Blue Bulls flyhalf Burton Francis put on a match-winning kicking display as the Blue Bulls edged out the Free State Cheetahs 25-21 to be crowned Vodacom Cup champions at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
Francis kicked six penalties and a conversion, and was responsible for the cross-field kick that fell into the hands of Blue Bulls wing Rocco Jansen, who scored the hosts’ only try in the 48th minute.
The Cheetahs led proceedings 10-6 by half-time courtesy of a Wilton Pietersen try in the 31st minute and a penalty by scrumhalf Jandre Blom.
It was the Bulls who got off the blocks first with two penalties from Francis in the sixth and 12th minutes, respectively.
The Cheetahs came close to scoring a try in the 21st minute but lock Izak van der Westhuizen knocked on in the goal area.
Ten minutes later, the Cheetahs took the lead through Pietersen’s try, which was followed by Blom’s penalty.
In the second half, the Bulls were also first off the mark first from another Francis penalty before Jansen crossed over to retain the lead for the Bulls.
Blom struck a penalty in the 52nd minute but Francis edged his team ahead by nine points when he slotted over another two penalties.
It was Blom again in the 68th minute with a penalty before Cheetahs centre Phillip Snyman carved the Bulls defence at close range to canter over the line and haul the Cheetahs to within a point of their hosts.
Francis, though, would have the final say and his long-range penalty in the 77th minute ensured victory for the Blue Bulls and a first in domestic rugby with the R1-million winners’ cheque.
It was a relieved Carel Hoffman, Blue Bulls captain, who accepted the trophy and cheque.
The Blue Bulls were pipped last year when Zane Kirchner, now playing for the Bulls in the Super 14 competition, scored the winning try at the death for Griquas to win the title.
Free State captain Ashley Johnson was full of praise for the winning side. ”It is obviously disappointing to lose, but we did well to get to the final. All credit to the Blue Bulls.”
An elated Hoffman said: ”I think we deserved it, we played well and we’re very happy. We are a young and inexperienced bunch, and we were obviously nervous. But full credit to the guys, I think we forced our game plan on them.” — Sapa