Bulls end losing streak with gutsy victory over Pau to reignite Champions Cup push

Johan Ackermann's men showed impressive fight to not only secure a bonus-point victory but also deny their French opponents a losing bonus point. The result means that should Northampton Saints dispatch Scarlets on Sunday as expected, the Bulls will advance to the last 16 of the competition.

The visitors struck early, capitalising on pressure deep inside Pau territory. A poor clearance was seized upon by Willie le Roux, whose line break immediately put the home defence on the back foot. From the ensuing chaos, Mpilo Gumede was on hand to crash over for the opening try, giving the Bulls an early foothold despite Handre Pollard missing the conversion.

Pau responded with sustained pressure and eventually forced their way over through a series of pick-and-goes, edging ahead after Clement Mondinat's conversion.

Akker van der Merwe then powered over from a driving maul midway through the half, and Pollard's conversion restored the lead.

Pau's own maul proved just as effective, however, with lock Jimi Maximin and hooker Lucas Rey both crossing before the break. A yellow card to Reinhardt Ludwig compounded matters for the Bulls, who went into half-time trailing 21-12 and seemingly heading for another disappointing European away result.

The second half started with Mondinat adding a penalty to stretch the lead to 24-12, but just as the contest appeared to be slipping away, the visitors finally found momentum. Cheswill Jooste finished smartly in the corner after sustained pressure, and Pollard's conversion reduced the deficit to five points heading into the final quarter.

From there, the Bulls' forwards took control. Despite losing Akker van der Merwe to injury, the pack continued to apply pressure, earning a series of penalties and camping on the Pau line. After having one try held up, veteran Nizaam Carr eventually forced his way over from close range to level the scores. Pollard's conversion put the Bulls ahead for the first time since the start of the match.

A tense final five minutes followed, with Pau throwing everything at the visitors. The Bulls were forced to defend with discipline and composure, clinging to their narrow advantage as the hosts searched for a match-winning penalty or try. Crucially, the South Africans held their nerve to close out the contest.