Currie Cup Final: Bulls player ratings
Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:21
The Blue Bulls became only the second South African team to secure a Super Rugby and Currie Cup double, when they held off a strong Free State Cheetahs comeback to win 36-24 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
In adding the Currie Cup title to their Super 14 crown, they joined the 1993 Transvaal team that won the Super 10 and Currie Cup titles.
There were many heroes on the day, along with a few silly moments.
Jan de Koning rates the Blue Bull players:
15 Zane Kirchner:
As always he was solid under the high ball, good on defence, but quiet on the attack.
6/10
14 Francois Hougaard:
One of the finds of the season and deserved of his place in the Springbok team for the year-end tour. Strong on the run and just as impressive on defence.
7/10
13 Jaco Pretorius:
He was good defensively, but
otherwise quiet day.
6/10
12 Wynand Olivier:
An awesome break in the lead-up to first try and generally showed why he is - in the absence of Jean de Villiers - South Africa's best inside centre.
7/10
11 Bryan Habana
The perfect way to say goodbye to the Loftus faithful - two brilliant tries - classic Habana! Great chasing, great support running and great finishing, not to forget his good defensive work.
8/10
10 Morné Steyn:
Isn't he just a delight to watch. In one year he became a legend and all those masterstrokes were on display at Loftus again. Pity he had to miss one kick at goal. Also slotted a crucial drop-goal right on the half-time hooter.
9/10
9 Fourie du Preez:
Named man of the match by some, and probably not a bad call. Quick thinking for the first try, great
hands in the lead-up to Habana's first try and a brilliant chip for Habana's second try. One offside blunder.
9/10
8 Pierre Spies:
A true legend in the making. His take out of air and setting off to get Bulls on the front foot showed his true qualities. However, he is equally impressive on defence. Just so forceful with ball in hand, only one slip at the back of the scrum.
9/10
7 Dewald Potgieter:
He also deserves his Bok call;-up, but then again it was expected - after all, he was the Emerging Bok captain. Great turnover at a scrum - the turnover that resulted in Habana's try. Also immense at the breakdown.
8/10
6 Deon Stegmann:
A good steal for Habana's second try, but generally great on the ground. There was a crucial turnover late in the second half.
7/10
5 Victor Matfield
(captain):
The perfect captain for a team full of really good leaders. His workrate has improved immensely.
8/10
4 Bakkies Botha:
He had one of his quieter games, but had his moments in which he showed the Cheetahs who was boss.
6/10
3 Werner Kruger:
Stood his ground against Wian du Preez in the early scrums and worked hard. He has improved as the season progressed.
6/10
2 Derick Kuün:
He looked a frustrated player and did not have a good game. Gave away a silly penalty.
4/10
1 Gurthrö Steenkamp:
Much better scrumming performance and held the impressive WP Nel for much of the game. His work on defence was not to be scoffed at either.
7/10
Replacements:
16 Bandise Maku (on
for Kuün in 68th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
17 Rossouw de Klerk (on for Steenkamp in 40th min, blood):
Not enough time to be rated.
18 Danie Rossouw (on for Botha 50th min):
Always makes an impact when he comes on and helped lift the Bulls game on a day when Bakkies Botha was below his best.
7/10
19 Pedrie Wannenburg (on for Potgieter 71st min):
Not enough time to be rated.
20 Heini Adams:
Did not take to the field.
21 Burton Francis:
Did not take to the field.
22 Gerhard van den Heever (on for Hougaard 74th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
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