It was the first time in a long while that the Sharks had taken 50 points at home, and the Bulls were full value for the win. It was a fantastic team effort with a brand of physical rugby that has not been seen in South Africa for some time.

Every time a Bulls player tackled his opponent, it was with a shuddering hit that knocked the stuffing out of the surprised KwaZulu-Natalians. At the end the home team was described as the walking wounded by their coach, Dick Muir, who said the Bulls deseved credit for the way they out-muscled the Sharks and deservedly won the game. The score flattered Muir's side.

Pote Human, the Bulls' coach, was understandandably happy with his team's performance without getting over-excited.

"The pressure is still on and we can't afford to slip now, after this great performance," said Human.

"We still have a chance of hosting one of the semi-finals and that stays our goal, but at the same time we have to keep on winning."

Well, if the players pull finger and produce what they are capable of, as clearly shown by the way Wynand Olivier, Heini Adams, Pierre Spies, Danie Rossouw and Gary Botha played, nothing is impossible for his Bulls team. Not even a half century at the Shark Tank.

Scorers:

Vodacom Blue Bulls: Tries by Hilton Lobberts, Wynand Olivier, Akona Ndungane, Pierre Spies, Gary Botha.
Penalty try. Conversions: Derick Hougaard (4).
Penalty goals: Hougaard (4).

Sharks:
Tries by JP Pietersen, Adrian Jacobs, Warren Britz and Ryan Kankowski.
Conversions: Ruan Pienaar (3).
Penalty goals: Butch James (2).