Things did not quite go according to plan for the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship and the Pretorians lost 27 – 22 against Munster at Loftus Versfeld.
The home team desperately wanted to win this game because it eases the path to home playoff games in the series.
According to the official statistics, the Bulls enjoyed more ball possession and beat more defenders, but the visitors scored four tries and won the duel on the scoreboard.
The first half was a seesaw story with both teams willing to give the ball air on the attack.
Munster’s Shane Daly scored the match’s first try when he dived over in the corner, but Elrigh Louw hit back with a powerful display of his own.
However, it was the Irish visitors who enjoyed a half-time lead when RG Snyman scored a try.
The Springbok lock played a burst in Munster colors and he impressed with his characteristic passing and his defence. The Loftus crowd applauded him when he was substituted in the second half.
After the break, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Johan Grobbelaar provided additional points and it looked like the Bulls would win another game on their home field against European opponents.
But then Johan Goosen was sent off.
The Bulls flyhalf butted heads with Munster’s Craig Casey and a red card was waved in his direction.
Afterwards, Munster underlined its status as defending champion team and John Hodnett and Conor Murray made the Pretorians’ defense stand out.
At the same time, the Bulls also struggled at the breakdown points and the Irish often reversed possession.
Munster is currently third in the standings with 48 points, followed by the Bulls with 46 points.
- Scorers:
Munster: Tries: Shane Daly, RG Snyman, John Hodnett and Conor Murray. Goals: Jack Crowley (2). Penalty: Crowley.
Bulls: Tries: Elrigh Louw, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Johan Grobbelaar. Goal kicks: Johan Goosen (2). Penalty: Goosen.
