Stormers dominate Bristol in Champions Cup opener

South African side Stormers powered to a 49‑12 victory over Bristol Bears in the opening pool match of this season’s Champions Cup. The visitors crossed the line seven times, with Seabelo Senatla, Leolin Zas (two), Jonathan Roche (two), Warrick Gelant and Andre‑Hugo Venter all scoring. Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu added seven conversions for the Stormers.

Bristol’s points came from tries by Joe Owen and Sol Moody. The Bears also had a penalty from Kieran Worsley.

The game began with Senatla breaking away for the Stormers’ first try, then displaying quick footwork to control a booted pass before handing it to Zas for a second score. Owen answered for Bristol with a corner try, but Roche restored Stormers’ lead shortly after with his own effort.

Just before halftime, Stormers hooker JJ Kotze received a 20‑minute red card for head‑to‑head contact with Bristol captain Kieran Marmion. Despite being reduced to 14 men, Stormers continued to apply pressure. In the second half, Zas was sin‑binned for a high tackle, leaving the hosts with 13 players. Bristol took advantage, with Moody emerging from a maul to score and narrow the gap.

The momentum shifted again when two Bristol players collided while contesting a high kick; Roche collected the loose ball and scored his second try. Late in the match, replacements Gelant and Venter added further tries, and Zas completed his brace, securing a bonus‑point win for Stormers.

Bristol, who have already claimed two wins from their first three Premiership fixtures, will host Munster in their next Champions Cup game on 12 December. Their pool schedule continues with matches against French sides Racing 92 and Bordeaux in January.

Stormers line‑up: Willemse; Senatla, Simelane, Roche, Zas; Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, Reinach; Matongo, Kotze, Sandi, Smith, Schickerling, De Villiers (captain), Kolisi, Roos. Replacements: Venter, Mchunu, Porthen, Evans, Norton, Fourie, Pead, Gelant.

Bristol line‑up: Wilson; Pepper, Moroni, Bates, Boshoff; Worsley, Marmion (captain); Woolmore, Gwilliam, Halliwell, Rubiolo, Caulfield, Owen, Jenkins, Ivanishvili. Replacements: Moody, Turner, Scott, Wells, Pearce, Harris, Williams, Worsnip.

The match was overseen by referee Kevin Bralley of France, assisted by Vincent Blasco Baque and Flavien Hourquet, with Eric Gauzins acting as TMO.