Imagine a rugby match so one-sided it felt like a masterclass in dominance. That’s exactly what the Bulls delivered in their 52-17 thrashing of the Lions in the United Rugby Championship. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the Bulls shone, the Lions’ performance left fans questioning their strategy. Below, we break down the Bulls’ player ratings, highlighting standout performances and the unsung hero who’s been overlooked by the national team for far too long.
The Unluckiest Springbok?
Embrose Papier (Scrum-half, Rating: 9) continues to be South Africa’s most underrated player. Despite two years of stellar form, he remains uncapped. Yet, his box-kicking precision and relentless tempo kept the Lions defense on their toes. Is it time for the selectors to take notice? Let’s dive into the rest of the squad.
Backline Brilliance
Devon Williams (Fullback, Rating: 6) set the tone early with a pinpoint 50/22 kick, pinning the Lions in their own half. While his ball-carrying was sporadic, his overall performance was rock-solid.
Stravino Jacobs (Wing, Rating: 6) swapped sides to the left wing but still made his mark in attack and dominated the aerial battles, a key area where the Bulls excelled.
Stedman Gans (Center, Rating: 8) was a defensive stalwart, shutting down the Lions’ wide threats while also showcasing his attacking prowess. His offload in the build-up to Kurt-Lee Arendse’s (Wing, Rating: 7) try was a highlight. Speaking of Arendse, he’s still finding his rhythm post-injury but remains a consistent threat.
Handre Pollard (Fly-half, Rating: 9) had one restart kick go astray but was otherwise flawless, orchestrating the Bulls’ attack with precision. And this is the part most people miss: his ability to control the game tempo was a throwback to the Heyneke Meyer era, a style that’s both effective and divisive.
Forward Dominance
Jeandre Rudolph (Number 8, Rating: 8) didn’t need to be the one-man wrecking ball he’s known for, as his teammates stepped up. His performance was a testament to the Bulls’ collective strength.
Elrigh Louw (Flanker, Rating: 7) continues his remarkable recovery from a serious injury, growing stronger with each game. His 50-minute shift was a masterclass in ubiquity.
Marcell Coetzee (Captain, Flanker, Rating: 7) set the tone early with a crucial turnover, signaling the Bulls’ breakdown dominance. His leadership was pivotal in smothering the Lions’ attack.
Set-Piece Supremacy
Reinhardt Ludwig (Lock, Rating: 7) and Ruan Vermaak (Lock, Rating: 7) were instrumental in the Bulls’ set-piece dominance, stealing opposition ball at critical moments. Vermaak’s intercept and kick ahead shifted momentum decisively.
Wilco Louw (Prop, Rating: 7) wasn’t his usual dominant self but still contributed to a solid scrum that earned key penalties.
Johan Grobbelaar (Hooker, Rating: 8) was everywhere, winning turnovers and carrying with purpose. His fundamentals were flawless.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Prop, Rating: 7) delivered a mobile performance, scrummaging solidly and working tirelessly in the loose, despite a few minor errors.
Bench Impact
The Bulls’ replacements turned the tide in the second half. David Kriel (Back, Rating: 8) was the standout, delivering a powerhouse performance in the final 20 minutes. Nizaam Carr and Cobus Wiese added abrasiveness in close quarters, ensuring the Bulls maintained their dominance.
Final Thoughts
The Bulls’ victory was a statement, but it also raises questions. Should Papier finally get his Springbok call-up? Is Pollard’s style of play the future of South African rugby? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. And if you enjoyed this breakdown, add Planet Rugby to your Google preferences for more world-class coverage you can trust. Add us here.
