canan Moodie’s score just before the break meant that the Welsh outfit trailed 24-10 at half-time.

Johan Grobbelaar, David Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Moodie all scored for the Bulls in the first half as they secured the bonus point only to better their try tally in the second half thanks to further scores from Moodie, Embrose Papier, Arendse, a penalty try and Willie le Roux.

Tries from Luke Davies, Keiran Williams and Keelan Giles gave the visitors hope of a late consolation and bonus point score but it was not to be as Le Roux claimed an intercept and raced away to put the nail in the coffin.

Bulls thrash Ospreys as Springbok hopeful produces statement performance

Loftus a step too far for high-flying Ospreys

Toby Booth’s charges were sensational last week as they claimed a rare feat of picking up a victory in Cape Town over the Stormers, but the Ospreys could not back that up on the Highveld against the Bulls – who are just as difficult to beat at home.

Last week, the Welsh outfit were brutal in contact and relentless in all facets of the game as they upset the Stormers in a thrilling 27-21 victory. However, this hard-fought win seemed to have taken a toll on the Ospreys, as they appeared less energetic in the fast-paced clash at altitude.

The Bulls were able to drag the Ospreys defence from side to side with the brilliant Le Roux and Kriel, more on him later, regularly creating and finding holes to get in behind the line.

They were not able to front up as effectively as they were in Cape Town, as the Bulls won the gain line battle, with the likes of Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom regularly taking multiple defenders with them.

Bulls big boys continue to bid for Bok call-ups

With Steven Kitshoff sidelined for the remainder of the URC season, several loosehead props will be licking their lips and throwing their hand up for Springbok call-ups, and Bulls prop Gerhard Steenekamp certainly did just that.

The Ospreys are certainly one of the best scrummaging sides but today the starting Bulls pack got their number with Steenekamp, Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw all enjoying fine shifts.

Not only were they strong in the set-piece, but they were also crucial in setting the platform for the backs to run amok.

With the Springboks tackling Wales before their two-Test series against Ireland back in South Africa, Rassie Erasmus could turn to the in-form Bulls trio to start in the front-row at Twickenham, provided that White’s side don’t make the URC final on the same day, but if they continue to perform as they did against Ospreys, they will be busy that day.

Werner Kok hat-trick helps Sharks edge fellow United Rugby Championship strugglers Scarlets

David Kriel masterclass

Centre, full-back and wing Kriel is a head coach’s dream backline player as he seamlessly slips into any position in the backs outside of the half-backs. Against the Ospreys, he featured in the number 13 jersey and produced yet another statement performance to the Springboks selectors who overlooked him for the first alignment camp.

The 25-year-old ended the match with four try involvements, scoring one himself while setting up his teammates on three occasions in a stunning shift. He kept the Ospreys attack at bay, even picking off a Rhys Henry pass to set up one of Moodie’s scores.

It is still yet to be seen if the Springboks will continue with the 6-2 or 7-1 bench splits in Erasmus’ second tenure as head coach, but if he is to continue to do so, then a player like Kriel is perfect for one of those backline roles.

Everything good the Bulls did against the Ospreys came through the in-form utility back and he was ultimately and rightfully named man of the match.

The midfielder was also assisted by the brilliance of his Springbok outside backs with Arendse in sublime form and can barely put a foot wrong right now while Moodie thrived in the wider channel after his stints in the 13 jumper.

Play-off picture still muddled

The Ospreys’ defeat at Loftus dented their chances of making the URC quarter-finals, and their inability to claim a try bonus point furthered their woes.

However, the result is just a setback for Booth’s side, who will likely face a full-strength Leinster outfit next time out before completing their regular season with clashes against fellow Welsh sides, the Dragons and Cardiff.

They will fancy their chances in the latter two matches, but the first will be a huge ask after a challenging tour in South Africa.

Meanwhile, the Bulls bounced back from that agonising defeat to Munster in emphatic fashion and will finish the weekend in the top four. It’s a huge boost for White’s charges, who have been under the spotlight after resting frontline players for the Investec Champions Cup clash against Northampton Saints.

Victory over the Ospreys sets them up nicely, but they will, however, have two big fixtures ahead of them, taking on Glasgow Warriors and Benetton – who are also chasing play-off spots. They end their season against the Sharks in what is bound to be a feisty SA derby, with the Durban side playing for pride after a poor season.

READ MORE: URC coach cops six-game suspended ban and fine for referee ‘interaction’