The Glasgow Warriors produced a remarkable comeback to beat the Vodacom Bulls 21-16 in the 2023-24 URC final at Loftus Versfeld.
Jake White’s Bulls finished second on the log before home playoff wins against Benetton (30-23) and Leinster (25-20), while Franco Smith’s fourth-placed Glasgow beat the Stormers 27-10 at Scotstoun before upsetting table-topping Munster 17-10 at Thomond Park.
Backed by a sold-out Loftus crowd of 50,000, the Bulls started the final as overwhelming favourites.
And they appeared to be on course for a maiden URC title after dominating the first half.
Flyhalf Johan Goosen kicked two penalties before flank Marco van Staden broke away from a lineout maul and burst through several tackles on his way to the tryline to make it 13-0.
However, Glasgow stayed in touch when lock Scott Cummings scored in the last play of the half to cut the deficit to six points.
HANDRÉ: Bulls must control emotion
The momentum shifted after the break as the visitors took control through a superior territorial and kicking game.
Goosen added another penalty, but Glasgow responded with a driving-maul try from replacement hooker George Turner before centre Huw Jones finished a slick backline move to put the visitors ahead.
RASSIE: Bulls success a boost for Boks
The Bulls had chances to snatch victory late on but were undone by costly errors.
One final lineout drive on the Glasgow tryline was held up by a heroic defensive effort, sealing a famous victory for Smith’s side.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
