SUPER 14 FINAL/Bulls 25 Stormers 17:FRANS LUDEKE hailed the influence of "special" duo Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez after they helped the Bulls defend their title in Johannesburg.
The Pretoria franchise, playing in the unfamiliar surroundings of the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, were crowned champions for the third time in four years after Morne Steyn’s 20 points helped secure a 27-17 win.
Man of the match Francois Hougaard scored the only try for the Bulls, but the boot of their Springbok outhalf helped see off the Stormers, who twice crossed the line thanks to Bryan Habana and Ricky Januarie.
Ludeke’s men showed their ability under pressure in what was a historic game for South African rugby – a major final of a predominantly white sport being played in a black area in a country where racial tensions still exist.
“I must make a special mention of Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez,” Ludeke said. “Those two players, for Bulls rugby, they’re really special guys. Their rugby intelligence and the way they lead from the front is amazing.
“It’s great to have them there and hopefully we can keep them for many years.”
Victory was set up by the Bulls’ strong start, which saw them go 16-0 up in the opening 25 minutes.
Ludeke added: “The start we had was really important. Obviously those high balls worked nicely in the beginning.
“There were some turnovers and the guys capitalised on that. The second half Bryan almost turned the game on its head, but the guys kept their cool and in the end we won.”
Captain Matfield said: “I’d like to thank all our fans for coming out here from Pretoria and everyone in Soweto who supported us, it’s an awesome day. It’s a great day for our country and a special one for us.
“I’m not sure about their guys, but for us, we knew what was coming. The guys were really looking forward to it and they showed that tonight.
“They came out firing and started well. At the beginning of the season, we battled a bit with the starts, but not today.
“The boys played really well and with the support behind us it was just brilliant.”
Opposite number Schalk Burger also felt the start was crucial. “It was disappointing from our side to give them such a big head start,” he said.
“We knew they were going to come out and attack us and they did that.We’re obviously disappointed for losing out in a final, but it’s a big improvement for us this season.
“Hopefully we can build on it for the next couple of years.”
BULLS: Kirchner; van den Heever, Pretorius, Olivier, Hougaard; Steyn, du Preez; G Steenkamp, G Botha, Kruger, Rossouw, Matfield, Stegmann, D Potgieter, Spies. Not Used: Maku, Roux, van der Merwe, Kuun, J. Potgieter, van der Westhuyzen, Wannenburg.
STORMERS: Pietersen; Aplon, J Fourie, de Jongh, Habana; Grant, Duvenage; Blaauw, Liebenberg, Harris, Fondse, Bekker, Burger, F Louw, Vermeulen. Not Used: D Fourie, Kritzinger, van Zyl, P Louw, Januarie, de Waal, Whitehead.
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa).
