As it happened: Leinster beaten by Bulls in URC semi-final
Robbie Henshaw of Leinster in action against Johan Grobbelaar of Vodacom Bulls during the United Rugby Championship semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. Photo: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile
Leinster’s last hope to win silverware this season was on the line in South Africa.
However, Leo Cullen’s men lost 25-20 in Pretoria to ensure another trophyless season for the Blues. Here’s how the action unfolded.
Vodacom Bulls
25
:
20
Leinster
That's all we have time for this afternoon. What a game that was. There will be a second blog in just over half an hour as Munster take on Glasgow Warriors in Thomond Park. Hope to see you there!
Leinster gave it everything but came up just short. A third consecutive season without silverware will sting, but they can be proud of their efforts in a hostile atmosphere in Pretoria.
Leinster are turned over and Johan Goozen hoofs the ball into touch as Loftus Versfeld erupts in joy. A tough afternoon for Leinster but it is hard to argue with the result.
Leinster are pinned on their own try line. Surely it will take a miracle to snatch victory now.
Johan Goozen has incredibly opted for a 60-metre kick at goal to stretch it beyond Leinster's grasp but it falls short into James Lowe's grasp.
James Lowe and Jamie Osborne combine to drag Leinster inside the Bulls half. There's fatigue setting into the legs now and Cian Healy knocks on. Jack Conan is pinged for a high tackle on Johan Goozen. There will be a TMO check in said tackle but it will remain as just a penalty. The Bulls can kick themselves deep into Leinster territory.
The Bulls secure possession from their own lineout and box kick clear where James Lowe gathers just inside his own half.
After a brief stoppage the game gets back underway and the Bulls take the restart cleanly. Johan Goozen is thumped by Joe McCarthy as the out-half kicks. Ciaran Frawley takes the mark and kicks play back into the Bulls half of the field.
Leinster huff and puff on their way up to the Bulls 22-metre line through Ciaran Frawley. Jordan Larmour and James Lowe try their luck, forcing their way nearer to the posts but Hanekom competes the turnover on Caelan Doris. A 23-phase play comes to an end as Leinster are forced to shuffle back and accept the goal-line dropout.
This is the try that currently has the Bulls in the lead with 10 minutes to play:
Ryan Baird shifts to the second-row as Ross Molony comes into the action. Jamie Osborne also replaces Garry Ringrose in midfield,
Johan Goozen's 100% goal-kicking rate comes to an end as his conversion attempt fades to the right of the posts. That could prove crucial yet!
A TRY OUT OF NOTHING! PETERSEN GETS HIS SECOND!
Johan Goozen fires a hanging kick inside the Leinster 22. The speedy Bulls winger rises into the sky to collect before Ciaran Frawley does and runs in for his second try of the evening.
Johan Goozen fires a hanging kick inside the Leinster 22. The speedy Bulls winger rises into the sky to collect before Ciaran Frawley does and runs in for his second try of the evening.
Johan Goozen sits in the pocket for the drop-goal attempt but Ronan Kelleher charges out to block it down.
We're all square once again! Ross Byrne hammers over the subsequent penalty from just outside the 22-metre line.
A change in the Leinster back-row while the Bulls introduce two fresh props off the bench.
Leinster bully their way back into the opposite 22 as Caelan Doris carries well. The phases start to rack up and David Kriel looks to turn over possession but the centre is off his feet. Penalty to Leinster as Ross Byrne eyes up the posts.
No mistake from Johan Goozen! The in-form outhalf nails another difficult kick hugging the right touchline and the Bulls lead once more!
Joe McCarthy is pinged after legally sacking the maul but failing to get out of the ruck. Goozen will look to nudge the Bulls back in front.
The hostile Loftus Versfeld atmosphere rears its head again but it does little to deter Ross Byrne who restores parity for Leinster. We have a grand-slam finish on our hands now!
