Bulls charge into Challenge Cup playoffs

Today at 09:51 AM

The Vodacom Bulls trampled Stade Francais in their last Investec Champions Cup pool match at Loftus on Saturday to qualify for the second-tier Challenge Cup playoffs.

The Bulls came into the game already out of Champions Cup playoffs contention, but needing to win by at least 22 points with a bonus point, while denying their opponents a bonus point, to secure fifth place in Pool 3 and qualify for the Challenge Cup round of 16.

And they achieved their goal with ease, scoring seven tries in a 48-7 victory that ended a four-match losing run.

The Bulls made the perfect start when awarded a penalty try after Stade Francais flyhalf Louis Carbonel's deliberate knock-on close to the line.

Fullback Devon Williams then scored against 14 men, before scrumhalf Embrose Papier darted away from a quick-tap penalty to make it 21-0 after 18 minutes.

Papier Williams Gans Petersen Williams

It’s starting to click for the Vodacom Bulls 🤌

Stream #InvestecChampionsCup on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKwpic.twitter.com/XCVZ2Q6Uuk

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) January 18, 2025

The visitors hit back when captain Sekou Macalou went over from close range and while the Bulls lost flyhalf Johan Goosen to injury, they then scored another two tries – by lock Ruan Vermaak and captain Elrigh Louw – to take a commanding 37-7 half-time lead.

ALSO: How Sharks can reach Champions Cup playoffs

The Bulls’ rampage continued briefly after the break, with replacement No 10 Boeta Chamberlain and No 8 Cameron Hanekom, voted Man of the Match, crossing the line.

Cameron Hanekom just doesn’t have an off switch

Stream #InvestecChampionsCup on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKwpic.twitter.com/0vIUSBcDqQ

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) January 18, 2025

And while the game petered out from there, the hosts were able to keep their structure and prevent Stade Francais from adding to their try tally.

The post Bulls charge into Challenge Cup playoffs appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.