Harold Vorster is not a man of many words – clearly, he is someone who prefers to do his talking on the pitch.
And that was again the way in which he fended off questions from the media – like he would opposing centres – when asked about the Bulls’ massive United Rugby Championship showdown with the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday (2pm kick-off).
The 31-year-old No 12 was part of the Lions squad that reached three consecutive Super Rugby finals, before a three-year stint in Japan with the Panasonic Wild Knights. But having decided to return to South Africa in 2021, Pretoria is his new home – a five-hour drive from his home town of Phalaborwa in Limpopo.
And he has felt at home in the Bulls midfield, with his experience and hard carries up the middle creating the space for the finishers out wide.
Vorster was at it again in the recent 35-22 URC victory over the Lions at Ellis Park, putting in a fitting performance on his 50th appearance for the Bulls against his former team. It was a vital triumph for the Pretoria side as they continued their resurgence following a four-match losing streak.
“It was special. I’ve got special memories at the Lions, and (now) building special memories at the Bulls. So ja, it was a special day,” Vorster said on Tuesday.
“I feel that as soon as the outside centre and wings talk to you and want the ball, then I will always try to put the ball in space for them. I definitely think there is a bit of momentum that we’ve built up to write off those few defeats.
“A win helps to do it as soon as soon possible, so we’ve had good momentum in the last few games, and we are looking forward to this weekend.”
Vorster appears to be equally comfortable linking up with either Stedman Gans or David Kriel at outside centre, although the latter has started most of the games at No 12 over the last few seasons.
But perhaps in the red-hot cauldron of a Stormers duel this weekend, Vorster’s physicality might be handy once again, where he could feed off Springbok veteran Willie le Roux at flyhalf once more.
Rivalry mode 💣 pic.twitter.com/2V2E2IrGwb
“We will still try a lot on attack. They are a team that you can expect anything from. What is important is to do the basics, and I believe that we can attack,” he said.
“The Stormers are a very good side. I think you can expect anything from them – obviously physicality. But any special plays or tricks, they will bring it to (us) – ja, you have to be awake.
“Especially on the weekend of the Lions game, Willie came off the bench and made a huge impact, and he’s got a good kicking game and likes to run with the ball.
“So, he definitely made a big impact. I think every derby game is a big one, so I don’t think there’s extra motivation needed.”
Meanwhile, the Bulls finally released an injury update on star players Ruan Nortjé, Elrigh Louw and Johan Goosen on Tuesday.
All three will miss the Stormers clash, with captain Nortjé’s knee ligament injury from the Lions game being treated with a “non-invasive recovery and rehabilitation programme” that will keep him sidelined for eight to 10 weeks.
Goosen’s knee operation will rule him out for the same amount of time, although he has already served two weeks, and it is hoped that they can both be ready for the Challenge Cup play-off against Bayonne in April.
‼️Injury Update: Nortje, Goosen & Louw‼️
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) February 4, 2025
The Vodacom Bulls can update on Ruan Nortje, Elrigh Louw, and Johan Goosen:
• Nortje (knee ligament) was injured in the Jukskei Derby on Jan 25. He’s already in rehab and should be back in 8–10 weeks.
• Goosen (knee surgery) is… pic.twitter.com/RsWlRd2YE7
Louw also went off at Ellis Park a few weeks ago, and is currently awaiting the swelling to subside around his left knee before undergoing an operation before his recovery period is determined.