Devon Williams starred as the Vodacom Bulls secured a 31-17 win over Bristol Bears in the Investec Champions Cup Round 3.
The full-back was impressive from the off as Vodacom Bulls hit the ground running, with an explosive start culminating in a sixth-minute penalty from Johan Goosen.
Even after Goosen was shown a yellow card three minutes later for a deliberate knock-on, the visitors kept pushing, with wing Sergeal Petersen crossing in the corner in the 14th minute, converted by David Kriel who took on kicking duties.
But Bristol Bears got themselves back in it, with scrum-half Kieran Marmion’s 19th-minute try down the right converted by AJ MacGinty.
Vodacom Bulls started the second half brighter, with a try from replacement prop Khutha Mchunu from close range – his first for the team.
They stepped up a gear, with flanker Elrigh Louw’s 63rd-minute try followed swiftly by one from hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels in an impressive display of pace that confirmed the bonus point for Vodacom Bulls.
Goosen made amends for his earlier absence, converting all three second-half tries.
After a yellow card for Louw seven minutes from time, Bristol Bears were looking to grab a bonus point even if the win was lost – and hooker Gabriel Ibitoye crossed the line as the hosts sought to finish with a flourish.
But when Magnus Bradbury crossed the line to score the hosts’ third, it was too little too late – the clock had already ticked down into the red.
Bristol Bears now face a crucial clash at Connacht Rugby in Round 4 next week, while Vodacom Bulls will face the high-flying Union Bordeaux Bègles.
SCORERS:
Tries: Sergeal Petersen x1, Khutha Mchunu x1, Elrigh Louw x1, Jan-Hendrik Wessels x1
Conversions: David Kriel x1, Johan Goosen x3
Penalty: Johan Goosen x1
VODACOM BULLS vs BRISTOL BEARS STARTING XV: 1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Ruan Vermaak, 5. Reinhardt Ludwig, 6. Marcell Coetzee (c), 7. Elrigh Louw, 8. Mpilo Gumede, 9. Embrose Papier, 10. Johan Goosen, 11. Sergeal Petersen, 12. Harold Vorster, 13. David Kriel, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 15. Devon Williams
VODACOM BULLS IMPACT SQUAD: 16. Simphiwe Matanzima, 17. Tiaan Lange, 18. Khutha Mchunu, 19. Ruan Nortjé, 20. Deon Slabbert, 21. Keagan Johannes, 22. Chris Smith, 23. Henry Immelman
MANAGEMENT: Jake White – Director of Rugby, Chris Rossouw – Assistant Coach, Gary Gold – Assistant Coach, Andries Bekker – Assistant Coach, John-William Meyer – Technical Analyst, Dr. Moshe Magethi – Team Doctor, Lance Lemmetjies – Senior Physiotherapist, Andre Volsteedt – Strength & Conditioning, Elias Bennett – Team Manager
>>>story courtesy of epcr.com<<<
