Rugby
Saracens thump Bulls in Champions Cup─── ILSE SMALBERGER 10:03 Sun, 08 Dec 2024
Blustery conditions proved challenging to both sides with a number of missed penalty and conversion kicks. However, two yellow cards for the Bulls ten minutes into the second half didn’t help their case.
Gail force winds caused by Storm Darragh made for a challenging Champions Cup match between Saracens and the Bulls at StoneX Stadium in North London. However, Saracens emerged victorious with a solid 27-5 bonus point victory over the men from Pretoria.
Winger Sebastian de Klerk put the Bulls on the board first with an unconverted try 11 minutes into the first half, but Wales prop Rhys Carre levelled the score and Fergus Burke’s penalty gave the hosts a narrow 8-5 half-time lead.
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— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) December 7, 2024
Blustery conditions proved challenging to both sides with several missed penalty and conversion kicks. However, two yellow cards for the Bulls ten minutes into the second half didn’t help their case. Poor discipline from the visitors saw Jannes Kirsten and Sebastian de Klerk being sent off within minutes of each other.
However, as the wind seemed to break the Bulls’ spirit, it bolstered Saracens. England captain Jamie George and man of the match Tom Willis both scored in the second half to give Saracens the victory and a strong start in their quest for a fourth European Cup.
The Bulls will return home for round 2 of the EPCR competition when they host the Northampton Saints at Loftus Versfeld, while Saracens face Stade Francais in Paris next week.
