Nortjé: Leinster put Bulls under pressure in every facet in URC final

BULLS captain Ruan Nortjé bemoaned the poor start by his team in conceding three first-half tries in their 32-7 United Rugby Championship final defeat to Leinster in Dublin yesterday.

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

The Pretoria side were hoping to break their URC final drought after losing in the 2022 and 2024 title deciders, but it was not to be at a wet Croke Park.

Captain and No 8 Jack Conan and All Black star Jordie Barrett scored in the opening quarter as Leinster claimed a 14-0 lead in as many minutes.

The Bulls, though, battled to get going from the opening stages as they seemed to lack the necessary intensity to place any kind of pressure on the home side.

They came second in the physicality stakes, lost possession at crucial times, and were inaccurate with their kicking game.

In stark contrast, Leinster were slick from the outset, converting their scoring opportunities with great efficiency.