The Stormers made a superb start to their Investec Champions Cup campaign in France, while there’s work to do for South Africa’s other four franchises.
Investec Champions Cup
The STORMERS are flying the flag for South Africa in Europe. The Cape side won their opening six games in the Vodacom URC and have carried that form and momentum into the Champions Cup.
In their opening clash away to Bayonne at the intimidating Stade Jean Dauger, not even a red card for lock Adré Smith and a later yellow card could derail the Stormers, who came away with an impressive 26-17 win.
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The Stormers return home – sort of – to face Pool 3 leaders La Rochelle in Gqeberha on Saturday. The Stormers sit third, only a bonus point behind next week’s opponents and Leinster.
A cohesive unit under the leadership of coach John Dobson and captain Salmaan Moerat, the Stormers will be able to welcome back some of their rested Springbok stars.
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In what is surely already one of the games of the tournament, the VODACOM BULLS went toe-to-toe with defending champions Bordeaux Bègles in Pretoria on Saturday, before succumbing 46-33.
But that will be little consolation for Bulls coach Johan Ackermann, who lamented his side’s costly mistakes and poor discipline. It was eerily reminiscent of the side’s 43-33 URC derby defeat to the Lions.
MORE: Ackers blasts Bulls’ discipline
The loss to Bordeaux puts the Bulls on the back foot with a trip to Northampton, who beat Pau, this weekend. The Bulls sit fifth in Pool 4 and have their work cut out.