Bulls power past Sharks to set up URC final showdown with Leinster

The home side made their intentions clear early, dominating the scrums and pushing the Sharks backwards. Their momentum paid off when Embrose Papier sparked a move from a lineout, eventually setting up Sebastian de Klerk for the opening try.

De Klerk later turned provider with a clever kick-pass that allowed Canan Moodie to finish in the corner, giving the Bulls a 12-3 lead.

Jordan Hendrikse's penalty goal briefly kept the Sharks in touch, but Johan Goosen extended the margin to 15-3 with a kick of his own before the break.

Despite suffering three yellow cards - including Marcell Coetzee's just before half-time for collapsing a maul - the Bulls maintained their edge.

Sharks winger Makazole Mapimpi touched down early in the second half, but Jaden Hendrikse failed to convert.

The visitors clawed further back through an Ethan Hooker try, having earlier seen one disallowed for offside. Hendrikse again missed the extras, leaving the score at 15-13.

Cameron Hanekom, recently crowned URC Next Gen Player of the Year, was forced off with a serious knee injury in the 28th minute - a major blow for the Sharks.

Their decision to forgo two kickable penalties in favour of attacking lineouts also proved costly.

Keegan Johannes slotted a late penalty to give the Bulls breathing room, and David Kriel sealed the win with a try following another sharp break by Papier. 

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