Scrumhalf Nathan Doak kicked 16 points as Ulster beat the Vodacom Bulls in their tour-opener at the Kingspan Stadium on Sunday.
Ulster withstood waves of attack from the Bulls in the closing minutes to come away 26-19 victors in round 2 of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
The hosts coasted into an early lead courtesy of tries from hooker Tom Stewart and wing Jacob Stockdale, but the Bulls replied with scores from prop Gerhard Steenekamp and winger Sebastian de Klerk at the end of the first half as Ulster led 14-12 at the break.
.@Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby are right back in it with two quick tries in succession! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Ladies and gentlemen we have a game on our hands!!!! 😁🤝 #ULSvsBUL pic.twitter.com/6sjnsb2wnh
— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) October 29, 2023
Doak kicked three penalties after the break to extend Ulster’s lead before Bulls flanker Elrigh Louw crashed over to bring the visitors within four points with 10 minutes to play.
The @Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby strike again with a wonderful try by Elrigh Louw 🔥🔥🤝
The game is down to the wire as the home team defend their lead! #ULSvsBUL pic.twitter.com/S6mCCrensz
— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) October 29, 2023
A final penalty off Doak’s boot and sturdy defence from the hosts kept the Bulls at bay to to cap a hard-earned victory.
73’| After Billy kicked it to the corner, we have a lineout in dangerous territory, however the Bulls steal it and try to break away.
Soon after we are awarded a penalty and Nathan is going for it again. It’s good!
His kicking has been 100% tonight.
⚪️26-19🐂
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) October 29, 2023
Photo: X/@UlsterRugby