The Stormers drew 26-26 with the Bulls in a Super Rugby warm-up match in Wellington on Saturday.
The pre-season friendly was played in extremely hot conditions. Nevertheless, both teams endeavoured to play the game at a lively pace.
The Bulls struck first via the rolling maul. Roelof Smit got the touchdown and then Marnitz Boshoff converted to steer the visitors into a 7-0 lead.
The Stormers replied shortly before the break when EW Viljoen rounded off an enterprising attack. The Bulls had the final say, though, with André Warner crashing over right on half-time. Boshoff’s conversion saw the visitors taking a 14-7 lead into the break.
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The hosts made a number of changes thereafter, and the team managed to score through Cobus Wiese. Craig Barry’s try in the 57th minute saw the Stormers going into the final stages of the match with a 21-19 lead.
A neat cross-kick by George Whitehead found Johan du Toit, who went on to score a potentially game-winning try.
The Bulls responded, however, with scrumhalf Embrose Papier crossing the line in the 77th minute. Manie Libbok’s conversion ensured that the Bulls came away from the fixture with a draw.
Stormers – Tries: EW Viljoen, Cobus Wiese, Craig Barry, Johan du Toit. Conversions: Damian Willemse (2), George Whitehead.
Bulls – Tries: Roelof Smit, André Warner, Adriaan Strauss, Embrose Papier. Conversions: Marnitz Boshoff (2), Manie Libbok.
Stormers squad – Forwards: Jaco Coetzee, Jan de Klerk, Stephan de Wit, Johan du Toit, JC Janse van Rensberg, Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Carlu Sadie, Ramone Samuels, JD Schickerling, Chris van Zyl, Kobus van Dyk, Cobus Wiese.
Backs: Craig Barry, Damian de Allende, Dewaldt Duvenage, Dan Kriel, Eduan Keyter, Dillyn Leyds, Justin Phillips, Sergeal Petersen, Raymond Rhule, Josh Stander, EW Viljoen, George Whitehead, Damian Willemse.
Bulls – 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Andell Loubser, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Burger Odendaal (c), 11 Duncan Matthews, 10 Marnitz Boshoff, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Jano Venter, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Roelof Smit, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Pierre Schoeman.
Subs: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Frans van Wyk, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Thembelani Bholi, 22 Embrose Papier, 23 Manie Libbok, 24 JT Jackson, 25 Dries Swanepoel, 26 Jade Stighling.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
