Bulls Snatch Dramatic URC Victory Over Leinster with Last-Minute Penalty
PRETORIA, South Africa – A late penalty kick from distance propelled the Bulls to a thrilling 21-20 victory over Leinster in a hard-fought United Rugby Championship (URC) match at Loftus Versfeld. The dramatic finish marked Leinster’s first defeat of the 2024/25 URC season.
Eighthy-Fourth Minute Penalty Seals Bulls Win
With the clock ticking past 80 minutes and Leinster clinging to a narrow lead, the Bulls capitalized on a scrum penalty, allowing center David Kriel to step up and slot the decisive kick. The penalty was the final blow after multiple penalties against Leinster.
Leinster Head Coach Acknowledges Learning Possibility
Despite the painful loss, Leinster’s head coach emphasized the valuable learning experience gained by his squad, particularly the younger players. He noted the disruptive impact of early HIAs and the team’s adaptation to those challenges.
Connors shines Despite Leinster’s Defeat
Openside flanker Will Connors earned Man of the Match honors for his standout performance, racking up 12 tackles. Leinster’s coach praised Connors’ bravery and tackling ability, which kept the Bulls at bay for long periods.
Match Overview: Tries and Penalties Define Contest
Leinster held a 10-6 lead at halftime, showcasing swift ball movement and strategic kicking. Though, the Bulls gradually increased their physicality after the break, leading to a penalty try in the 58th minute after a yellow card to Thomas Clarkson for collapsing the maul. A 72nd-minute maul try from replacement hooker Johan grobbelaar gave the Bulls a one-point lead before a late exchange of penalties decided the match.
Discipline a Key Factor
Leinster’s coach highlighted discipline as a crucial area for improvement, noting the Bulls’ strength in capitalizing on penalties to gain territory and drive for the try line.”Some penalties let the Bulls back into the contest,” he acknowledged.
Scoring Summary
The scoring sequence included tries from Leinster’s Jordan Barrett and Andrew Osborne, along with penalty goals from ross Byrne.For the Bulls, Kurt-Johannes scored penalties and Johan Grobbelaar scored a try.
Scoring Sequence:
- 2 mins: Johannes pen 3-0
- 3 mins: Barrett try, Byrne con 3-7
- 17 mins: Byrne pen 3-10
- Half-time 3-10
- 40 mins: Johannes pen 6-10
- 43 mins: Osborne try, Byrne con 6-17
- 57 mins: Penalty try 13-17
- 70 mins: Grobbelaar try 18-17
- 77 mins: Byrne pen 18-20
- 84 mins: Kriel pen 21-20
Teams
Bulls:
W Le Roux; S de klerk, D Kriel, H Vorster, S Jacobs; K Johannes, E Papier; A Tshakweni, A van der Marwe, W Louw; R Vermaak, JF van Heerden; M Coetzee (capt), J Kirsten, C Hanekom.
Replacements: J Wessels, J Grobbelaar, M Van Staden, M Smith, Z Burger, D Williams, N Carr.
Yellow card: tshakweni (14 mins).
Red card: De Klerk (74 mins).
Leinster:
J O’Brien; T O’Brien, H Cooney, J Barrett, A Osborne; R Byrne, L McGrath (capt); J Boyle, J McKee, R Slimani; RG snyman, D Mangan; M Deegan, W Connors, J Culhane.
Replacements: A Soroka,I Soroka,S Penny,C Frawley,F Gunne,S Smyth,T Clarkson,B Deeny.
Yellow card: Clarkson (57 mins).
Next Up: Sharks in Durban
Leinster now faces another tough challenge as they travel to Durban to take on the Sharks.The coach anticipates another physical encounter and emphasizes the need for recovery and preparation.
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Bulls Snatch Dramatic URC Victory Over Leinster with Last-Minute Penalty
PRETORIA, South Africa – A late penalty kick from distance propelled the Bulls to a thrilling 21-20 victory over Leinster in a hard-fought United Rugby Championship (URC) match at Loftus Versfeld. The dramatic finish marked Leinster’s first defeat of the 2024/25 URC season.
