The Bulls produced a superb team effort in front of their home fans in coming back to thrash the Brumbies 50-32 at Loftus on Saturday.

The strength of this side is not the quality of the individuals, but the family bond and ability to play as a team. The game plan is clear, they don’t panic, and the grind the opposition down. Loftus creates massive pain for the opposition and the Brumbies will regret Adam Ashley-Cooper providing ammunition to the Bulls by calling the Bulls parasites!

Bulls 50
Tries: Wynand Olivier, Fourie du Preez, Gerhard van den Heever, Morne Steyn (2)
Conversions: Steyn (5)
Penalties: Steyn (5)

Brumbies 32
Tries: Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Pat McCabe
Conversion: Stirling Mortlock
Penalties: Mortlock (4):

Bulls player rating:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 7

A strong showing from the front-ranker who looks supremely fit and getting around the park well. A second half kick through highlighted his range of skills, but the execution wasn’t perfect. Scrumming well so far this year.

2. Gary Botha – 7

A strong showing around the park, and brings solidity to the pack. Accurate lineout throwing also.

3. Werner Kruger – 7

Solid around the field and made numerous carries. A tireless worker who does his job well.

4. Flip van der Merwe – 7

Strong carrying the ball up, and almost always crossed the advantage line. Brings the hard edge similar to Bakkies Botha and going from strength to strength with each outing.

5. Victor Matfield (c) – 8

A strong showing from the captain who led his charges well. Superb at lineout time and controlled his side well around the field and dealt with the referee without getting flustered. Such a cool, calm customer under pressure, and keeps his side focused well.

6. Deon Stegmaan – 8

Brilliant. Massive work rate and regaining the form of last year. So quick to the breakdowns and contested well when able. Has adapted brilliantly to the new law variations and on this form could be a Springbok this year.

7. Pedrie Wannenburg – 7

Not a stand out performance in his 100th game, but extremely workmanlike, carrying the ball strongly when needed, and working hard in defence. A good all round effort.

8. Pierre Spies – 8

Carried the ball well, and dangerous even from a standing start. Caused great anxiety when he went down with a knee injury in the second half and looked in severe pain. It’s full extent will only be known later in the week, but such a pivotal man for the Bulls. Constantly threatened the opposition.

9. Fourie du Preez -8

Another solid showing from the world’s premier scrumhalf. His service has been excellent this year, option taking good, and dangerous with ball in hand. Hasn’t used the box kick much, a sign the Bulls have used ball in hand much more.

10. Morne Steyn – 8

Missed his first kick, an ambitious 58m attempt, but kicked superbly after that. Strong with ball in hand two, and his support play to score two tries is often underestimated. Made a couple of errors with his kicking in general play and won’t be pleased with that.

11. Francois Hougaard – 8

Another to go down in the second half, but looked more like a direct collision injury as opposed to his knee. I was sceptical as to how he’d go on the wing, but Hougaard posed a threat every time he touched the ball. Massively talented, and he’ll have a great season if he keeps up this form.

12. Wynand Olivier – 7

Solid game from Olivier. Strong in defence and constantly asking questions on attack. Set the ball up well when the Bulls needed it, and took intelligent options.

13. Stephan Dippenaar – 7

Showed the Bulls depth and looked right at home at this level. Ran straight and hard (something the Sharks would do well to learn). Didn’t break the line, but will be more confident next time round.

14. Gerhard van den Heever – 8

Showed his pace when needed. Often appears to be cruising, but deceptively quick. Developing the knack of sniffing out tries, which all good wingers have.

15. Zane Kirchner – 8

So reliable at the back for the Bulls. Kicks well, and hits the line brilliantly. However it is his cover defence and ability to come forward and make the spot tackle, stopping the opposition player dead in his tracks that allows the Bulls time to regroup. Massively under-rated.

16. Bandise Maku – 7

Getting better and better. Ensure the Bulls scrum was solid, and lineout throwing is good.

17. Bees Roux -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating

18. Fudge Mabeta -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating

19. Derick Kuün – 7

Initially took time to adapt to the breakdown rulings, but competed well in this area and strong with ball in hand. Together with Stegmann they are so quick to the breakdowns.

20. Heini Adams – 7

Not much game time, but has the best pass in South Africa and always does his job well.

21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating

22. John Mametsa -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating