URC: Bulls beaten by Munster despite brave second-half fightback

Having opened their season with a win over Zebre in Parma, the Bulls were unable to complete another successful outing on the road, despite repeatedly threatening to overturn the result in the second half.

The visitors survived an early attacking onslaught before taking the lead in the 15th minute. Lock Ruan Vermaak powered over from close range after a lineout maul, with Curwin Bosch adding the conversion.

Munster responded through Diarmuid Kilgallen, who gathered a cross-kick from 20-year-old flyhalf Charlie O'Shea and crossed the line.

O'Shea converted from the touchline before scoring himself five minutes later, charging down a Bosch clearance and winning the race to the loose ball.

The Bulls hit back before half-time when tighthead prop Francois Klopper scored a converted try, leaving the sides level at 14-14 at the interval.

Bosch restored the Bulls' lead early in the second period after No 8 Jeandré Rudolph won his third breakdown penalty of the match.

However, Munster then gained control of territory and possession, with O'Shea completing his brace before replacement flank Alex Kendellen secured the hosts' bonus point.

Rudolph kept the Bulls in contention with a five-pointer after racing down the right touchline, but Bosch was unable to add the conversion as his effort drifted wide.

The Bulls could not find another opening before Munster closed out the victory, with their attention now turning to a return to Pretoria to host the Lions. 

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