The Vodacom Bulls suffered an embarrassing defeat against a rampant Northampton Saints in their Investec Champions Cup clash at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday.

Johan Ackermann’s men were second best from start to finish, struggling to contain the pace and precision of the hosts and conceding eight tries in a disappointing 50-5 defeat that will raise serious concerns back in Pretoria.

It marks a second straight loss in the competition for the Bulls, following their opening-round defeat to Bordeaux-Bègles, and leaves them with little margin for error when the tournament resumes in January, when Bristol Bears visit Loftus Versfeld.

MORE: Sharks eye playoffs as Toulouse stumble

The Bulls had an early opportunity to settle nerves when Kade Wolhuter – on loan from the Lions – lined up a long-range penalty in the fourth minute, but the effort drifted wide. That miss proved costly.

Northampton struck first soon after, moving the ball swiftly to the edge where Ollie Sleightholme found space to score in the eighth minute after some slick handling.

The Saints continued to dominate possession and territory, but the Bulls briefly clawed their way back into the contest when Stravino Jacobs capitalised on a loose moment, collecting a kick and sprinting clear to score in the 23rd minute.

Any momentum was short-lived. Sustained pressure from the hosts paid off when the ball was worked down the short side, allowing George Hendy to finish in the corner. Fin Smith’s conversion sent the teams into the break with Northampton leading 14-5.

The second half followed a familiar pattern. Smith turned provider early, his grubber sitting up perfectly for Hendy to grab his second try of the match.

DOBBO: Stormers seduced by great start

Matters worsened for the Bulls when prop Alulutho Tshakweni was yellow-carded in the 54th minute, a moment that summed up a frustrating day as he protested the decision to referee Hollie Davidson.

The Saints keep on matching as Henry Pollock crashes over 💪

📺 Stream #InvestecChampionsCup on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/uAnvX49vtG

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) December 14, 2025

The Saints immediately made their numerical advantage count. Henry Pollock powered over for the bonus-point try, before South African lock JJ van der Mescht showcased his offloading skills in the build-up to Alex Coles’ score.

With the Bulls’ resistance fading, Sleightholme completed his brace, Hendy sealed his hat-trick, and Josh Kemeny added the final blow just before the whistle.

The Bulls will need a strong response on home soil in January if they are to keep their Champions Cup hopes alive.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images