The Blou masjien started to pick up momentum and the Bulls looks primed to defend their title!

It was great to see the Bulls playing at Loftus on a nice pitch and the new look Bulls Babes back in business!

The Lions started off well with an early penalty. From then however the Bulls slowly started to gain momentum and the Lions were hanging on with resolute defence as the Bulls made errors and could not burst through for a try.

With limited opportunities it was the Lions who scored, using good handling through the backline and the pace of Mjekevu to finish.

Carlos Spencer became less of an influence as the game wore on as he had no ball to work with, and the entire Lions pack became fatigued after having to make twice as many tackles as the Bulls.

At the start of the second half the Bulls got early momentum and once they had their foot on the throat of the Lions it was relentless wave after wave of Bulls attacks. They did extremely well to create immense pressure to gain a crucial bonus point and enhance their points differential after there was only a 4 point gap at half-time.

Like last season the challenge now is to build on this second half performance and get better and better in the crucial stages of the season as a 3rd Super 14 title beckons.

Bulls 51
Tries: Derick Kuun, Gerhard van den Heever (2), Morne Steyn, Wynand Olivier, John Mametsa
Conversions: Steyn (3)
Penalties: Steyn (5)

Lions 11
Tries: Wandile Mjekevu
Penalties: Herkie Kruger (2)

Bulls player rating:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 7

Another strong showing from the Springbok front ranker. Good around the field, and did plenty of the hard yards.

2. Gary Botha – 9

A really strong 60 minutes. More than his constant work rate making tackles and carting the ball up was ability to read the play and take good options for his side. Cleaned up plenty of ball around the lineouts and breakdowns, and on this form may challenge Bismarck du Plessi and John Smit for a Springbok berth.

3. Werner Kruger – 8

A good solid performance from the Bulls tighthead who is an underrated cog in the Bulls pack. Perhaps his best tough was in the second half when the Bulls had no scrumhalf and he moved to the base of the ruck and sent the ball left that would have left any scrumhalf proud, highlighting the ball skills some of these Bulls possess.

4. Danie Rossouw – 9

Not always accurate, occassionally spilling the ball, but does anyone else have more heart than this guy? His intensity, fearlessness and urgency kept the Bulls in the game during the first half and just gets on with his job superbly. Rarely ever gives away penalties too.

5. Victor Matfield (c) – 8

Never really has a bad game. Showed his composure and led the team superbly. Dominated the lineouts and spooked the Lions with some early steals.

6. Derick Kuun – 6

Never stole many balls and anonymous on attack. A better option surely has to be to start with Deon Stegmann.

7. Dewald Potgieter – 7

Slowly regaining last years form and just needs more game time.

8. Pierre Spies – 6

Always dangerous with ball in hand and made some incising runs, more so in the first half. Still prone to making errors especially under the high ball and needs to work harder to link more with the backs on attack. I’m sure he’ll come right in the next few games like last year.

9. Heini Adams -6

Not one of his best games, maybe trying too hard after little game time recently. Has possibly put on a little more weight and become slightly slower. Still has a great pass and looked to get involved wherever possible and can only be better for enjoying the hit out.

10. Morne Steyn – 7

His kicking appeared to be coming right again, although he had many tough attempts from the sidelines! Spilt one ball in the first half he’ll be embarrased about, but after becoming the leading South African points scorer in super rugby he started to show his class in running the backline

11. John Mametsa – 9

Scored his first Super rugby try and just reward for a player that works extremely hard. Doesn’t possess extreme pace or the slinky skills of some wingers, but gets through a mountain of work and has a great attitude. Safe hands and runs good lines.

12. Wynand Olivier – 6

Got better as the game wore on. Fluffed a clear try scoring chance in the first half, running directly into Herkie Kruger. Benefitted from greater space in the second half and finally scored a try again after he started the year strongly.

13. Jaco Pretorius – 6

Once again haunted by injury.

14. Gerhard van den Heever – 8

Took his try scoring chances brilliantly, the first effort required fantastic space awareness. Always looked dangerous with ball in hand.

15. Zane Kirchner – 8

A good game from the fullback who rarely misses tackles. Coming into the line well and created Gerhard van den Heever’s try brilliantly.

16. Bandise Maku – 7

Some strong ball carries late in the game. Lineout throwing was spot on.

17. Bees Roux – 7

Some strong ball carries, and good mobility around the field.

18. Flip van der Merwe – 8

Also made some strong ball carries and has become a strong impact player late in the game.

19. Deon Stegmann – 7

Discipline was much better, although it helps when your side is going forward.

20. Fourie du Preez – 9

Brilliant when he came on. Sharp ball service to his flyhalf and controlled the game like no one else can do.

21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter – 10

Transformed the Bulls backline when he came on. Ran straight and hard, got the Bulls going forward and allowed the players around him to shine. It may be time for Frans Ludeke to bring Potgieter into the starting lineup.

22. Pedrie Wannenburg – 7

Good strong running setting the ball well for his forward pack.