The Vodacom Bulls ended their Investec Champions Cup campaign on a high, thrashing Stade Francais 48-7 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday to qualify for the Challenge Cup round of 16.
Out of Champions Cup contention, the Bulls needed a bonus-point win by a 22-point margin while denying Stade Francais a bonus point to secure fifth place in Pool 3. Jake White’s charges delivered in style, breaking their four-match losing streak with a dominant seven-try performance.
Early Domination
The Bulls set the tone early, earning a penalty try after Stade Francais flyhalf Louis Carbonel was penalized for a deliberate knock-on. Fullback Devon Williams extended the lead, and Embrose Papier added a third try with a quick-tap dart, putting the Bulls 21-0 up within the first 20 minutes.
Although Stade Francais captain Sekou Macalou responded with a close-range effort, the Bulls fired back with tries from Ruan Vermaak and skipper Elrigh Louw, taking a commanding 37-7 lead into halftime.
Papier ➡️ Williams ➡️ Gans ➡️ Petersen ➡️ Williams
It's starting to click for the Vodacom Bulls 🤌
📺 Stream #InvestecChampionsCup on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/XCVZ2Q6Uuk
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) January 18, 2025
Second-Half Control
The onslaught continued briefly after the break as replacement flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain and No. 8 Cameron Hanekom crossed the line. Hanekom, later named Man of the Match, showcased his relentless work rate in a stellar performance.
The Bulls maintained their defensive structure, ensuring Stade Francais could not add to their solitary try and closing out a resounding victory.
Cameron Hanekom just doesn't have an off switch 😤🏉
📺 Stream #InvestecChampionsCup on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/0vIUSBcDqQ
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) January 18, 2025
Turning the Tide
This win ends a difficult run for the Bulls, offering renewed confidence as they shift focus to the Challenge Cup playoffs. Despite losing Johan Goosen to injury, the team showcased cohesion and determination that will be critical in the knockout stages.
What’s Next?
The Bulls head into the Challenge Cup round of 16 with momentum, aiming to build on this emphatic victory.