Ulster comeback falls short as Bulls win 34-26 in Pretoria

Ulster's search for a first United Rugby Championship win of the season continued with a 34-26 defeat by the Bulls in Pretoria, despite a recovery from 21 points behind. According to BBC Sport, Richie Murphy's side scored four tries to earn a bonus point but lost the chance of a second when Curwin Bosch kicked a penalty with the final play.

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The result left Ulster with two draws and two defeats from their opening four league matches. Former Ulster player Marcell Coetzee scored twice for the Bulls, who also finished with four tries, as the home pack established control at Loftus Versfield Stadium. Coetzee's contribution came despite a 10-minute spell in the sin-bin during the match.

Murphy identified the opening stages as a major problem for his team. He said Ulster surrendered their first three possessions too easily, allowing the Bulls to gain access to their 22 and build sustained pressure. He also pointed to first-half indiscipline, with the hosts holding roughly 65% of both territory and possession as half-time approached.

The Ulster coach nevertheless praised his players for maintaining their effort and returning to their intended approach. He felt they had drifted from the gameplan early on but improved towards the end of the first half and after the interval. Their recovery left them with a late opportunity to challenge for a victory that had looked unlikely when the deficit was at its largest.

One decisive moment involved Stuart McCloskey releasing James McKillop down the wing, only for the Ireland centre to be judged to have put part of his foot in touch. Murphy accepted that McCloskey's foot was probably out, while suggesting an earlier pass could have left Ulster ahead entering the final two minutes. Bosch's late penalty subsequently pushed the final margin to eight points.

Murphy highlighted the scrum and breakdown as areas to improve before Ulster face the Stormers in Cape Town next week. Preparations will also involve squad changes: the province's Ireland internationals are returning home for Andy Farrell's squad gathering on Monday. Murphy said seven reinforcements would arrive in Cape Town to strengthen Ulster's available group for the next match.