Bulls’ decline now complete

If Blue Bulls fans believe the rot within the union merely stops at senior level, they’d better check again.

It extends all the way down to Under-18 level.

Yesterday was another disconcerting example of the Bulls’ overall decline as their Craven Week side was trampled 53-33 by a rampant Sharks on the second day of this year’s edition at St Stithians.

In fact, the Bulls haven’t been heavyweights at the tournament for some time now.

They only averted last year’s record loss to the Lions by a second half fightback of sorts.

The Sharks, brilliantly directed by scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba, ran in the first six tries of the match.

However, openside flank Dylan Kruger’s red card for foul play just before half-time gave the Bulls hope.

Revitalised, they scored 28 unanswered points against a compromised defence but the errors crept back as the Sharks took control.

South Western Districts showed the value of familiarity – the majority of their players were picked from Outeniqua and Oakdale – in beating Eastern Province 27-22, while the Leopards thrashed Zimbabwe 72-17.

Flyhalf Hanru van Rooyen helped himself to 27 points.

Namibia also thrilled in their 47-33 victory over the Valke after they trailed 19-0 early on.