Eighthy-fourth Minute Penalty seals Bulls Win
With the clock ticking past 80 minutes and Leinster clinging to a narrow lead,the Bulls capitalized on a scrum penalty,allowing centre david Kriel to step up and slot the decisive kick. The penalty was the final blow after multiple penalties against Leinster.
Leinster Head Coach Acknowledges learning Possibility
Despite the painful loss, Leinster’s head coach emphasized the valuable learning experience gained by his squad, especially the younger players. He noted the disruptive impact of early HIAs and the team’s adaptation to those challenges.
Connors shines Despite Leinster’s Defeat
Openside flanker Will Connors earned Man of the match honors for his standout performance,racking up 12 tackles. Leinster’s coach praised Connors’ bravery and tackling ability,which kept the Bulls at bay for long periods.
Match Overview: Tries and Penalties Define Contest
Leinster held a 10-6 lead at halftime, showcasing swift ball movement and strategic kicking. Though, the Bulls gradually increased their physicality after the break, leading to a penalty try in the 58th minute after a yellow card to Thomas Clarkson for collapsing the maul. A 72nd-minute maul try from replacement hooker Johan grobbelaar gave the Bulls a one-point lead before a late exchange of penalties decided the match.
Discipline a Key Factor
Leinster’s coach highlighted discipline as a crucial area for enhancement, noting the Bulls’ strength in capitalizing on penalties to gain territory and drive for the try line.”Some penalties let the Bulls back into the contest,” he acknowledged.
Scoring Summary
The scoring sequence included tries from Leinster’s Jordan Barrett and Andrew Osborne, along with penalty goals from ross Byrne.For the Bulls, Kurt-Johannes scored penalties and Johan Grobbelaar scored a try.
Scoring Sequence:
- 2 mins: Johannes pen 3-0
- 3 mins: Barrett try, byrne con 3-7
- 17 mins: Byrne pen 3-10
- Half-time 3-10
- 40 mins: Johannes pen 6-10
- 43 mins: Osborne try, Byrne con 6-17
- 57 mins: Penalty try 13-17
- 70 mins: Grobbelaar try 18-17
- 77 mins: Byrne pen 18-20
- 84 mins: Kriel pen 21-20
Teams
Bulls:
W Le Roux; S de klerk, D Kriel, H Vorster, S Jacobs; K Johannes, E Papier; A Tshakweni, A van der Marwe, W Louw; R Vermaak, JF van Heerden; M Coetzee (capt), J Kirsten, C Hanekom.
Replacements: J Wessels, J Grobbelaar, M Van Staden, M Smith, Z Burger, D Williams, N Carr.
Yellow card: tshakweni (14 mins).
Red card: De Klerk (74 mins).
Leinster:
J O’Brien; T O’Brien, H Cooney, J Barrett, A Osborne; R Byrne, L McGrath (capt); J Boyle, J McKee, R Slimani; RG snyman, D Mangan; M Deegan, W Connors, J Culhane.
Replacements: A Soroka,I Soroka,S Penny,C Frawley,F gunne,S Smyth,T Clarkson,B Deeny.
Yellow card: Clarkson (57 mins).
Next Up: Sharks in durban
Leinster now faces another tough challenge as they travel to Durban to take on the Sharks. The coach anticipates another physical encounter and emphasizes the need for recovery and preparation.
Bulls vs. Leinster: Q&A
What was the final score of the match?
The Bulls won 21-20.
Were and when did the match take place?
The match took place at Loftus versfeld in Pretoria, South Africa, during the 2024/25 URC season.
Who scored the winning points for the Bulls?
David Kriel scored the decisive penalty kick in the 84th minute.
Who was the Man of the Match?
Will Connors, the Leinster openside flanker, was named Man of the Match.
What were the key factors that led to the Bulls’ victory?
The Bulls capitalized on Leinster’s penalties and a red card late in the game. Their increased physicality in the second half also played a crucial role.
What challenges did Leinster face during the match?
Leinster’s head coach mentioned early HIAs and the need to adapt, as well as the impact of penalties and a yellow card.
What’s next for Leinster?
Leinster will travel to Durban to face the Sharks.
The Bulls’ dramatic win highlights the importance of discipline and capitalizing on opportunities. Keep an eye on how Leinster adjusts in their upcoming match against the Sharks!
