Frans van Wyk of the Bulls tackled by Vaea Fifita of the Hurricanes during the Super Rugby match between Vodacom Bulls and Hurricanes at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)
It’s premature to have visions of glory but if ever there was a statement for the Bulls to make under John Mitchell, their 21-19 win over the Hurricanes at Loftus on Saturday evening was it.
There’s no doubt the 2016 champions were undercooked in this game but that shouldn’t detract from a brave, composed performance from the home side, who deserved their victory.
Optimism will certainly now abound in Pretoria.
Who was the star in this match?
He was one of the Springboks’ best players in Europe last year and Lood de Jager has clearly built on that momentum. Not only did the towering lock show a clean pair of heels to score a splendid try, he’s overall influence was huge. De Jager made his tackles, won 12 line-out throws, stole one and also made a turnover. A special mention should go to openside flanker Roelof Smit too.
Key moments and themes
Point scorers:
Bulls – Tries: Johnny Kotze, Lood de Jager, Pierre Schoeman Penalties: Handre Pollard (2).
Hurricanes – Tries: Wes Goosen, Ricky Riccitelli, Beauden Barrett. Conversions: Ihaia West (2).
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