Bulls stampede and Stormers stroll into URC last four

The Bulls powered their way into the semi-finals of the United Rugby Championship in beast mode to whip Munster and the Stormers were as dominant in ending Cardiff’s season in Cape Town.

Home ground advantage is decisive in any play-off and the Bulls and Stormers were never troubled in advancing to the last four.

The Bulls won 45-14 in Pretoria and the Stormers triumphed 44-21.

Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee applauded the greater squad collective and the coaching staff for the turnaround in a season when the Bulls won three from eight matches, to a 10^th win in their last 11 in the URC.

Munster, without several regulars, were always going to struggle to contain the in-form Bulls and the hosts made a statement with two converted tries in the first 10 minutes.

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann in the week spoke of the need to be clinical and decisive in their executions and the Bulls response was largely positive.

They scored five tries and could have had three more. Defensively, keeping Munster scoreless in the second half is the statistic that will most please Ackermann.

Bulls scrumhalf Embrose Papier was named Player of the Match and he credited the breakdown efforts, the chase of his wingers and the quick phase ball for his own individual performance and the potency of the Bulls attack.

Ruan Nortje, in his 150^th match for the Bulls in all competitions, said farewell to Loftus with an imposing performance and winger Kurt-Lee Arendse also revelled in his farewell.

Both players are headed to Japan next season.

Coetzee singled out their performances.

“Ruan Nortje is the ultimate warrior,” he said. “He has been world class for the Bulls and as always he gave everything for 80 minutes. It was a great send-off for the two of them.”

Nortje, the best No 5 lock in South Africa, made 15 tackles, hit endless rucks, carried effectively 16 times and was big on his lineout ball. He also made 60 attack metres in a stand out and complete display.

Coetzee made 16 tackles in a commanding afternoon.

Individually, No 8 Cameron Hanekom, flank Elrigh Louw and hooker Johan Grobbelaar are in peak form and veterans Handre Pollard and Willie le Roux controlled the tempo and flow of the match.

The Bulls play Glasgow at Murrayfield in the semi-finals.

The Stormers led 21-7 at halftime but the management will be anxious about losing star No 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the 51^st minute to a leg injury.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu got injured in scoring the Stormers fourth try and Dobson acknowledged post the match that the ankle injury appeared to be serious.

The hosts, who lost to Cardiff in the final round of league play, had too much power for the visitors in the set piece.

Ntuthuko Mchunu
The Stormers loosehead prop was named Player of the Match. He scored a try, but it was his destructive scrumming, powerful carries and refusal to take a step backwards in contact that made for such a compelling performance.

Flanker Paul de Villiers made another statement that he has the ability to play at the highest level and Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Fullback Damian Willemse were the Stormers most inspiring backs.

Why Keo & Zels called home wins for Bulls and Stormers