The unsung hero of the Vodacom Bulls backline, Harold Vorster will play a crucial role in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship final on Saturday.
When Jake White took over at the Bulls he was quick to make sure that they got back to trusting their traditional strengths, in terms of a strong set piece and kicking game. But over the past few years he has also revolutionised their attack, and the style of play that one has come to expect from the Bulls is vastly different yet equally effective to Heyneke Meyer’s dominant sides of the past.
But the unsung hero of this Bulls backline, and the glue to their attack, has been centre Harold Vorster. Alongside Hendricks, the two have formed one of the most understated but effective midfield combinations in the league this season. “Whether he [Vorster] plays with Morne Steyn or Chris Smith on his inside [at flyhalf], he is the voice of that backline. I don’t want to take anything away from a guy like Cornal, who has played extensively for us there previously and is performing so well at 13, but Harold is our general,’ said White.
Most of Vorster’s professional appearances came at the Emirates Lions between 2015 to 2019, before a stint at the Panasonic Wild Knights between 2018 to 2021. His arrival at the Bulls is an example of the astute identification from White in bringing in experienced players who fit the vision of the style of rugby the Bulls are playing.