The Bulls had some strong individual performances, but failed to galvanise as a team in their 25-23 victory over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Bulls 25
Tries: Bakkies Botha, Danie Rossouw, Fourie du Preez
Conversions: Morne Steyn (2)
Penalties: Morne Steyn (2)

Cheetahs 23
Tries: Andries Strauss, Robert Ebersohn, Ashley Johnson
Conversion: Naas Olivier
Penalties: Naas Olivier (2)

Bulls player rating:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 6

Man of the match in the first game, the big man struggled to get going and impose himself on the game.

2. Chiliboy Ralepelle – 6

Pinpoint with his lineout throwing, but failed to make the necessary impact in the loose.

3. Werner Kruger – 7

Provided an important right shoulder with his scrummaging which was important later in the game. Always looks for the turnover at the breakdown too which is handy for his side.

4. Bakkies Botha – 6

Read the space well to score in the corner, and carried the ball strongly at times, but failed to unite the effort of his pack into a solid performance which is his job.

5. Victor Matfield (c) – 8

Made a mountain of tackles, including a great cover tackle when the Cheetahs were away down the right hand flank in the first half. Missed a few, but worked tirelessly all around the field, leading from the front.

6. Deon Stegmaan – 5

Didn’t do much wrong, but not one of his better games.

7. Dewald Potgieter – 5

Largely anonymous for periods of the game. Needs to be stronger with ball in hand in the blindside flank role, but does a mountain of work on defence.

8. Pierre Spies – 7

Carried the ball strongly in the second half, giving his side great go forward. Showed greater physicality in the tackle, and looks set to have a big year.

9. Fourie du Preez – 6

Did not have much ball to work with in the first half, but got better as the game progressed, and was able to exert more and more control on the game.

10. Morne Steyn – 6

A mixed bag for Steyn, missing 2 difficult kicks at goal in the first half, but finding his range after that.
Created some nice linebreaks and opportunities with ball in hand, but his decision making and handling let him down at crucial times when the Bulls needed it most.

11. Bjorn Basson – 4

Had a poor workrate and defensive game, which are not his strengths. Chasing the high kicks he could have done better and needs to repay the faith in his purchase to the Bulls.

12. Wynand Olivier – 5

Not one of his better games, failing to get the better of Andries Strauss when he was on the field, and get over the advantage line. Needs to combine with Jaco Pretorius more on attack.

13. Jaco Pretorius – 5

Struggling to make the desired impact in midfield for the Bulls. Needs to up his game in all areas.

14. Gerhard van den Heever – 8

Looked extremely dangerous with ball in hand, stepping well and able to seemingly ghost through tacklers.

15. Zane Kirchner – 7

Had limited chance on attack, but covered back well on defence.

16. Derick Kuun – 7

Used at flank when he came on, adding versatility to the Bulls bench. Showed great urgency and helped lift the tempo for the Bulls.

17. Rossouw de Klerk -

Not used

18. Flip van der Merwe – 7

Carried the ball strongly and added much needed grunt to the Bulls forward effort.

19. Danie Rossouw – 9

Made a massive impact when he came on, getting the Bulls on the front foot and creating try scoring chances.
Scored an important try, and was devastating with ball in hand, including one back handed flick pass that was incredible.

20. Ruan Snyman –

Not used

21. Francois Brummer -

Not used

22. Stephan Dippenaar – 6

Did his job when he replaced Pretorius.