Bulls’ loose forwards stand out despite heavy All Blacks defeat

The Bulls were beaten 50-19 by the All Blacks in their Greatest Rivalry Tour meeting at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, but Marcell Coetzee and Jeandre Rudolph emerged as two of the home side’s strongest performers.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, several Bulls players produced encouraging individual displays, particularly in the loose. Coetzee and Rudolph both received the highest ratings among the starting XV, while Hanro Liebenberg and Ruan Vermaak also made a positive impression.

Here is how the Bulls players were rated on the night.

1. Alulutho Tshakweni – 5

Tshakweni worked hard but struggled to make a significant impact at scrum time. He was part of the Bulls front row that was heavily beaten in the first scrum contest and made limited ground with his carries.

2. Juann Else – 6

Else thought he had scored, but a TMO review showed he had fallen just short of the line. His lineout throwing was inconsistent, although he covered plenty of ground in open play.

3. Francois Klopper – 5

Klopper received a yellow card and found the early scrums difficult as the Bulls came under pressure.

4. Ruan Vermaak – 7

Vermaak crossed for a try that appeared to fall short, but the referee retained his original decision after consulting the TMO. He was energetic in the loose, defended with intent and repeatedly looked to carry the ball forward.

5. JF van Heerden – 6

Van Heerden grafted throughout the match and made a solid contribution in defence, although he was less prominent than Vermaak.

6. Marcell Coetzee – 8

One of the Bulls’ leading performers. Coetzee delivered the all-round display expected of a Springbok, contributing with powerful carries, important tackles and a strong work-rate across the field.

7. Hanro Liebenberg – 7

Liebenberg looks an excellent addition to the Bulls squad for the coming season. He thought he had scored after Fabian Holland mishandled a pickup close to his own line, but a knock-on had occurred earlier in the move. His physicality was a major feature of his performance.

8. Jeandre Rudolph – 8.5

Rudolph was another bright spot for the Bulls, winning turnovers, making tackles and helping create a try with an outstanding blindside break from a scrum. His night ended prematurely after he was taken off for an HIA.

9. Embrose Papier – 6

Papier delivered some good kicks and provided excellent service, but he was unable to produce the trademark sniping breaks that have become associated with his game. It was a relatively quiet performance by his standards.

10. Curwin Bosch – 7

Bosch took time to settle and did not always manage to influence the Bulls’ attacking play, with Willie le Roux also taking responsibility at fly-half during periods of the match. Bosch’s kicking from hand was effective, however, and he produced an excellent pass to find Stravino Jacobs for the winger’s try.

11. Stravino Jacobs – 7

Jacobs ran aggressively in attack and scored an impressive try after stepping Beauden Barrett with ease. He also made several well-timed tackles.

12. Harold Vorster – 5

Vorster carried strongly at times but was frequently exposed defensively.

13. Stedman Gans – 5

Gans continued to work hard but came off second best when he was unceremoniously bumped out of the way in the second half. He also lost a turnover opportunity.

14. Thaakir Abrahams – 5.5

Abrahams showed plenty of effort and has clear pace, although the Bulls were unable to make full use of it. He experienced difficulties in defence during the match.

15. Willie le Roux – 5

Le Roux appeared to try to take too much responsibility. Some aspects of his performance were effective, but others did not come off. He often moved into the fly-half position to dictate play, although opting to take a quick penalty when the Bulls could have established an attacking lineout was not his best decision.

Replacements – 6

Johan Grobbelaar and Elrigh Louw gained valuable game time with the Springboks in mind, while Paul de Wet provided a lively display after coming on at scrum-half.