Keo.co.za rates the Bulls players from the Currie Cup final at Loftus Versfeld.

Ratings out of 10

Zane Kirchner -7
Solid under the high ball, in his positional play, and with the boot, while he linked well for the second try.

Francois Hougaard – 6
Scored the opening try of the final after he gathered neatly out the air, but was otherwise quiet.

Jaco Pretorius – 6
Had a difficult time against the Cheetahs’ runners, while on attack tended to run across field and negate the space of his outside players.

Wynand Olivier -7
Solid without being spectacular, and was an efficient carrier in getting the Bulls over the advantage line. Impressive on defence, his hit on Meyer Bosman just one example.

Bryan Habana – 8
In his final match for the Bulls at Loftus claimed a brace after just 18 minutes, was always willing to look for work and was an expert chaser of high balls. Leaves the Bulls on a memorable night.

Morné Steyn – 7
Missed just one kick in his haul of 21 points, that included a drop as the half-time hooter had sounded to halt the Cheetahs’ comeback. On attack tended to become predictable in his linking role and needs to take on the advantage line more.

Fourie du Preez – 9
Was at his unparalleled best in the opening quarter as he set up the first three scores. Summed up the situation and put in a brilliant cross-kick for the opening try, while in the second, his handling was superb in picking up a low pass. For the third, again his decision-making was accurate as his chip ahead with the fullback out of position set up Habana. Brilliant all-round again.

Pierre Spies – 8
Sparked the first try when he took the up-and-under and broke, while was always a strong carrier off the back of scrums. Worked hard at the contact areas, while on the counter he was a sight to behold. His lineout work was also effective.

Dewald Potgieter – 7
Made a crucial steal on the ground under his team’s poles when the scrum had been under pressure early in the first half, and was also a willing runner with the ball. Impressive at ruck-time in attempting to keep Heinrich Brüssow quiet.

Deon Stegmann – 7
Two of the the Bulls’ first three tries came from turnovers and for that he must take a portion of the credit. Brüssow was also relatively quiet in the opening 40, and Stegmann must also be lauded. However, tended to fade as the match went on, while Brüssow only got stronger.

Victor Matfield – 7
His mere presence in the middle of the lineouts meant the Cheetahs hardly opted for back ball, which robbed them of a crucial attacking platform. It was also his decision to swing the ball wide for Habana’s first try, while he was solid around the park, even stealing some balls at ruck-time.

Bakkies Botha – 6
The Cheetahs opted to primarily use front lineout ball and Botha contested well throughout, but lacked his usual impetus around the park. Was subbed after 50 minutes and looked extremely tired.

Werner Kruger – 6
This was always the area the Cheetahs were going to attack and he struggled severely against Wian du Preez. His frailties led to a massive Cheetahs scrum that set-up Nico Breedt’s try.

Derick Kuün – 6
Worked hard around the park and found his jumpers regularly. Came under pressure at scrum-time however.

Gurthrö Steenkamp -7
Continued his impressive return to form during the latter stages of the competition and put in a monstrous hit on Lionel Mapoe and also pressured WP Nel at scrum-time on occasions, but his form here was inconsistent.

Bandise Maku – 6
On with 15 minutes remaining, and was more of a physical presence than Kuun.

Rossouw de Klerk – Not used.

Danie Rossouw – 7
On for Botha with half an hour remaining and made an immediate impact on attack and defence with his physicality.

Pedrie Wannenburg – Not used.

Heini Adams – Not used.

Burton Francis – Not used

Gerhard van den Heever – Not used.

By Grant Ball, at Loftus

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