Champions Cup result: Stormers survive ill-discipline to smash Bristol Bears
They were made to work hard, but in the end it was the perfect result for the Stormers as they picked up a bonus point win over Bristol.
In a thrilling Champions Cup opener, the Stormers showcased resilience and skill to defeat the weakened Bristol Bears with a commanding 49-12 scoreline. Despite playing with 13 men and a player down for significant portions of the match, Cape Town managed to maintain control and ultimately secure a bonus-point victory. Ill-discipline did pose a threat, as hooker JJ Kotze received a 20-minute red card in the first half and wing Leolin Zas received a yellow card later on, but a strong defensive effort and a determined finish saw the Stormers emerge victorious.
Bristol Bears brought a depleted lineup, missing several key players, but the Stormers capitalized on their opportunity, starting the match with a try in the eighth minute, set up by Seabelo Senatla's swift getaway. The game saw a shift in momentum towards Bristol in the second half, with Joe Owen and Sol Moody scoring, leading to a 21-12 halftime score.
The Stormers' resurgence came in the final quarter, with Roche's second try and conversion, along with Warrick Gelant and Haashim Pead's late touchdowns, sealing a dominant win for the Stormers.
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