Loftus Versfeld played host to an intense United Rugby Championship (URC) clash between the Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers on a stormy night in Pretoria. A crowd of 34,225 braved the wet and unpredictable weather, with UFC champion Dricus Du Plessis making a special appearance to fire up the fans after a nearly hour-long delay caused by severe rain and thunder. Despite the difficult conditions, the match lived up to its billing, with the Stormers securing a narrow 19-16 victory in a tense battle.
A Tight, Tactical First Half
The opening stages of the match were dictated by the slippery conditions, leading to numerous handling errors and a scrappy contest. Both teams relied on their kicking games and forward dominance to gain territory rather than attempting expansive rugby.
The scoring opened early, with Stormers fly-half Jurie Matthee slotting a penalty in the first minute, followed by a response from the Bulls’ David Kriel just minutes later. The back-and-forth continued, with both sides trading penalty goals as Matthee and Kriel kept the scoreboard ticking.
A crucial moment in the first half came when Bulls fullback Willie le Roux was shown a yellow card in the 16th minute, forcing the home side to play with 14 men for a crucial period. The Stormers capitalized, adding another penalty through Matthee to extend their lead. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Bulls stayed in the fight, with Kriel keeping them in touch from the kicking tee.
As the halftime whistle blew, the Stormers held a narrow 9-6 lead, reflecting the tight nature of the contest.
Second-Half Momentum Shifts
The second half kicked off with both teams making strategic substitutions, hoping to find an edge in the physical battle. The Bulls gained momentum around the 60-minute mark, using their powerful pack to inch closer to the Stormers’ try line. Their persistence paid off when Ruan Vermaak crashed over for the game’s first try, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Kriel converted, giving the Bulls a 13-9 lead.
However, the Stormers refused to back down. Just minutes later, Wandisile Simelane produced a moment of individual brilliance, breaking through the Bulls’ defense to score a crucial try in the 67th minute. Matthee added the conversion, restoring the Stormers’ advantage at 16-13.
With the game hanging in the balance, both teams pushed for a decisive moment. The Bulls had an opportunity to level the score in the 72nd minute, but Jurie Matthee’s penalty attempt drifted wide. The Stormers, sensing their chance to seal the game, won another penalty shortly after, and Matthee made no mistake this time, extending their lead to 19-13.
Final Push and Stormers Hold On
In the dying minutes, the Bulls threw everything at the Stormers’ defense, looking for a way back into the game. A late penalty from Kriel reduced the deficit to 19-16, setting up a nervy finish. The Loftus faithful roared their team on, but the Stormers held firm, defending resolutely to see out the game and claim a hard-fought victory.
Key Takeaways
- Stormers’ Resilience: Despite the tough conditions and relentless Bulls pressure, the Stormers showed composure and defensive strength to grind out a crucial win.
- Standout Performers: Jurie Matthee’s kicking was instrumental for the Stormers, while Wandisile Simelane’s decisive try proved the difference. For the Bulls, David Kriel’s accuracy from the tee and Ruan Vermaak’s try kept them in contention.
The Stormers’ win at Loftus will be a massive boost in their URC campaign, while the Bulls will look to regroup and correct their errors as they move forward in the competition. Despite the rain and disruptions, this clash showcased the fierce rivalry and intensity that makes South African rugby so compelling.
