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Bulls v All Blacks: Winners and losers as Test hopefuls ‘solidify’ positions while Bulls’ ‘best player’ sends ‘reminder’ to Rassie Erasmus Leroy Carter (left) and Dave Rennie (inset) are among the key winners from the All Blacks' win over the Bulls Following the All Blacks’ 50-19 win over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, here is our take on the key winners and losers from the third game of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Winners Leroy Carter After arguably one of the standout performances for his side in their win over the Stormers, Leroy Carter was back in the thick of the action tonight against the Bulls. His evening started with a superb injection of quality to create Josh Moorby’s try, coming off his wing and almost becoming an extra 13, which only set the tone for the rest of his work. In total, he ended the night with a game-high 16 carries alongside 68 metres, all while bagging a hat-trick. This performance in isolation would certainly be enough to push his case for Test selection, especially considering the injury to Caleb Clarke, but with it also coming off the back of a big game in Cape Town, it only solidifies that feeling further. All Blacks scrum It’s not been smooth sailing for the All Blacks scrum thus far this series, especially against the Stormers, but this was a very complete scrummaging effort from Dave Rennie’s pack. The starting front-row of Xavier Numia, Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax just seemed to have the Bulls’ number at every turn, winning a few penalties for their efforts, and that dominance was later matched by the combination of Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower and Siale Lauaki in the latter stages too. What’s even more pleasing from Rennie’s point of view is that there’s real improvement in this area. The attacking intent was there from the run-on front-row, with Lomax arguably leading the hunt while Numia’s powerful follow-through got good change as well, and the replacements also came into their own after a tough time of it in Cape Town. If you’re playing against the Springboks, you need your scrum to really stand up, and while it will certainly be another step up next weekend, this was a notable statement from the All Blacks in this department. Anton Segner He certainly put his hand up for a Test jersey come Saturday, when the Springboks welcome New Zealand to Ellis Park. The German-born loose forward made two technically brilliant turnovers just when the All Blacks looked to be against the cosh, in what was an aggressive and very deliberate performance. He made 10 carries just in the second half and finished with a team high of 13 tackles. There’s certainly no reason for Dave Rennie not to include him in the Test 23 after that performance. Beauden Barrett The double World Rugby Player of the Year has not seemed worthy of that title for quite some time, certainly not in an All Black shirt. But with concern surrounding Damian McKenzie’s fitness, and Richie Mo’unga returning to the squad, a less pressurising spot at full-back could well be exactly what Barrett needs to rediscover his form. Well, against the Bulls he certainly seemed to be heading back to his absolute best, injecting himself into the attack wonderfully, assisting Moorby’s first try with a perfectly timed pass, before playing a pivotal role in the winger’s second score. Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust. He appeared to be relaxed in his playing style, while the number 10 position was occupied and the responsibility absorbed. Time will tell what the future holds, but Barrett at 15 does not seem like a bad idea after that performance. Dave Rennie What’s not to like if you’re Rennie? The entire team played their socks off in a game that could so easily have been treated as a dead rubber. Your inexperienced youth are becoming fully fledged members of the team. Momentum is building within the squad as they head into what promises to be the most challenging and important four-Test series of your career, and faith is growing within the loyal but expectant fanbase back home. What goes up must indeed come down, but right now, Rennie is flying high. He’s yet to lose a game in charge of the All Blacks, and with a stacked team to choose from heading into next weekend’s Test, he’ll certainly fancy his chances. Marcell Coetzee The Bulls’ best player by a country mile. Right from the initial stages of the game, he was the key driver for the Bulls, and didn’t relax until the final whistle. Each contact he made was brutal, and every time was without hesitation, racking up over 60 metres with the ball in hand to give his side some very rare, but needed, front-foot ball. Now 35-years-old, he’s not played for the Springboks in five years, but a performance like that, on such a stage, may send a little reminder to Rassie Erasmus that he’s not quite done yet. Losers Replaced Bulls With the Springboks sending Elrigh Louw and Johan Grobbelaar to the Bulls for this fixture, in an effort to get them some game time ahead of the Test series, that saw Mpilo Gumede and Jaundre Schoeman drop out of the squad. While this was a major boost for the Bulls ahead of the game, it would have really stung for the axed duo to be taken out of the squad and denied a rare chance to take on the All Blacks. Things like that have been a major positive to emerge from this tour to date, so it is a real shame for the pair. Further All Black injury concerns Injuries have become a bit of a theme for the All Blacks this tour, and tonight they suffered two further concerns that will leave Rennie sweating. Scrum-half Cortez Ratima, who has featured in all three tour games to date, came off with a knock to his knee, while Xavier Numia also reported back with a tight Achilles. However, while these will cause somewhat of a concern amid the backdrop of Cam Roigard’s calf issue and Caleb Clarke, Billy Proctor and George Bell being sent home with injuries, it was more of a precaution to take them off.