In an exhilarating match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Bulls secured a narrow 26-24 victory against Pau during the fourth round of the Investec Champions Cup. Let’s dive into how each player performed, as we break down Johan Ackermann’s squad's efforts in this thrilling encounter.
Willie le Roux: Overall, Le Roux exhibited a reliable performance throughout the match. In challenging conditions, he effectively navigated the backfield and made consistent attempts to quicken the pace of play whenever the opportunity arose. However, he wasn’t able to showcase his full potential. Rating: 6/10.
Cheswill Jooste: Initially lacking possession in the first half, Jooste truly came alive after halftime when the game opened up. He became a significant threat with the ball, amassing an impressive 87 meters from just four carries, including a brilliant solo try. His willingness to venture off his wing to seek action demonstrated his determination and skill at the senior level. Rating: 7/10.
Sebastian de Klerk: While not as prominent as in previous matches, De Klerk's contributions shouldn’t be overlooked. He didn’t have much time on the ball, but he made the most of his opportunities when they arose. Rating: 6/10.
Harold Vorster: Vorster delivered a quietly effective performance. Although he wasn’t heavily involved in offensive plays, he made substantial defensive contributions with notable efforts in the busy center channel. Rating: 6/10.
Kurt-Lee Arendse: After a long period away from the field, it was great to see Arendse getting valuable minutes. However, he struggled to make a significant impact in the tough conditions. Nevertheless, this experience will certainly benefit him moving forward. Rating: 5/10.
Handre Pollard: Pollard had a few uncharacteristic mistakes during the match, but he bounced back to leave a decent mark. He effectively displayed his skills during ball carries and contributed well to the playmaking when opportunities arose. Rating: 6/10.
Zak Burger: Burger had a solid performance without making any standout plays. He effectively distributed the ball from a messy ruck and, like several teammates, improved as the game progressed. Rating: 6/10.
Forwards:
Nizaam Carr: Carr’s contributions epitomized the valiant effort put forth by the Bulls. He played a pivotal role in securing the win, demonstrating remarkable resilience by making 24 tackles and gaining 51 meters from seven carries. His all-around display was nothing short of impressive. Rating: 8/10.
Mpilo Gumede: Gumede left an indelible mark with his relentless energy. His night kicked off with a neat try out wide, but it was his defensive efforts that truly stood out, culminating in a staggering 21 tackles. Rating: 7/10.
Marcell Coetzee: Coetzee is likely to feel the effects of his tireless defensive work in the morning. He recorded an astonishing 17 tackles in the first half alone, adding five more before leaving the pitch early in the second half. His commitment to the breakdown was commendable. Rating: 7/10.
Reinhardt Ludwig: Ludwig’s yellow card was a blemish on his otherwise solid performance, particularly as Pau capitalized on that moment to score 10 points. Still, he worked diligently in defense, similar to many of his teammates, and contributed to the lineout. Rating: 5/10.
Ruan Vermaak: Like his lock partner, Vermaak displayed tenacity throughout a gritty shift. With 17 tackles and a crucial turnover, he certainly put in the effort defensively. Rating: 6/10.
Mornay Smith: Smith went about his duties quietly yet effectively. He engaged well in the scrum and sought involvement around the field, culminating in a total of 15 tackles by the end of the match. Rating: 6/10.
Akker van der Merwe: Van der Merwe worked tirelessly on both ends, though his night was cut short due to a head injury. Rating: 6/10.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels: Wessels was a true jack-of-all-trades tonight, excelling in various roles. He performed admirably in the scrum, threw accurately into the lineout when needed, and completed a remarkable 19 tackles by the time the final whistle blew. Rating: 7/10.
Substitutes: The bench players stepped up during a challenging phase for the Bulls as Pau seemed to gain momentum. Springbok forwards Marco van Staden, Cobus Wiese, and Ruan Nortje were instrumental in shifting the tide, providing a robust presence that propelled the team forward towards the end of the match. Jeandre Rudolph, Alulutho Tshakweni, and Francois Klopper also added to this impactful show with strong performances. This is precisely the kind of contribution that the coaching staff hopes for from their bench players. Rating: 8/10.
