LIMERICK – In what will go down as one of the Bulls’ most memorable performances in the United Rugby Championship, Jake White’s charges held firm in a bruising battle to edge out Munster and complete an unprecedented “Irish Grand Slam” – defeating all four Irish provinces in a single season.
It was a classic, old-school slugfest at Thomond Park. Tense, tactical, and unrelentingly physical. The Bulls’ 16-13 win over Munster wasn’t just historic; it was gutsy, dramatic, and deeply symbolic of a team growing in resilience and character. Coach Jake White was visibly proud in the post-match press conference, calling it “one of the biggest wins we’ve had as a group.”
“This wasn’t just a win,” said White. “It was a test of willpower, of how badly the boys wanted it. And they showed that tonight.”
Bulls Make History
The victory over Munster saw the Pretoria-based outfit become the first South African side to beat all four Irish giants – Leinster, Ulster, Connacht, and Munster – in a single campaign. Munster, known for being near-invincible at home, were stunned as the Bulls’ defence held strong, especially in a frantic final flurry that stretched past the 80-minute mark.
For White, the win was about more than history. It was about momentum and belief.
“We needed this,” he said. “To go into playoffs with this kind of confidence – it’s massive. Next week we face Glasgow, who beat us in the final. You don’t want to go into that after two losses. This changes everything.”
Defensive Steel and Late Drama
The final minutes were not for the faint-hearted. After going ahead 16-13, the Bulls almost handed the game back with a series of late errors – a kick out on the full, unnecessary pressure, and poor exits. But what followed was nothing short of heroic.
That was probably the best defensive set we’ve had in years,” White admitted. “To keep Munster to one try – and a very clinical one at that – says a lot. The first time they got into our 22 was the 34th minute. That shows how much control we had.”
Jake White
It was the kind of finish that tests the mental fibre of a squad. Twenty phases of pressure, Munster charging, Thomond Park roaring – but the Bulls refused to break.
Coetzee and Hanekom Shine in the Cauldron
Veteran Marcell Coetzee put in a vintage shift, dominating collisions and leading with intent. His relentless work rate earned him the Man of the Match honours, while young Cameron Hanekom also stood tall under pressure with a powerful and composed display.
Scrums, Set-Pieces, and Adaptability
The game also saw uncontested scrums after injuries disrupted Munster’s front row – something White admitted altered the dynamics of the match.
Look, we would’ve liked a proper contest at scrum time. But when it went uncontested, it played both ways. We couldn’t dominate there, but we knew we’d get clean ball on our own feed. It changed the shape of the game.”
Jake White
Lessons in Pressure
White acknowledged the Bulls nearly let it slip at the death but was adamant that such moments are vital for growth.
“That’s how you learn. We’ve lost two finals, we’ve made playoffs every season. Now it’s about turning those chances into silverware. This group’s growing – older, wiser, hungrier. And that last four minutes showed that.”
He also hinted at rotating or managing player loads ahead of the Glasgow clash, saying the intensity of back-to-back matches against Munster and Glasgow – the past two URC champions – requires “being box clever.”
What’s Next?
The Bulls face Glasgow in a high-stakes encounter that could secure them a home semi-final – and a shot at redemption after last year’s final defeat.
For now, though, the Bulls and their fans can savour a milestone moment. Beating all four Irish sides is no small feat. Doing it away in Limerick, with your backs against the wall, makes it legendary.
“This team’s got talent,” White reiterated. “But now they’ve got the hunger to match it. And that’s a dangerous combo.”
