Ulster's winless start to the United Rugby Championship stretches to four games after a 34-26 defeat by the Bulls in Pretoria.
Ulster experienced a bruising encounter in Pretoria as their winless start to the United Rugby Championship extended to four consecutive matches following a 34-26 defeat against the Bulls.
Former Ulster star Marcell Coetzee led the charge for the home side with two tries, condemning Richie Murphy's visiting team to an uphill battle after falling 21-0 behind in the first half.
Despite mounting a spirited second-half comeback to secure a four-try bonus point, late drama denied the visitors further consolation, according to information published by BBC.
Ulster First-Half Struggles Against the Bulls
In what proved to be a clumsy start for the northern province, Ulster conceded an early penalty that allowed Marcell Coetzee to finish off a driving maul try after just two minutes of play.
The altitude and the physical nature of the contest took a heavy toll on the visitors, with Elrigh Louw crossing for a second try before Coetzee added a third score right before the interval.
Ulster managed to get on the scoreboard just before halftime when Chay Mullins finished off a sharp handling sequence in the corner, recording his second try of the season.
Spirited Second-Half Comeback Falls Short
Demonstrating a familiar resilience, Richie Murphy saw his side return with renewed energy after the break, as flanker David McCann barged across the whitewash to narrow the deficit.
Jack Murphy converted successfully to leave just seven points between the teams, and Ulster gained a numerical advantage when Coetzee received a yellow card for a high tackle reviewed by the TMO bunker.
During the sin-bin period, Handre Pollard kicked a penalty for the hosts, but Mullins struck again for Ulster with a well-created try to keep the contest fiercely competitive.
Late Penalty Ends Bonus Point Hopes
Following another forward try from Johan Grobbelaar for the Bulls, Ireland international Stuart McCloskey crossed the line with ten minutes remaining to set up a thrilling grandstand finish.
Ulster pushed hard for a final breakthrough in the closing stages, but a late penalty kick from Curwin Bosch officially knocked the visitors out of losing bonus-point range.
With this result, Ulster records its first winless opening four league fixtures since the 2008-09 season, leaving the squad preparing to face the Stormers on October 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Ulster winless in the United Rugby Championship?
Ulster remains winless in the United Rugby Championship after suffering a 34-26 defeat against the Bulls in Pretoria, extending their difficult start to four consecutive matches.
Who scored the tries for the Bulls against Ulster?
Former Ulster star Marcell Coetzee scored two tries, while Elrigh Louw and Johan Grobbelaar also crossed the try line for the dominant South African franchise.
What is Ulster's next fixture in the tournament?
Richie Murphy's Ulster side will face the Stormers in South Africa on October 31 before the United Rugby Championship pauses for the November Nations Championship.
