Late drama hides a tough night for Connacht as Bulls hold on
Connacht’s visit to the Dexcom Stadium ended in a narrow 27-28 loss to the Vodacom Bulls, extending a rough spell in the BKT United Rugby Championship. Despite a bright start and multiple tries, a 20-minute red card to Josh Murphy swung momentum and left Connacht chasing a comeback that edged just short of a fairytale finish.
Early advantage and a quick-fire opening
The Irish province began with confidence, and fly-half Josh Ioane capitalised on a sustained spell inside the Bulls’ 22 to score a try that he converted for a 7-0 lead. Connacht looked settled, moving the ball with intent and forcing the Bulls to defend with urgency. The home side’s quick start would soon meet a test of discipline and resilience as the visitors found answers from a different gear of attack.
The moment that altered the course of the game
The Bulls struck back with two tries on either side of a pivotal incident. Scrum-half Paul de Wet dotted down after a precision counterattack from midfield, punctuating a period of pressure. Will Le Roux joined the scorers with a second-half effort that exploited gaps in Connacht’s cover, and Keegan Johannes added the extras for one of the most decisive moments of the half.
Midway through the first half, Connacht’s night took a blow when Josh Murphy was sent to the sin-bin after an incident that the officials reviewed. The TMO and referee, Mike Adamson and Hollie Davidson, determined that Murphy threw a punch at Bulls forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels, meaning a 20-minute spell with a man down for Connacht. The decision reshaped the dynamic of the game and forced Connacht to rethink their approach with a reduced pack and altered defensive structure.
Second half: a fightback begins
Coming out of the break, Connacht did not falter. Caolin Blade and Ioane combined moments after a Byron Ralston break to cut the Bulls’ lead, with Ioane’s successful conversion pulling the scoreboard back to within a single point. The Bulls hit back with De Wet’s second try, again proving the danger of their pace on the wings as Moodie and De Klerk caused headaches for Connacht with ball in hand.
As the clock ticked, Connacht’s spirit was evident. The hosts pulled themselves within striking distance as Sean Naughton crossed late in the game following a sequence engineered by replacement Ireland international Shayne Bolton. Bolton’s involvement—he served as a provider for Naughton’s finish, collecting a pass from Cian Prendergast before kicking ahead—illustrated Connacht’s willingness to chase a late twist in the script.
Final moments and a frantic finish
Ioane attempted to convert Naughton’s late score, but the wind proved trouble for the attempting boot, and his conversion drifted wide. The Bulls clung to a six-point lead heading into the final ten minutes, before a tense stretch delivered both teams with chances: Johannes and Naughton traded penalties, while a high-tackle call against Willie Le Roux gifted Connacht another opportunity to move in front—yet the opportunity slipped away as the game reached its climax.
Takeaways from a gripping URC clash
Connacht will feel aggrieved not by effort but by that crucial stretch when Murphy’s red card reduced their numbers. The impact of the dismissal was felt in the balance of the game as Bulls capitalised on the extra pressure and pressure in attack. Still, the performance offered positives: Ioane’s kick-start to the match, Caolin Blade’s precision at the breakdown, and a late surge from the home team that suggested Connacht can mix with top sides when decisions swing their way.
What’s next for Connacht?
With two consecutive URC defeats, Connacht will be keen to regroup as they travel forward in the league. The squad showed resilience against a Bulls side capable of cutting through defenses at pace, and with players like Naughton continuing to press for opportunities, there are clear signs of a continued improvement curve. The challenge now is to convert high-quality phases into points with more consistency and to manage key moments, such as the early red card, more effectively in forthcoming fixtures.
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