SHERRATT: SLOW START COST US

MATT Sherratt said Cardiff left with pride intact, even if they missed the chance to boost their United Rugby Championship play-off hopes when going down to the Bulls.

- TOM COLEMAN

The hosts took advantage of an error-strewn first half from Sherratt's side, running in four tries courtesy of Harold Vorster, Wilco Louw, Canan Moodie and Cameron Hanekom to take full control of the contest.

Sebastian de Klerk then completed a second-half brace to extend the hosts' lead, which never looked like being overtaken even in the face of a late Cardiff fightback.

Alex Mann crashed over shortly after the interval, while late scores from Teddy Williams and Gabe Hamer-Webb brought the visitors on the brink of a bonus point, only to fall short on what was a chastening afternoon.

Cardiff will now likely need to take something from their second match in South Africa if they are to book their place in the top eight, with the Stormers lying in wait this weekend.

"We're obviously disappointed," said Cardiff head coach Sherratt.

"We wanted to come here and get points to help us push into the play-offs.