The Bulls opened their Champions Cup Pool Four campaign with a commanding 56-20 victory over Stade Francais Paris at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, crossing for eight tries in a performance that was never seriously threatened after half-time.
Wing Cheswill Jooste set the tone inside the first minute, chasing Harold Vorster's grubber to dot down after just 20 seconds. Cobus Wiese added the second try in the 16th minute before Cameron Hanekom scored from a quick-tap penalty to give the Bulls a 21-6 lead at the break, with Stade Francais' response limited to two penalties — one each from Ihaia West and Louis Foursans-Bourdette.
Stade Francais gave themselves a foothold early in the second half when lock Jacques Botha crossed, and after Marco van Staden responded for the Bulls, Petero Mailulu's try pulled the visitors back to within eight points with 20 minutes remaining.
The Bulls closed the contest out emphatically from there. Replacement loose forward Jeandre Rudolph produced the try of the match in the 63rd minute, chipping ahead and regathering to score, before hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels pounced on a ball in-goal for the sixth try. Jooste then completed his hat-trick with two tries in quick succession, the last of which showcased his finishing speed as he rounded several defenders.
Handre Pollard was flawless with the boot, converting all eight tries to finish with a perfect 8/8 tally.
Elrigh Louw captained the Bulls in the absence of a regular skipper, with Willie le Roux among the replacements. Referee Christoph Ridley oversaw proceedings.
Scorers — Bulls: Tries: Jooste (3), Wiese, Hanekom, Van Staden, Rudolph, Wessels; Cons: Pollard (8). Stade Francais: Tries: Botha, Mailulu; Cons: Foursans-Bourdette (2); Pens: West, Foursans-Bourdette.