Jacques-Louis Potgieter's return to Super Rugby following his stint in France was one much needed by a struggling Bulls side, writes JEREMY PROOME.

Potgieter provided a fantastic boost of direction and confidence in the playmaking role for the Bulls on Saturday against the Lions – dictating how the tactical-kicking game would play out and when the Bulls should go wide, which paid dividends when they did.

He upstaged the impressive Marnitz Boshoff, who played a strong game despite the loss, but Potgieter set the bar in terms of the flyhalf duel – even keeping Handré Pollard on the bench throughout the game.

Potgieter's defensive ability, strong running style and width of passing were on display, and his time overseas has undoubtedly heightened those attributes in every sense. Potgieter was also shoehorned into the kicking duties and took on the responsibility excellently, scoring 20 points for the men from Pretoria.

The wet conditions and his team's high error-rate didn't help Potgieter, but the 29-year-old remained calm and composed, and showed that he belongs in the southern hemisphere's premier competition.

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