In-form Bulls blitz Munster to march into URC semi-finals

The Pretoria side ran in six tries to two and extended their winning streak in the competition to seven matches. The victory also booked a semi-final clash against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium next weekend.

The Bulls made a fast start and took control of the match early. Scrumhalf Embrose Papier opened the scoring in the fourth minute after strong work at the scrum created an attacking opportunity close to the Munster line. Four minutes later, the home side struck again when Willie le Roux launched a counter-attack and sent Kurt-Lee Arendse through for the second try.

Munster responded midway through the first half when Jack O'Donoghue finished off a series of close-range drives. JJ Hanrahan added the conversion, but the Bulls quickly restored their advantage through a Handre Pollard penalty.

The visitors stayed in the contest when Alex Nankivell crossed after more pressure near the Bulls' line. However, the hosts finished the half strongly. Hooker Johan Grobbelaar powered over from a lineout drive before Cameron Hanekom added another converted try just before the break to give the Bulls a commanding 31-14 lead.

Munster were unable to find a way back after half-time as the Bulls tightened their defence and controlled territory.

Papier grabbed his second try of the afternoon in the 54th minute after collecting a loose ball and racing clear from deep inside his own half. The Bulls added their sixth and final try five minutes later when Stravino Jacobs finished off a well-worked move out wide.

Pollard was flawless with the boot, converting all six tries, while the Bulls shut out the 2023 champions in the second half.

It was a complete performance from the home side, who dominated key areas including the scrum, breakdown and kicking game to keep their title hopes firmly on track.

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