United Rugby Championship: Determined Bulls edge Leinster in Pretoria thriller

Johan Ackermann's men crossed for seven tries, but defensive lapses allowed the Irish giants to stay in the contest until the closing stages.

The home side made a fast start, striking in the 4th minute when Sebastian de Klerk finished off a Keegan Johannes cross-kick. Moments later, De Klerk broke through midfield and set up David Kriel for the second try.

Leinster responded in the 20th minute with Sam Prendergast's penalty, their first points of the season, before being reduced to 14 men when Will Connors saw yellow for a head-on-head tackle.

Despite the setback, Thomas Clarkson powered over to score, narrowing the gap. A Johannes penalty and Mpilo Gumede's try just before half-time restored the Bulls' advantage, who led by 12 at the break.

Leinster roared back early in the second half, with Hugh Cooney scoring in the 44th minute before Tommy O'Brien dotted down three minutes later after a patient multi-phase attack. Prendergast's conversion handed the visitors a brief two-point lead.

The Bulls regained momentum when Willie le Roux, supplied by Devon Williams, secured the bonus-point try. Leinster hit back again through captain Scott Penny, who crashed over from close range.

But the Pretoria side finished strongest: Stravino Jacobs collected a Le Roux cross-kick to score, before Kriel sealed victory with a late intercept try, which was also converted.

The Bulls' attacking flair ultimately proved decisive, though their defensive frailties gave Leinster hope throughout.

The win keeps Ackermann's men firmly in the early URC chase, while Leinster left with positives despite their first defeat of the campaign. 

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