Bears run riot in Pretoria as record breaking display sinks Bulls

Bears run riot in Pretoria as record breaking display sinks Bulls

Bristol Bears delivered a stunning Investec Champions Cup performance in Pretoria as they brushed aside a Bulls side stacked with Springbok talent to claim a historic victory at Loftus Versfeld.

Noah Heward was the standout performer in a breathtaking first half scoring three tries as the Bears piled on the points despite the intense heat and altitude of the Highveld. Bristol crossed the whitewash nine times in total with Benhard Janse van Rensburg Max Lahiff Kalaveti Ravouvou twice Kieran Marmion and Pedro Rubiolo also getting on the scoresheet in a remarkable attacking display.

The visitors made a dream start through local favourite Heward who sliced through the Bulls defence to open the scoring with Tom Jordan converting. Moments later the lead grew when Lahiff powered over after a sharp short pass from Marmion.

Heward then capitalised on a loose ball from Willie le Roux sprinting clear from long range before Jeandre Rudolph responded for the Bulls with a close range finish. Bristol quickly secured a try bonus inside sixteen minutes the fastest ever recorded in the competition when Ravouvou showed superb footwork to score once again.

The opening quarter continued at a furious pace. Stravino Jacobs touched down in the corner for the hosts but Heward produced an acrobatic finish for his second try as Bristol raced further ahead. Marmion added another following a break created by Gabriel Oghre while the Bulls struck back through a second Jacobs try and a penalty try after Rich Lane was shown a yellow card.

Just before the interval Heward completed his hat trick latching on to a perfectly weighted kick from James Williams after an interception to cap a sensational half of rugby.

The Bulls began the second period strongly with David Kriel crossing early but Bristol absorbed heavy pressure near their own line before striking decisively once more. Rubiolo forced his way over after le Roux was sent to the sin bin restoring the Bears firm grip on the contest.

Ravouvou added his second try on the hour mark after gathering a fortunate bounce from a long Williams kick and although the Bulls finished with renewed energy it was Bristol who emerged with all five points.

The result marked a seventh straight win in all competitions for Pat Lam’s side and a third consecutive Champions Cup victory underlining their credentials as genuine contenders in the tournament.

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