The Bulls and Cheetahs used this friendly match in Polokwane yesterday to shed off-season rust, test new combinations and see what untested and inexperienced players have to offer.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke will be more than satisfied knowing he has in his kraal a strong young bull to claim the fullback berth - 20-year-old Jesse Kriel.
The match was far from exciting, but livewire Kriel provided some spark, showing signs he could give Willie le Roux, Conrad Smith and Israel Folau - regarded as the best No15s in the world - some competition when Super Rugby starts on February 13.
A former Junior Springbok, Kriel is solidly built and immensely powerful. He is also an evasive runner, which often results in him beating the first two defenders. His chip kicks are accurate and he almost always gathers the ball after leaping over defenders.
Kriel brings a breath of fresh air to the Bulls, steering away from what is often described as a skop-en-jaag type of fullback associated with the team from Loftus.
Although he was given a taste of Super Rugby at the end of last year's campaign and also played in the Currie Cup, this is the season Kriel is likely to blossom.
While the match signalled the start of the eagerly awaited rugby season, there was not much else Ludeke and Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske could take away with them. At least they will be pleased their players managed to get used to 80 minutes of rugby again.
The Cheetahs, who are rebuilding, look as though they could be in for another painful season after finishing second-from-bottom last year. Their lapse in concentration resulted in the Bulls surging from a 9-6 lead at half time to a 30-13 victory.
The Bulls now travel to London, where they will play Saracens.
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