Following Ulster’s 34-26 defeat to the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld, here’s how we rated the visitors.
Ulster player ratings v Bulls
15 Jacob Stockdale: A hit-and-miss shift at Loftus for the veteran Ireland back who wasted a great attacking position with a daft and poorly executed kick into the grateful arms of Luan Giliomee early in the game. He made some good runs from the back with both teams kicking more long than contestable, one of which led to a try but overall, it wasn’t the best of games from Stockdale who conceded four turnovers. 5
14 Chay Mullins: Finished off possibly his only two opportunities with some classic wing play of simply waiting for your chance and taking it – preditor-esque. He was solid in other facets of the game too. 7
13 Jamie Benson: Rose to the Bulls‘ physical challenge, which was clearly taking its toll, but he soldiered on well. Benson is a very tidy player; he showed that at Harlequins, and has continued that form with Ulster. There isn’t too much to criticise about his performance, perhaps only that the Bulls managed to keep him largely in check. 6
12 Stuart McCloskey: One of Ulster’s best, as per usual. McCloskey had several telling moments throughout the match, including holding Johan Grobbelaar up over the line with the equally excellent Tom Stewart in the 11th minute. He was aggressive and physical in contact and bundled his way over for a try to get Ulster within striking distance. This after he had already assisted a try earlier in the game. A statement performance that will put Andy Farrell on notice just before the Nations Championship. 8
11 Michael Lowry: The Bulls managed to repeatedly put the winger under pressure through their kick-chase tactics, and Lowry had few answers to it. He also couldn’t contain the rapid Seb de Klerk. 4
10 Jack Murphy: Some lovely touches throughout the game from the young pivot who was unlucky not to get a look-in with the Ireland squad. On the whole, he kicked well and more often than not, made the right decision with ball in hand. 7
9 Nathan Doak: It was clearly a tactic from Ulster to kick the ball well into touch, sacrificing a few metres to deny the Bulls a quick throw and, to his credit, Doak did that well. He had some fine moments on attack but was guilty of being a bit passive defensively. Still, a solid outing. 6
The forwards
8 Juarno Augustus: Grew into the game as it went on, with his hulking carries regularly getting him over the gain-line. He and McCloskey were particularly good in that regard, with Augustus also strong in defence. 7
7 Nick Timoney: Showed off his softer skills with lovely hands in the build-up to Mullins’ first try but that came off the back of spoiling an opportunity a couple metres short of the Bulls line. Usually a consistent performer for Ulster but was notably below his par today. 5
6 David McCann: Finished off his try well from close range and was combative in defence without really impressing. Decent but was out-muscled. 5
5 Cormac Izuchukwu: A safe option in the lineout and got through a ton of work in the Pretoria heat. Ulster needs to utilise his size and strength more and be less reliant on the likes of Augustus and McCloskey. 6
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4 Ben Donnell: A busy shift on both sides of the ball and at the breakdown, which was tough going in these conditions. 6
3 Keynan Knox: Produced a brilliant pass out the back for Mullins’ second try and was incredibly lucky that referee Ru Campbell didn’t want to award scrum penalties. 5
2 Tom Stewart (c): The pick of the Ulster performers along with McCloskey, Stewart was combative, abrasive and played a part in all that Ulster did well whilst on the pitch. Led from the front and did so brilliantly. 8
1 Tom O’Toole: Like Knox, he was fortunate that the officiating team didn’t want this to turn into a penalty fest at scrum time. Busy around the park. 5
Replacements: The Ulster bench raised the tempo in the latter stages of the game and got them into a position where they could snatch a result. James McKillop was the standout of the lot but scrum penalties did come when the front row changes were made and that was a momentum swing. 6
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