Wandisile Simelane scored an opportunistic try to keep the DHL Stormers' hopes alive in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship as they beat the Vodacom Bulls 19-16 in a rain-drenched game at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Despite the scoreline, and the horrendous conditions that the game was played in, there could be no argument that the Stormers were the better side on the evening, and have now given themselves a chance in a season where they haven’t had much luck, moving into ninth place on the log with the win.
A big win in tough conditions away from home. Come on! #BULvSTO #iamastormer @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/BEV03ct5PX
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) March 1, 2025
In a match that was delayed for more than an hour because of a thunderstorm and torrential rain, it was the home side that couldn’t adapt to the conditions, and will be kicking themselves for the way they navigated the 80 minutes, slumping to their third loss at their “fortress” this season.
The result throws the SA Shield wide open, especially when coupled with the Sharks’ loss in Johannesburg earlier in the day, with the Stormers now in pole position to claim it unless the Sharks can beat the Lions in their return derby next Saturday in Durban.
BULLS COULDN'T PLAY RAINY CONDITIONS
But on a night where the conditions dominated the way the game was played, the old stereotype of 'Bulls 10-man rugby' was far from apparent as Jake White’s team forgot how to play in the rain, while the normally free-flowing Stormers played the conditions perfectly at times.
The massive difference between the two sides was the aerial game, which in the driving rain made any kickable ball incredibly difficult to take.
But the Stormers did take those high balls when needed while the Bulls lost almost every contestable battle in the air, and with it their chances of taking any advantage on their home ground.
It may be a bit harsh given the rain that bucketed down on Loftus, but the Bulls now have lost three games this season at home - and have won more away from home than on their home ground.
Coupled with Munster and Glasgow’s wins Loftus last season, that makes five losses for the Bulls in the last 12 months on home soil - definitely not good enough for a side that wants to be a title contender.
MATHEE BIGGEST WINNER ON THE NIGHT
Perhaps the biggest winner on the night was Jurie Mathee, the young Stormers’ flyhalf who overcame his own horror kicking show in the previous game in Cape Town to post a performance you would expect from a 10 in these conditions.
Mathee’s aerial game was spot on, and while his attacking performance needs work, the 14 points he contributed were a massive part of the Stormers’ win on the night.
It was from one of these kicks 10 minutes before the end that the Bulls couldn’t retrieve the ball, knocked it back and the bounce favoured Simelane, who sprinted past Stedman Gans, toed the ball forward and pounced for what would be the Stormers’ only - and winning try.
The smoothest slide in rugby?! 👀
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) March 1, 2025
Jeppe High School For Boys Alum Wandisile Simelane sliding to score for the @DHLStormers ⚡️@Vodacom #URC | #BULvSTO #OriginRound #GrassrootsToGreatness pic.twitter.com/GSzZKBv89P
The visitors handled almost every aspect of the match better, and their defence never waivered.
While it wasn’t a night for the ball to be spread wide, their forwards - other than the scrums - were in the Bulls' faces and never gave an inch, while the Bulls must seriously have a look at themselves after this game.
Some may point to the close scoreline, but a first half where the Bulls lineout couldn’t function, and they gave away eight penalties, was manna for the Stormers, who had more than 60 per cent possession and territory in the half.
LE ROUX YELLOW A COACH KILLER
Add to that a yellow card for Willie le Roux for a professional foul and they certainly were their own worst enemies.
Le Roux made a telling tackle on Joseph Dweba, then proceeded to role over the ruck and stop Stefan Ungerer from playing the ball, leaving referee Griffon Colby with no choice but to send him to the sin bin.
It wasn’t just a personal failing for such a decorated, experienced player, it was a brain fart that would have any coach fuming, and so unnecessary.
Willie is sent to the sin bin for ten minutes 🟨👇
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 1, 2025
📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNho4A4 pic.twitter.com/VWISlkyU3s
Ironically the Bulls tightened up their game while Le Roux was off the field and took the scoreline from 6-3 behind to 9-6 up in his absence.
But indiscipline allowed the Stormers to sneak ahead 12-9 at the break, all the points coming from kicks.
Another aspect that wasn’t lost on a night like this - which mirrored the same rainy conditions in last season’s Loftus game - is that these stormy nights are likely to be more frequent with more summer games being played in the European season.
Le Roux is an exceptional attacking player, but even he will admit he isn’t a wet weather specialist.
The announcement of Handre Pollard’s signing for next season couldn’t have come a moment too soon for the Loftus faithful.
COSTLY INJURIES FOR BULLS
The game was also a costly one for the Bulls as they lost Canan Moodie (HIA), Marco van Staden (ankle) and Cobus Wiese (likely hamstring) during the match amid an already long injury list.
While they will point out they suffered more than most with five derbies in six weeks, the attrition rate will be something they will need to handle as the season starts to near the business end.
The Bulls' second half was much better and they started to get parity, taking the lead when Warrick Gelant’s poor clearance bounced into Rynhard Ludwig’s hands and the Bulls forced a penalty to launch an attack from the ensuing corner kick.
After pounding the line repeatedly, it was Ruan Vermaak who went over to give the Bulls hope of a late win.
But that hope was about to be washed away by the up and under that led to Simelane scoring the winning try against his former side. And the Stormers claimed another famous victory at Loftus Versfeld.
How about that gas from Wandisile Simelane 😲💣
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) March 1, 2025
📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/hgShQiBtco
Scorers
Vodacom Bulls - try: Ruan Vermaak. Conversion: David Kriel. Penalties: Kriel (3)
DHL Stormers - try: Wandisile Simelane. Conversion: Jurie Mathee. Penalties: Mathee (4)