11/09/2026
Bulls Take the Honours in Action-Packed Practice Match at Faure Stadium
The Vodacom Bulls came out on top in an action-packed practice match against the Stormers at Faure Stadium, securing a 38-26 victory in a match that delivered plenty of tries, attacking rugby and a special return to familiar surroundings for several players.
The match was more than just a pre-season hit-out. For a number of players, stepping onto the field at Faure Stadium brought them back to a ground where many of their rugby journeys began.
Players such as Markus Muller, Thaakir Abrahams and Strevino Jacobs, among others, returned to Faure Stadium, making the occasion a special one for the players who have previously played on the Paarl field during their school and early rugby careers.
On the field, however, it was all business.
The Stormers crossed the tryline four times, with Miller scoring a brace, while Davids also got on the scoresheet. The Stormers were awarded a penalty try, with Matthee adding two conversions to take their final total to 26 points.
The Vodacom Bulls showed their attacking depth with six tries in the match. Coetzee, Klopper, Thaakir Abrahams, Johannes, Theron and De Klerk all crossed the whitewash as the Bulls continued to put the Stormers under pressure.
The kicking duties were shared, with Groenewald adding a conversion and Mentoor successfully converting three tries to help the Bulls to their 38-point total.
The match provided exactly the type of high-intensity rugby expected from two of South Africa's biggest franchises, with both teams using the opportunity to test combinations and give players valuable game time.
While the Bulls took the honours on the scoreboard with a 38-26 victory, the occasion was also a reminder of the strong rugby history connected to Faure Stadium.
For players like Muller, Abrahams and Jacobs, returning to a field where many supporters have watched them develop over the years added another layer to an already entertaining afternoon of rugby.
Final Score:
Vodacom Bulls 38 – Stormers 26
Stormers Scorers:
Tries: Miller (2), Davids, Penalty Try
Conversions: Matthee (2)
Vodacom Bulls Scorers:
Tries: Coetzee, Klopper, Thaakir Abrahams, Johannes, Theron, De Klerk
Conversions: Groenewald (1), Mentoor (3)
The result may have gone the Bulls' way, but the return of several familiar faces to Faure Stadium made this practice match about more than just the final score.
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