Bulls Triumph in Last-Minute Drama, Beat Stormers 33-32

A missed conversion in the dying moments of the game handed the Bulls a thrilling 33-32 win over the Stormers at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, marking their first-ever victory over the inaugural champions in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

Despite being outscored by five tries to four, the Bulls proved too strong for the Stormers in their first derby of the URC season.

It only took the Bulls 1:21 minutes to open the scoring. Player of the Match, Cameron Hanekom, set the tone by charging deep into Stormers territory straight from the kickoff. The Bulls quickly moved the ball wide, with David Kriel and Sergeal Petersen making crucial meters to create space for lock Cobus Wiese to barge over for the opening try.

Cameron Hanekom = BUILT DIFFERENT

This is how you set the tone for a North v South derby #BKTURC #URC | #STOvBUL pic.twitter.com/bVZUrxhc8o

— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) February 8, 2025

The Stormers were caught off guard by the rapid attack and found themselves on the back foot, struggling to keep up with the pace set by their visitors.

Akker van der Merwe = The runaway train #BKTURC #URC | #STOvBUL pic.twitter.com/RTdnzIjCq5

— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) February 8, 2025

While Hanekom was a standout performer, it was replacement hooker Akker van der Merwe’s vital intervention that swung the momentum in the Bulls’ favor. In a crucial breakdown moment, Van der Merwe poached the ball from Herschel Jantjies, racing down the field before being brought down just short of the line. This set up a critical try from fellow replacement Ruan Vermaak, which ultimately proved to be the match-winner.

Van der Merwe’s poaching skills were key, earning a penalty that helped the Bulls maintain control during a tense second half.

The North-South Derby did not disappoint

It’s another away win for the Vodacom Bulls in the #VURC pic.twitter.com/9sQ2j9U8h7

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 8, 2025

In the early scrums, Wilco Louw and Jan-Hendrik Wessels dominated their counterparts, Sti Sithole and Frans Malherbe. Their strong performance laid the foundation for a series of penalties that tilted the game in the Bulls’ favor. Just before halftime, a penalty allowed the Bulls to take a 18-15 lead into the break, despite trailing for much of the first half.

The Bulls’ scrum dominance helped them regain momentum whenever it seemed the Stormers were about to mount a comeback.

A late yellow card for Gerhard Steenekamp nearly cost the Bulls dearly. Leading the game, the Bulls were reduced to 14 men, and the Stormers took full advantage, with Evan Roos and Warrick Gelant scoring back-to-back tries. The game shifted on its head, with the Stormers putting the Bulls under immense pressure.

The Stormers will regret missed opportunities with the boot, especially the crucial late conversion by replacement Clayton Blommetjies. After Ben-Jason Dixon’s try brought the Stormers within striking distance, Blommetjies pushed the conversion wide, sealing the Bulls’ victory.

In addition, Jurie Matthee missed two relatively easy kicks during the game, which could have added vital points to the Stormers’ total and changed the outcome of the match.

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