2024 Saracens F.C. vs Vodacom Bulls

Saracens Vs. Bulls: Sarries Overpower Bulls 27-5 In Champions Cup Victory

Saracens Vs. Bulls: Sarries Overpower Bulls 27-5 In Champions Cup Victory

Saracens runs away from the Bulls in second half after carrying an 8-5 lead into halftime.

Dec 7, 2024 by Joe Harrington
Investec Champions Cup Pool 3 Preview

Saracens claimed a commanding 27-5 victory over the Vodacom Bulls in their Investec Champions Cup clash at StoneX Stadium in London on Dec. 7 in Pool 3 action.

A combination of precise execution, strong defense and relentless pressure saw the English side secure a comfortable win.

The Bulls struck first in the 10th minute with a try by Sebastian de Klerk, but Johan Goosen’s missed conversion kept the score at 5-0. 

Saracens answered in the 22nd minute with a try from Rhys Carre, though Fergus Burke was unable to convert.

Burke redeemed himself in the 35th minute with a penalty kick, giving Saracens an 8-5 edge going into halftime after a scrappy and physical first half.

Saracens Takes Control In Second Half

Saracens capitalized on Bulls' disciplinary issues early in the second half, as yellow cards to Sebastian de Klerk and Jannes Kirsten left the South African side vulnerable. 

Jamie George extended Saracens’ lead with a try in the 48th minute, converted by Burke, making it 15-5.

Tom Willis powered through for another try in the 56th minute, with Burke adding the conversion to extend the lead to 22-5. Ben Earl capped the scoring with a 64th-minute try, though Burke missed the conversion.

What's Next For Saracens And The Vodacom Bulls?

Saracens travels Paris to play Stade Fracais, while the Bulls head back to South Africa to face Northampton Saints.

Saracens Vs. Vodacom Bulls Scoring Summary

Saracens: Tries: Carre (22’), George (48’), Willis (56’), Earl (64’); Conversions: Burke (49’, 57’); Penalty: Burke (35’)

Vodacom Bulls: Try: de Klerk (10’)

Watch Saracens vs. Vodacom Bulls Investec Champions Cup Round 1 Highlights

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 1

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025  Round 2

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 3

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 4

Investec Champions Cup Format 

Key points of the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup:

  • A multi-pool format, as launched in the 2023-2024 season
  • 24 elite clubs - eight each from the Gallagher Premiership, URC and TOP 14 - in four pools of six
  • Sporting jeopardy, with each club playing against four different opponents, home or away, in the pool stage
  • Four highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify for the Round of 16
  • The Investec Champions Cup will be played over eight weekends, with four pool rounds and four knockout rounds culminating in the 2025 final, which will be staged at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday, May 24.

Investec Champions Cup Weekends

  • Round 1 – 6/7/8 December 2024
  • Round 2 – 13/14/15 December 2024
  • Round 3 – 10/11/12 January 2025
  • Round 4 – 17/18/19 January 2025
  • Round of 16 – 4/5/6 April 2025
  • Quarter-finals – 11/12/13 April 2025
  • Semi-finals – 2/3/4 May 2025
  • 2025 Investec Champions Cup final – Saturday, May 24, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Champions Cup Qualifications 

Twenty-four clubs have qualified for the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup as follows:

  • United Rugby Championship (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • TOP 14 (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • Gallagher Premiership Rugby (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • If not already qualified, the winner of the 2024 Investec Champions Cup will take the place of the eighth-ranked club in its league.

Investec Champions Cup Qualifiers 

  • TOP 14 – Stade Toulousain, Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Français Paris, RC Toulon, Stade Rochelais, Racing 92, Castres Olympique, ASM Clermont Auvergne
  • GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP – Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby, Sale Sharks, Saracens, Bristol Bears, Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers
  • UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP – Glasgow Warriors, Vodacom Bulls, Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby, DHL Stormers, Ulster Rugby, Benetton Rugby, Hollywoodbets Sharks

When Does The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup Begin? When Is The Champions Cup Final?

The Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup begin Dec. 6, and the four-round pool-play action ends Jan. 19, 2025. The Round of 16 starts on April 4, while the quarterfinals are April 11-13. The semifinals are May 2-4. 

The EPCR Championships weekend is in Cardiff, Wales at Principality Stadium. There are championship games on May 23 (EPCR Challenge Cup) and May 24 (Investec Champions Cup). 

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