The Bulls held off a strong Ulster comeback to win 34-26 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The home side led 21-0 just before half-time but had to fight hard in the second half.
Captain Marcell Coetzee scored two tries for the Bulls. Elrigh Louw and Johan Grobbelaar also crossed, and Handre Pollard kicked four conversions and a penalty.
The match came after big wins over Stade Francais and the Lions, which the Bulls won by 50 points, according to IOL Sport. The game was played in very hot weather.
The Bulls scored after just two minutes. Pollard kicked a penalty to the corner, the lineout was won cleanly, and Coetzee went over from the back of a maul.
Fullback Luan Giliomee was starting his second game in that position. One long kick from his own 22 to the Ulster 22 led to a Bulls drive over the line, but the ball was held up.
Ulster came close to scoring but could not break through the Bulls defence. The Bulls then worked their way upfield, and Giliomee nearly scored at the corner flag.
When the Bulls won a free kick close to the line, Louw smashed over for the second try.
The home side also missed chances. Pollard threw a forward pass to an unmarked Cheswill Jooste. The flyhalf later made up for it with a 50-22 kick that set up a lineout in the Ulster 22. Coetzee scored his second try from there.
Ulster hit back after the hooter for half-time. Quick passing in their backline sent right wing Chay Mullins clear to score, leaving the score at 21-7.
Ulster scored first in the second half. Flanker David McCann burrowed over after five minutes of pressure.
The Bulls chose to kick at goal from a penalty, and Pollard made it 24-14. The home side then gave away a string of penalties. Ulster used the territory well, and Mullins darted over in the corner for his second try.
That cut the Bulls lead to 24-19. Coach Johan Ackermann watched from the coaches’ box as his team lost most of its early lead.
The Bulls answered with good phase play, and Grobbelaar went over for a try. Ulster struck straight back when centre Stuart McCloskey crashed over under the posts.
That left the Bulls holding on through the final ten minutes. Replacement flyhalf Curwin Bosch, who came on for Pollard, kicked a penalty after the hooter to end the match.
Jack Murphy kicked three conversions for Ulster, who scored four tries through Mullins, McCann and McCloskey.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.