Planet Rugby's player ratings from the Bulls' comfortable Loftus win paint a picture of a side with genuine forward depth and a backline still ironing out inconsistencies. The standout verdict belongs to Hanekom, who earns a 9/10 and is flagged as 'back to his best' after his injury lay-off — comfortably the top carrier on the day in both tight and wide channels. Moodie's 7/10 comes with a pointed caveat: a brilliant break to set up Le Roux's opener was offset by an intercept that gifted Zebre their first try, and a questionable assist that the referee let stand. The ratings suggest his season has been a study in unrealised potential. Le Roux gets an 8 for managing the attack well from fly-half, while Marco van Staden's positional switch to hooker is flagged as a success — he topped the tackle count and held the set-piece together. Stedman Gans off the bench earns an 8 and is described as 'utterly immense', offering a reminder of the width of Bulls' back three options.
Hanekom's return to form headlines Bulls' 54-19 demolition of Zebre
Hanekom's 9/10 is the headline from Planet Rugby's Bulls ratings after the Zebre win, with Moodie's inconsistency, Le Roux's composed display at 10, and Gans's impact off the bench among the other talking points.
- Loftus Versfeld
- Marco van Staden
Hanekom returns to form as Bulls demolish Zebre — full player ratings
Hanekom's 9/10 performance signals a timely return to form, while Moodie's mixed outing encapsulates his inconsistent season — Planet Rugby's full ratings from the Bulls' big Loftus win break down who's pushing for Bok relevance and who still has work to do.
Bulls lock up Van Staden and Gumede in back-row double signing
The Bulls have retained back-row pair Marco van Staden and Mpilo Gumede, with Van Staden signing a two-year extension and Gumede committing for five years. The club held firm despite reported outside interest in both players.
Coetzee's 73rd captaincy puts him fifth on the Bulls' all-time list — and he's not done yet
Coetzee's 73rd Bulls captaincy puts him fifth on the all-time list, and Ackermann's effusive praise after the Dragons win makes clear he's not just a figurehead — he's the squad's on-field compass.
Van Staden settling into hooker role with growing confidence
Van Staden says he's growing increasingly comfortable in his new hooker role for the Bulls — and the Springbok selection implications are hard to ignore.
Sharks cite Ospreys wing Morgan after Hooker shoulder injury in Bridgend
The Sharks have cited Ospreys wing Luke Morgan after he dived onto Ethan Hooker as the Sharks wing was scoring a try just before halftime in Bridgend, leaving Hooker with a dislocated shoulder. The injury is expected to sideline Hooker for two to three months, ending his URC season and potentially threatening his availability for the Springbok international season. Referee Mike Adamson took no action during the match, prompting the Sharks' tour management to approach the URC citing commissioner.