Bulls coach Johan Ackermann made eleven changes to the side that was thrashed 61-49 by Bristol Bears last weekend. The Bulls lead 12-7 after the first half-hour after tries from Mpilo Gumede and Akker van der Merwe. 

But Pau kept piling on the pressure and scores from Jimi Maximin and Youri Delhommel's second, either side of a yellow card for Bulls’ lock Reinhardt Ludwig, sent Pau into the break leading 21-12.

Thomas Souverbie was successful with a penalty to extend their lead, but then the Bulls switched gears to run from inside their 22 with the speedster Cheswill Jooste finishing off an end-to-end try. 

They scored again seven minutes from time when Nizaam Carr crossed the whitewash.

Bulls vs Pau. Photo: X (SA Rugby Mag)

Although far from a done deal, the win improves their chances of making the Champions Cup playoffs. The Bulls now sit on seven points from their pool games, Pau on six and Scarlets – who have to pull off a big win over last season’s finalists Northampton on Saturday if they are to claim the only remaining qualifying spot at the expense of the Pretoria side - are on two points.

On Saturday, two more South African teams will be in action in the Champions Cup. The Sharks host ASM Clermont at 15:00 in Durban, while the Stormers play Leicester Tigers in Cape Town at 17:15.

OFM News/Ilse Smalberger dg