Clayton Blommetjies starred in what was his second appearance in the blue and white hoops as Western Province claimed a bonus-point win over the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last night.

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The 32-year-old scored a decisive try in the second half and was a threat all game with his running from backfield causing the Vodacom Bulls no end of problems. His cover play also helped nullify the threat posed by the hosts’ kicking game.

It was a performance where Blommetjies showed that he could very well fill the boots that were vacated by Warrick Gelant, who departed the DHL Stormers for France at the end of last season after playing a crucial role in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship win.

John Dobson revealed after the match that it has not been easy to get Blommetjies to this point, saying the Cape side are taking pride in putting in the hard work to help players turn their careers around.

“We have prided ourselves, and this is probably almost by accident, on this thing of turning guys, whether that’s a Manie Libbok or Hacjivah Dayimani and Evan Roos. We have actually started to pride ourselves on that.

“I was worried about Blomme when he first came here. He didn’t quite understand our defence system. Our back three runs massive distances to cover the field and he was running 30 to 40% less than them.

“We invested so much in him, trying to coach him and he has just responded so well. This is building towards another one of those success stories. He was exceptional tonight.”

Dobson said that the Paarl-raised Blommetjies did not hesitate when asked if he would play in the Currie Cup after Western Province had a problem at fullback.

“Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] was out, Tristan Leyds was out and I said to Blomme last week if he minds coming to Ellis Park [for the opening fixture against the Lions] and he said that he would absolutely love that, to play for Western Province.

“As I say, it has taken a bit of work, from both our sides. He had to get used to our systems, but I thought he was brilliant, to my mind our man of the match.”