Murphy praises Ulster fightback after Bulls hold on for 34-26 win

Ulster coach Richie Murphy praised his team's response to a 21-point deficit after a 34-26 United Rugby Championship defeat by the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday. BBC Sport reported that Ulster collected a four-try bonus point, but Curwin Bosch's final penalty denied them a second point for the losing margin.

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The result leaves Ulster searching for their first league victory after two draws and two defeats. Murphy said early turnovers had handed the Bulls opportunities to attack, while first-half indiscipline contributed to the deficit. He nevertheless credited his players with following their plan more effectively as the contest developed. According to SABC Sport's match report, Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee scored from a maul inside the opening two minutes at Loftus Versfeld. Elrigh Louw added another try before Coetzee claimed his second. Handre Pollard's kicking helped the hosts establish a 21-0 advantage before Ulster finally found a route back into the game.

Chay Mullins scored in first-half stoppage time to leave Ulster trailing 21-7 at the interval. David McCann then crossed after the restart, cutting the gap to seven points. Coetzee received a yellow card for a high tackle, although a Pollard penalty subsequently gave the Bulls some respite from the visitors' pressure.

Mullins added his second try, but Johan Grobbelaar answered for the Bulls. Stuart McCloskey then scored Ulster's fourth, with Jack Murphy converting to bring the visitors within five points at 31-26. SABC Sport reported that the Bulls won a crucial late scrum penalty before Bosch's subsequent kick completed the scoring.

Ulster also saw a potential late breakthrough halted when McCloskey was judged to have put part of his foot in touch before releasing James McKillop. In comments reported by BBC Sport, Richie Murphy acknowledged the touch decision but felt an earlier pass could have left his side ahead entering the closing minutes.

Murphy identified the breakdown as an area to improve before facing the Stormers in Cape Town. Ulster's Ireland internationals will return home for Andy Farrell's squad gathering on Monday, while seven reinforcements are due to join the touring group. Murphy said the experience of close contests would benefit his players later in the season.