Bulls' home run over

 

The Pretoria side went unbeaten at Loftus Versfeld last season, with their previous defeat at home being the 2013 semifinal against the Brumbies, but that run ended on Saturday as the Stormers recorded a 29-17 victory to start the season.

 

The home side had trailed 17-5 at half-time, and fought their way back to within three points of the visitors, but could not push on for victory and ended empty-handed without even a bonus point to show for their efforts.

 

Ludeke said two crucial turnovers against them when his charges were getting the upperhand proved to be the deciding blow to their fightback.

 

"I thought the second half we almost got back into the game converting some points where we got within three points," Ludeke said.

 

"One or two big moments turning us over at the breakdown, which I thought was telling, it is a pity and not the way you want to start," he admitted.

 

The Bulls coach admitted that the Stormers had been the better team on the night and fully deserved their victory.

 

"But credit to the Stormers, they applied pressure, they were clinical and they converted their opportunities," he added.