Ulster secure a confident bonus-point win against the Bulls in Belfast
Ulster edged out the Bulls 28-7 in a URC clash that grew more authoritative after halftime. The early exchanges were tight, with a level 7-7 score at the interval, but Richie Murphy’s side seized control after the break and punished a Bulls outfit that found the going tough in the second half.
First-half parity gives way to Ulster authority
The opening 40 minutes were characterized by a patient, physical battle up front. Ulster’s pack, led by captain Iain Henderson, battled to gain dominant field position, and the visitors offered a reminder of their threat in broken play and quick ball. The Bulls, meanwhile, asked questions in midfield and used their kicking game to test the Ulster defense. The half-time whistle came with the scoreboard level at seven points apiece, setting the scene for a decisive second period.
Second half surge as Ulster take control
Ulster emerged from the break with greater tempo and intent. They transgressed from a variety of avenues, but it was the collective pressure that told. The visitors found it hard to clear their lines as Ulster pinned them deep, and the breakthrough finally arrived when Juarno Augustus crashed through to score. The home side did not stop there, extending their lead through a Rob Herring try and then a third converted score from Cormac Izuchukwu. The sequence underscored Ulster’s planning and execution in attack, as the forwards laid the platform and the backs completed the job when opportunities opened.
Front-foot dominance and set-piece superiority
Captain Iain Henderson spoke after the match about Ulster’s commitment to “stick it to them up front,” a line that summed up the night’s tempo. Ulster’s maul functioned effectively and their scrum held firm, particularly against a Bulls pack known for its cohesion and power. The improved cohesion was reflected in the way Ulster converted pressure into tries, and their discipline at the breakdown allowed them to turn defense into attacking sorties with pace and precision.
Defensive doggedness seals the win
The Bulls did threaten in patches, with Handre Pollard forcing a late scrum penalty and a few forays into Ulster’s 22. Ulster’s defense, however, was resolute. They repelled the Bulls’ best moments and managed to turn crucial turnovers into momentum. The tactical discipline in the backline and the willingness to flood the breakdown made it difficult for Bulls to sustain any meaningful possession or phase progression, especially after Ulster established the lead.
What the win means for Ulster
Beyond the points, the result provided a clear signal of Ulster’s growing belief and their ability to translate training-ground improvements into 80-minute performances. Murphy’s squad now has a platform to build on as the URC season unfolds. Henderson’s leadership and the frontline’s efficiency underlined the value of a structured game plan paired with opportunistic execution. Ulster will be buoyed by the bonus-point victory, which reinforces their position in the standings and adds momentum heading into tougher fixtures.
Post-match reflections
Speaking to Premier Sport, Ulster captain Iain Henderson highlighted the importance of front-foot pressure and the team’s ability to convert that into tangible results. “We know what we can produce internally and we’ve started translating that into the 80 minutes,” he said, acknowledging the hard work the squad has put in on the training ground to reflect in matchday performances. For Ulster supporters, the night in Belfast was a demonstration of progress, a reminder that a disciplined, physical approach can yield both control and results.
The Bulls will regroup and reassess, especially in how they handle Ulster’s tempo at set-piece and in broken play. For Ulster, this is more than a win; it’s a statement of intent that they can deliver a complete performance when it matters most.
