World player of the year Bryan Habana scored the only try of the match as the Bulls began the defence of their Super 14 title with a hard-fought 16-9 victory over South African rivals the Stormers on Saturday.
Habana scored his 25th try in 40 matches in the competition when he dived over on the left hand side four minutes before halftime, separating the sides in a match where defences otherwise proved impregnable.
The World Cup-winning wing got his chance when the ball was scooped up to him from the base of an untidy ruck on the Stormers’ line but it was the final act for Habana. He appeared to be carrying an injury to his left arm and failed to reappear for the second half.
The converted try closed the Stormers’ lead to two points after three penalties by flyhalf Peter Grant had rewarded the home side for dominating territory and possession in the opening half hour.
They were unable to pierce the Bulls’ defence, however, and eight minutes into the second half Bulls flyhalf Derick Hougaard kicked the first of three penalties to put his side into the lead for the first time.
Hougaard added further goals in the 64th and 78th minutes as the Bulls began to win their fair share of possession against an increasingly frustrated Stormers. – Reuters