By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Vodacom Bulls.
The Vodacom Bulls booked their spot in the United Rugby Championship (URC) final with a come-from-behind 22-21 win over Glasgow Warriors at Edinburgh in Murrayfield on Saturday.
Tries from Johan Grobbelaar, Embrose Papier and Francois Klopper put the Bulls in front and they could even afford a rare off-day from the kicking tee for Handre Pollard, who missed several routine kicks at goal.
The Bulls have lost all three of their previous final appearances and will meet the winners of Saturday’s second semi-final between Leinster and the Stormers in Dublin.
A Leinster victory would see a repeat of the 2025 final in Dublin on June 20, otherwise the Bulls will travel to Cape Town to face their compatriots the Stormers in the showpiece match.
Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann pinpointed the potential turning point came in the changing room.
“At half time, a lot of the senior guys stood up and said we can’t control the result, but we can control whether we go into our shell or not, “said the Bulls coach.
“I only asked for one thing: score the first try in the second half. If we score, it’s 21-17 and then we’re in the game.”
“The boys responded and I’m pleased with the character they showed.”
Ackermann paid tribute to the collective effort that powered the comeback, reserving special praise for both his forwards and the impact made by the replacements.
“Our scrum was very good tonight, so the forwards worked extremely hard,” he said.
“I felt every player who came on from the bench made a difference and it’s credit to how each player took up their role.”
Credit even to the players who didn’t play, who helped prepare the team and brought the energy.
“I think it was just a great performance from the boys.”
The victory also avenged the defeat the Bulls suffered against Glasgow in the 2024 URC final at Loftus Versfeld and keeps alive their hopes of finally lifting the trophy after three previous appearances in the championship decider.
Glasgow Warriors – Tries: Kyle Steyn (2), penalty try. Conversions: Dan Lancaster (2)
Bulls – Tries: Johan Grobbelaar, Embrose Papier, Francois Klopper. Conversions: Handré Pollard (2). Penalty: Pollard.