Bulls beat Western Province in Cape of Storms battle

As the storm rolled through the Cape, the world's oldest domestic rugby competition continued its opening weekend.

The hosts would score first, with centre Jean-Luc du Plessis taking a quick tap after a Bullsâ™ infringement and storming 12 metres for the score.

The Bulls then had a try disallowed as flanker Corne Beets got a great charge down, but ultimately knocked it on over the try line. But on the 20-minute mark, they would finally hit back. The men from the north controlled the ball at lineout time and rumbled their maul 15m and over the line. Flyhalf Jaco van der Walt chipped over the conversion to make it 5-10.

Conditions worsened and hanging on to the ball became difficult. A late penalty would see the visitors head down the tunnel 5-13 ahead.

Despite the conditions, Province continued to show some endeavour with the ball on attack, only to keep spilling it. Finally, keeping it closer to the forwards, flanker Gary Porter would dive over from close range for the hosts.

Gaining momentum, Province flyhalf Jurie Mathee slotted his first kick of the match from right in front, making it a 13-16 ballgame.

But the Bulls replied with two quick scores. First, a well-worked try was created by Chris Smit. The inside centre launched a cross kick that was well-gathered by Aphiwe Dyanti, who popped it up for Devon Williams to go over untouched in the corner. Then, Mpilo Gumede would crash over from a few metres out after several phases of relentless pick and drives.

All of a sudden, Province were chasing the game, 17 points behind with 15 minutes to play.

After a long period of play down in the Bulls' half, the hosts' patience would pay off as du Plessis stabbed through a short kick to put Angelo Davis over the line in the corner.

Province secured two bonus points with a Wandile Simelane try at the death that took them to four tries and within seven points.

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