Late Drama Seals Bulls Victory in Pretoria Spectacle

The Bulls secured a pulsating 39-31 victory over Leinster in a United Rugby Championship classic at Loftus Versfeld, with David Kriel's 78th-minute intercept try deciding this 10-try thriller.

First Half Dominance
The hosts raced to a 22-10 halftime lead through:

• Sebastian de Klerk's early corner finish (4')
• David Kriel's counter-attack score (16')
• Mpilo Gumede's powerful close-range effort (40')

Leinster's Resurgence
The Irish province stormed back with second-half tries from:

• Hugh Cooney (44')
• Tommy O'Brien (46')
• Scott Penny (66')

Key Turning Points

• Will Connors' 21st-minute yellow card for head contact
• Devon Williams' 59th-minute try from broken play
• Stravino Jacobs' 69th-minute finish off cross-kick
• Sam Prendergast's missed 77th-minute drop goal attempt

Post-Match Implications
The victory moves Bulls to 4th in the URC table, while Leinster suffer back-to-back South African defeats. Flyhalf Keagan Johannes' 12-point contribution proved crucial for the hosts, with young Irish prospect Sam Prendergast (16 points) showing promise in defeat.

Next Fixtures

• Bulls host Dragons (March 2)
• Leinster face Edinburgh (March 1)