Bulls Aim for Glory in National Premiership Grand Final

The Bulls are set to compete in the national premiership grand final on March 10, 2024, after a remarkable return to the top tier of competition. Having dominated the southern pool, they will face off against the northern champions, Counties Manukau, at Massey Park in Auckland. This match marks a significant opportunity for the Bulls, as they seek their first title in 11 years.

During pool play, the Bulls showcased their strength by remaining unbeaten. They achieved decisive victories over the Aoraki Eels and the Southland Rams, along with tightly contested matches against the Otago Whalers and Wellington Orcas. Notably, they secured a 34-20 win against the Orcas in Wellington, demonstrating their capability to perform under pressure.

Counties Manukau enters the final with an impressive record, winning all their pool matches by an average margin of 28 points while conceding only seven points per game. Bulls head coach Walt Wilson acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead. “They’re very big and robust and they play very fast footy,” he stated, emphasizing the need for his team to adapt to Counties’ powerful playing style. “I’m just looking forward to the challenge,” he added, highlighting his team’s readiness for the contest.

The Bulls last claimed their title in 2014, finishing third on the ladder but triumphing over the Waicoa Bay Stallions in the final after top-ranked competitors were disqualified. Historically, the Bulls have enjoyed success in the national premiership, winning titles in 2000, 2003, and 2009. In recent years, they faced setbacks, finishing as runners-up to the Akarana Falcons in both 2019 and 2022, before experiencing relegation in 2023.

Reflecting on the current team’s dynamics, Wilson expressed optimism about their potential. “With this group of men, it would be bloody special because they’re a really good group,” he remarked. He noted that during recruitment efforts, this year’s players were eager to join the team, contrasting with previous seasons when some were hesitant. “Now we’re in this position, I think they’re realizing it even more – they are representing their province, their family, their friends, their teammates, and their clubs,” he added.

As the Bulls prepare for the grand final, they aim not only to reclaim their status but also to affirm their dominance in New Zealand rugby. “I’d love to think there could be a moment where we can put our hands up and say ‘look, we’re the best in New Zealand’,” Wilson stated, underscoring the significance of the upcoming match.

In related competition, the Canterbury women’s team concluded their premiership campaign in third place with a 30-18 victory over Wellington. The team built an impressive 18-0 lead at halftime, thanks to early tries from Bayli Rapira, Kyla Lynch-Brown, and Lucy Mahuika. Although Wellington mounted a comeback to level the scores, Canterbury secured the win with late tries from Caitlin Sears and Shade McGregor-Pakau.

The women’s grand final will see Counties Manukau face the Akarana Falcons, who finished just ahead of Canterbury in the ladder standings. The men’s national premiership final is scheduled to kick off at 12:05 PM on Sunday and will be live-streamed on Sky. As the excitement builds, fans eagerly await to see if the Bulls can reclaim their title and solidify their legacy in New Zealand rugby.