Bulls outplay Stormers at Loftus

The Bulls hosted the Stormers in the first match of the South African Super Rugby conference, with Bulls overcoming the men from Cape Town in a 25-17 win.

The match started off to the Bulls’ advantage, with the home team holding onto possession for a while and delivering some continual attacking phases.

Play eventually broke down, and the Bulls were awarded a penalty, which Steyn slotted to give the Bulls 3 points.

Elton Jantjies had an opportunity to even things out, but missed his shot at goal in the 14th minute.

Steyn had another 2 shots at goal following some ill-discipline from the Stormers, making it 9-0.

The scoreboard carried on ticking over after half time, as Steyn slotted another direct penalty to put the Bulls 12-0 ahead.

The Stormers finally picked up some momentum when Habana was stopped just before the line. De Villiers was quickly in support and managed to pick up 1m from the line and dot down to score. Joe Pietersen converted, making the score 12-7.

Following the try, the Stormers continued their pressure on the Bulls, and came away with a penalty. Pietersen pushed it through with ease to make it 12-10.

After an infringement from a Nic Groom at the scrum, Steyn had another chance at goal, and made the score 15-10.

De Villiers and Hougaard had a small altecation in front of the Stormers posts, which gave Steyn yet another chance at 3 points. Steyn completed the penalty, making the score 18-10.

Ralepelle picked up a try when, from 5m out, Hougaard put through a kick that the front-rower scooped up. Steyn added the extra 2, making the score 25-10.

Andries Bekker picked up the second try for the Stormers, as he crashed over in the 77th minute. Pieteren’s conversion was successful.

The Bulls held on in the last minute to deny the Stormers getting within 7 and claiming a bonus point.

Scorers:

Bulls

Tries: Ralepelle
Pens: Steyn (6)
Cons: Steyn

Stormers:

Tries: De Villiers, Bekker
Pens: Pietersen
Cons: Pietersen (2)