Late Munster Rugby fightback fails to stop Bulls victory in South Africa

MUNSTER suffered a 34-31 defeat to Vodacom Bulls during this Saturday in the United Rugby Championship at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.

Clayton McMillan's side battled bravely and take two points back to Ireland.

Munster now return to Limerick to prepare for the Champions Cup away tie with Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, April 4.

Munster arrived into this Round 14 tie off the back of a 45-0 defeat to fellow South African side Sharks last weekend.

While Munster battled gamely, the defeat is hardly a surprise given the Bulls have not lost to a non-South African side at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in the competition since Glasgow were victorious in June 2024 and Munster had won just one of their last six away matches in all competitions - the December win over Ospreys in Wales.

The return of internationals Craig Casey, who captained the side, Jack Crowley and Jeremy Loughman were among the changes for this tie.

The home side led 14-7 at half time.

Munster struck first when Sean O'Brien touched down on 20-minutes after the ball was moved wide to the winger to touch down in the corner after sustained pressure. Jack Crowley added the extras.

Given the rising temperatures the sides were afforded a water break and just on the return to action Calvin Nash was forced off injured. The reshuffle saw JJ Hanrahan introduced to full back with Ben O'Connor moving to the wing.

Within minutes, the Bulls were level when Embrose Papier brought from a maul for a try.

Adding further to Munster woes, Diarmuid Barron was then forced off injured.

And, then came another try for the home side - Canan Moodie ending a fine move down the right wing.

So 14-7 to the home side at the interval.

At the break, Munster were forced into a third change due to injury - Seán Edogbo replacing the Brian Gleeson. 

Just like the opening half, Munster made early in-roads and Tom Ahern touched down for a try to leave it 14-12.

But the joy was short-lived as Papier scored his second try of the outing to move the Bulls back 21-12 clear and just six minutes played in the new half. 

What Papier can do, Tom Ahern can follow and he too had two tries for the outing to bring Munster back into the contest.

Crowley added the conversion on this occasion and the scoreboard read 21-19.

But before the 60th minute water break, the home side had again pulled clear with another try and a Handré Pollard penalty - 31-19.

The final quarter was brave from Munster - Ben O'Connor setting up a grandstand finish with a try and the Crowley extras left five points between the teams.

Another Pollard penalty extended the lead but Munster failed to die.

Replacement Seán Edogbo touched down for a try, Munster's fourth, in the final minutes - the Crowley conversion struck the post and the Bulls held on for a three point victory.