Jan-Hendrik Wessels hopes the Bulls’ victories over Munster and Glasgow Warriors will provide them the springboard for the business end of the United Rugby Championship.
His superb all-round performance propelled the Bulls to a stunning 26-19 victory over defending champions Glasgow Warriors on Friday, repeating their heroics from a week earlier when they became the first South African team to win at Munster.
The loosehead prop’s range of influence was keenly felt across the park in Glasgow. He produced a try-saving tackle early in the match, scrummed and hit the rucks with ferocity and was a willing and able ball carrier.
Wessels deservedly earned the man of the match award but the Bulls as a collective were outstanding. Their scrum was the foundation of their success over the Warriors. They gained a foothold in the game in that department — thanks to the prowess of the immovable Bok tighthead prop Wilco Louw.
He has been the URC form tighthead, with the Warriors’ looseheads the latest to crumble under his grip. Honest endeavour was spread across the Bulls’ ranks with hooker Johan Grobbelaar, flank Jannes Kirsten, inside centre Harold Vorster and others contributing to the rare home defeat for the Warriors.
Their cause was also greatly aided by a faultless display from the kicking tee from flyhalf Johan Goosen, who banged over four penalties and the conversions to the tries scored by Grobbelaar and David Kriel.
That big win last week, we just wanted to match it. We fought for each other and it worked well
— Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Though the Warriors scored two late tries the Bulls’ defence was also crucial to their success. It will embolden the Bulls for the remainder of their campaign. “We knew this tour was going to be difficult, with two knockout matches in the EPCR and two massive games away to Munster and Glasgow,” said Wessels.
“We can build on this momentum. We have a week off now, and if we can click after that for the last two matches and then the play-offs, anything can happen. We just want to fight hard and stay in it.”
Wessels said the Bulls were being driven by the desire to fight for each other. “That big win last week, we just wanted to match it. We fought for each other and it worked well.”
Captain Ruan Nortje saluted Wessels for how he has filled the position in the absence of Gerhard Steenekamp. “Jan filled his shoes tremendously. He can play hooker and prop and that is a massive boost for us.
“For us coming here was to rectify things we did last week. To come with the same intent. I am so proud of the boys. This was our fourth week on tour and it was great to see how the guys stuck together. It is a massive boost for us for the last part of the season,” said Nortje.
The victory has considerably boosted the Bulls’ prospects in the URC as they are now within a point of snatching second place on the points table from the defending champions.
They could have had second place, had they successfully converted a last-minute penalty, but Willie le Roux opted to boot the ball into touch.
The Bulls may yet snatch that spot from two remaining league matches at home to Cardiff and the Dragons, while the Warriors face trips to Benetton and Leinster.
The top two in the URC gain semifinal hosting rights, and the Bulls will fancy their chances of reaching the final for a third time in four years.
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