Bulls claim bragging rights in Paarl

The Bulls got the better of the Stormers in a pre-season north-south derby at Faure Street Stadium in Paarl on Friday afternoon.

Johan Ackermann’s Bulls, who included Springboks Willie le Roux, Marcell Coetzee and Nizaam Carr and new recruit Hanro Liebenberg, tested combinations ahead of the new season while securing a 38-26 win.

Stormers boss John Dobson blended youth and experience in a match-day 31 that included six URC winners and was captained by Hacjivah Dayimani.

The hosts struck first through fullback Dylan Miller, who cut inside onto Jurie Matthee’s pass, but the flyhalf missed the conversion.

No 8 Jeandré Rudolph replied for the visitors from a driving maul, before speedster Lleyton Davids – a Boland club player on debut – raced down the right flank for the Stormers’ second try. Matthee converted to restore their lead.