Glasgow Warriors 21-22 Bulls: Warriors are broken by Bulls fightback

The Bulls produced a stirring comeback to stun Glasgow Warriors at Murrayfield and book their place in a fourth United Rugby Championship final in five seasons.

Embrose Papier, named player of the match, praised the resilience shown by his side who had trailed 21-10 at half time.

He said: “We knew Glasgow were a good team, and they made it really hard for us at the breakdown. We just needed to keep ball in hand, to get some front-foot ball.

“We’re just grateful for the win, and the boys showed great effort tonight.”

Match action

Johan Ackermann’s side looked in serious trouble after falling 21-3 behind inside the opening 25 minutes.

Handré Pollard had given the visitors an early lead with a penalty before being shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, a moment that swung momentum firmly in Glasgow’s favour.

The Warriors took full advantage of the extra man as captain Kyle Steyn crossed twice in four minutes, both converted by Dan Lancaster.

Matters worsened for the Bulls when Glasgow were awarded a penalty try and lock Ruan Nortjé was sent to the sin-bin for repeated infringements on his side’s tryline as the hosts surged into a commanding lead.

Despite being ripped apart for much of the opening half-hour, the Bulls found a crucial route back into the contest before the break.

Hooker Johan Grobbelaar forced his way over after sustained pressure close to the Glasgow line. Pollard added the conversion to cut the deficit to 21-10 at half-time.

We’re there: Bulls celebrate beating Glasgow Warriors to make the URC grand final

PICTURE: Alamy

Second half

However, the visitors emerged transformed after the interval.

URC Player of the Season Papier darted over from close range early in the second half.

Francois Klopper then powered across under the posts eight minutes later to put the Bulls ahead for the first time since Pollard’s early penalty.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith said: “I’m disappointed with the result. Bulls did very well in the second half.

“For now, disappointed – not with the effort or how we played, just the result. Bulls defended well second half, well done to them.

“There’s enough fuel in the tank for us to progress.

“We’re usually very good on the other side of half time. It was the same messaging as we’ve always had.

“We’re doing the right things in the right area.

“We gave too many yards in defence and that’s most disappointing. I know this group, we can deliver a better defensive performance. That’s a work on going forward.”