Bristol beaten by Stormers in Champions Cup opener
Bristol Bears lose their Champions Cup pool-stage opener against Stormers, with Jonathan Roche and Leolin Zas both scoring twice for the South African side.
In a Champions Cup opener, South African side Stormers defeated Bristol Bears with a score of 49-12. Jonathan Roche scored tries in each half for the Stormers, while Senatla, Zas, Gelant, Venter, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu scored for the visiting team. Bristol Bears' Seabelo Senatla started the scoring in the opening minute, followed by Leolin Zas, who showcased his boot skills and offloading ability.
Joe Owen scored a try for Bristol, but Stormers quickly regained their advantage with Roche's try. During the first half, Stormers hooker JJ Kotze was sent off for 20 minutes for making head-to-head contact with Bristol skipper Kieran Marmion. Despite Bristol's pressure, Stormers maintained their lead in the second half, with Roche scoring his second try after two of their players collided while attempting to claim a high kick.
Stormers secured a bonus point, and their replacements added more scores late in the game, with Zas scoring three times. The loss was Bristol's first in their first three Prem games, while they will face Munster in their next Champions Cup match on December 12.
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