The short version
- Ulster lost 34-26 to the Bulls in Pretoria after fighting back from a 21-point deficit.
- The Irish province secured a try-scoring bonus point but missed a second due to a late penalty.
- Head coach Richie Murphy praised his team's resilience while citing early indiscipline as a key factor in the loss.
Ulster Rugby suffered another defeat in their United Rugby Championship campaign, falling 34-26 to the Bulls at Loftus Versfield Stadium in Pretoria. The match was defined by a dramatic shift in momentum, with the Irish province overcoming a substantial twenty-one point deficit to threaten an upset before ultimately succumbing to the South African hosts in the final moments.
The Bulls established early dominance, controlling territory and possession for much of the first half. Ulster struggled to find their footing, turning over possession on their first three attempts and allowing the home side access into their defensive zone. By halftime, the visitors had conceded significant ground, both physically and statistically, with the hosts enjoying roughly sixty-five percent of the ball and field position.
Despite the slow start, Ulster displayed considerable resilience in the second half. They managed to score four tries, earning a losing bonus point that reflects their attacking output despite the result. The comeback effort was spearheaded by Stuart McCloskey, who played a pivotal role in shifting the game’s trajectory and keeping his side within striking distance of an unlikely victory.
The contest remained tight until the final whistle, with Ulster denied a second bonus point by a penalty kick from Curwin Bosch in the dying seconds. This late score prevented Ulster from securing maximum points from the loss, adding to the frustration of a match that appeared poised for a different outcome just moments earlier.
Head coach Richie Murphy expressed pride in his team’s ability to remain competitive against a dominant Bulls side. He noted that many visiting teams tend to collapse under pressure in Pretoria, but his squad maintained their structure and execution plan throughout the contest. Murphy emphasized that sticking to the task was crucial, even if the final result did not reflect their improved performance in the latter stages.
However, Murphy also highlighted significant areas for improvement, particularly regarding early indiscipline. He pointed out that scrum stability and breakdown efficiency were compromised in the first half, contributing to the initial pressure Ulster faced. The coach acknowledged that while the scrum held up reasonably well given the challenging conditions, it remains a focal point for development ahead of future fixtures.
A critical moment in the match involved a potential try by James McKillop, which was disallowed after review determined part of his foot had touched the sideline. Murphy suggested that if the pass from McCloskey had been delivered slightly earlier, Ulster might have entered the final minutes with the lead. This marginal decision underscored the fine margins that often decide high-stakes rugby encounters.
Looking ahead, Ulster faces another challenging away fixture against the Stormers in Cape Town next week. Murphy confirmed that seven squad reinforcements will join the team to bolster their ranks for this upcoming match. Meanwhile, several Ireland internationals from the Ulster squad will return home to link up with Andy Farrell’s national team camp, which assembles later this week.
The loss leaves Ulster without a win in their URC campaign so far this season, having drawn two matches and lost two others. While the lack of victories is concerning, the narrow margin of defeat and the acquisition of bonus points suggest the team is competitive. Murphy indicated that these tough away games will provide valuable lessons that could benefit the province as the season progresses toward its conclusion.
The Bulls’ victory was anchored by a strong forward performance, with former Ulster player Marcell Coetzee scoring two tries despite spending ten minutes in the sin-bin. His contribution highlighted the physicality and depth of the South African side, which Ulster will need to match more consistently if they hope to secure wins on their current tour.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Murphy praises Ulster for 'sticking in the fight'
