URC result: Bulls power game earns them hard fought win over Ulster

In a hard-fought match at Loftus Versfeld, the Bulls secured a 34-26 victory over the resilient Ulster side in the United Rugby Championship (URC). The Bulls demonstrated a powerful performance through their set pieces, particularly their scrum, lineout, and maul, which led to a 21-0 lead by the 30-minute mark. Ulster displayed immense determination as they fought back to make the score 34-26 at full-time.

Captain Marcell Coetzee had a standout performance, scoring two tries and accumulating a total of 11 points from successful conversions and penalties, despite earning a yellow card. Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard played a crucial role, successfully converting all his goals and contributing 11 points. The Bulls took an early lead in the second minute when flank Coetzee scored after a maul and conversion by Pollard.

The home side extended their lead in the 18th minute with a try from Elrigh Louw, further extending the gap to 14-0. In the 32nd minute, Coetzee scored his second try, extending the Bulls' lead to a commanding 31-7.

Ulster mounted a strong comeback, scoring their first try through wing Chay Mullins in the 32nd minute, followed by another try from McCann in the 51st minute. Coetzee was sent to the bin for a head contact on defense, but a penalty from Pollard helped the Bulls salvage a 24-14 lead. However, Ulster refused to surrender, scoring their second try in the 63rd minute when Mullins bagged a second try with a remarkable pass.

The Bulls responded immediately by scoring a try of their own in the following minute, extending their lead to 31-19. Ulster fought back with a try from McClosky, but they missed the conversion, leaving them five points behind with just ten minutes left on the clock. Despite a miss from Bosch in the 74th minute, Ulster made one final effort, but Bosch's long-range penalty at the full-time whistle secured the Bulls' bonus point.