Stormers strike late to stun Bulls at home

The Stormers kicked off 2026 with a narrow five-point victory over the Bulls at home on Saturday evening.

The win ensured that John Dobson’s side remained unblemished in the United Rugby Championship this season with eight wins out of eight.

Despite the low-scoring result at DHL Stadium, a closely contested physical affair unfolded in front of a packed house. Neither side was willing to give an inch in a match that produced just three tries.

The Stormers came into Saturday’s clash looking to maintain their winning run while the Bulls were looking to bounce back from their derby defeat to the Sharks that closed off 2025.

A cagey first half played out in the windy Cape Town conditions with the first points of the match being scored after half an hour. Handre Pollard caught the hosts napping and took advantage from five metres out but failed to convert his own score.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu booted the hosts back within three points three minutes later before a yellow card to Willie le Roux gave the Stormers an opening on the stroke of halftime.

Evan Roos made sure the hosts capitalized on their numerical advantage by dotting down two minutes before the break for an 8-5 half-time lead.

A Pollard penalty after the restart levelled matters at 8-8 – adding to the electric atmosphere. The South African rivals traded blows throughout the second period but just seemed to lack that finishing touch.

A share of the spoils looked to be on the cards but the Stormers dug deep and got the reward at the death after a wave of attacking set-pieces. Ntuthuko Mchunu was on the end of a driving maul with just over a minute on the clock.

The conversion went wide, offering the Bulls one more chance from the restart, however the hosts held on to preserve their unbeaten run, keeping them seated at the summit of the URC.

DHL Stormers 13

Tries: Evan Roos, Ntuthuko Mchunu

Penalties: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (1)

Bulls 8

Tries: Handre Pollard

Penalties: Handre Pollard (1)