Champions Cup: Bulls let lead slip in high-scoring clash with Bordeaux

The South African side produced a brilliant, high-tempo first half that had the home crowd believing in an early statement win, but it was not to be.

The Bulls matched Bordeaux stride for stride in a breathless opening period featuring eight combined tries. After Damian Penaud's early opener for the visitors, Sebastian de Klerk struck back within minutes, converted by Handre Pollard.

The Bulls then surged into gear, their forwards dominating the second quarter. Reinhardt Ludwig finished in the corner, before Akker van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, and Juandre Rudolph all crossed to cap a powerful, accurate spell of play. Their reward was a richly deserved 33-22 half-time lead, leaving Bordeaux rattled.

But the match pivoted shortly after the break. Consecutive yellow cards to David Kriel and Pollard for deliberate knock-ons reduced the Bulls to 13 men, inviting Bordeaux back into the contest.

The French side capitalised immediately, with lock Boris Palu crashing over. Momentum swung sharply, and although the Bulls battled to regain control, the tide had turned.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey's second try, converted by Maxime Lucu, handed Bordeaux a slender advantage heading into the final quarter.

From there, the Bulls' intensity faded, their earlier dominance giving way as defensive gaps opened.

Matthieu Jalibert broke through for a late score, and replacement Salesi Rayasi added another to shut the door on any comeback hopes.

The Bulls must now regroup quickly ahead of a tough trip to England to face Northampton Saints.