Could Cardiff’s hopes of reaching the play-offs for the first time come down to a missed pass between Gabriel Hamer-Webb and Cam Winnett?
Cardiff knew their best hope of claiming a crucial point at Bulls that could prove enough to secure a top-eight finish was likely from scoring tries.
But they fell agonisingly short of a bonus, despite second-half tries from Alex Mann, Teddy Williams and Hamer-Webb in the 45-21 loss.
Earlier Hamer-Webb had beaten three defenders but failed to find Winnett with what looked like a scoring pass.
“We’re not going to review that game in huge detail,” said head coach Matt Sherratt.
“We’ve got a six-day turnaround so the boys have had two days off to rest and recover because if we’re not emotionally and physically right [for Stormers] then the technical and tactical stuff won’t matter.”
Key for Cardiff will be Taulupe Faletau, instrumental in the late comeback as a replacement against Bulls, while Alun Lawrence and Teddy Williams lead the league for tackles.
