Cameron Hanekom’s comeback adds bite and belief to a Bulls side pushing back into Vodacom URC contention, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane says the young No 8’s return from a nine-month hamstring lay-off was more than symbolic, with Hanekom immediately showing the aggression, breakdown menace and presence that marked him as a rising Springbok.
He played the final 24 minutes in the Bulls’ 40-7 win over Cardiff and looked as if he had never been away. There were big hits, a trademark jackal and the same energy that defined his breakout 2024 season before injury halted his progress.
“It did not take him long to settle and confirm his presence,” Keohane writes.
ACKERS: Cameron showed his class
The Bulls needed the lift. After a seven-match losing run across competitions, they steadied with a four-game winning streak before slipping against the Stormers. Victory over Cardiff was non-negotiable in the race for the top eight.
The response was emphatic. After conceding early, the Bulls ran in 33 unanswered points before half-time and kept Cardiff scoreless for the final 76 minutes.
KEO: Papier in power performance as Bulls charge in URC
Embrose Papier and Kurt-Lee Arendse provided attacking spark, while Handré Pollard’s control and kicking range reinforced the structure. But it was the collective defensive effort that signalled growth.
“These Bulls kept Cardiff scoreless for the last 76 minutes,” Keohane notes.
Photo: Vodacom Bulls/Facebook
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