The Bulls started off strongly but faded in the second half as they clung on for a 24-20 win at Coca-Cola park in Johannesburg

Bulls 24
Tries: Zane Kirchner, Gerhard van den Heever
Conversion: Steyn
Penalties: Steyn (4)

Lions 20
Tries: Waylon Murray, Martin Bezuidenhout, Warren Whiteley
Conversion: Elton Jantjies
Penalties: Elton Jantjies

Bulls player rating:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 6

Earned the Supersport man of the match and had a strong initial showing. Showed no signs of rustiness or loss or form in coming back from his broken arm sustained last year, but midway through the second half he was sucking up the big ones as his match fitness needs to be regained.

2. Gary Botha – 8

Strong in the tight loose, and controlled the Bulls pack well. Suffered an early injury and maybe his loss was felt.

3. Werner Kruger – 8

Looked fantastic as he was strong around the breakdown. Can act as an extra loose forward and made a couple of important turnovers pilfering the ball. Could be a massive year for Kruger who is underrated in the Bulls pack.

4. Bakkies Botha – 6

A mixed bag from the big enforcer. Strong taking the ball up, and always present the ball well. Defended strongly, but gave away too many penalties for offside, putting pressure on his side.

5. Victor Matfield (c) – 5

The banker in the lineouts, made his tackles as per normal, but was quiet for periods of the match. Probably just needed a match to get back up to speed.

6. Deon Stegmaan – 7

Was unable to make any steals, but fought hard at the breakdown. Is being used more as a ball carrier and got over the gain line well.

7. Dewald Potgieter – 6

Industrious early on, but another to fade as the match wore on. Did little wrong, but needs to be more effective with ball in hand.

8. Pierre Spies – 5

Largely anonymous for large periods of the game. Lacked accuracy both in defence and attack, and may also take a few weeks to get back to full form.

9. Fourie du Preez -8

Read the game well, and defended brilliantly out wide when he needed to. Could have taken more responsibility with the general kicking, but probably lacking in confidence slightly. Will be happy with his 100th game.

10. Morne Steyn – 6

Missed two kicks at goal, albeit difficult attempts. Solid in general play.

11. Bjorn Basson – 5

The game never really flowed his way, and could have been used more with the kick chase.

12. Wynand Olivier – 6

Typically solid game.

13. Stephan Dippenaar – 5

Gave away a crucial penalty that cost his side a yellow card, but potentially saved the try. Needs to create more space on attack for a lethal back 3.

14. Gerhard van den Heever – 9

Scored a brilliant individual try and showed the folly of leaving him out of last year’s Springbok squad in place of Odwa Ndungane.

15. Zane Kirchner – 8

The rib injury didn’t look 100%, but battled gamely on attack and defence. Hit the line well, making space for those around him, and made the spot tackles when they were needed as the last line of defence.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle – 5

Failed to make an impact when he arrived, and the Lions scrum was able to cope better when he arrived.

17. Rossouw de Klerk -

Not used

18. Flip van der Merwe – 6

Minimal impact.

19. Derick Kuün – 6

Worked hard on defence.

20. Ruan Snyman –

Not used

21. Francois Brummer -

Not used

22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen -

Not used