The Vodacom Bulls were handed their first defeat of the season as they struggled to get into gear against Ulster in Belfast.

The Bulls – boosted by the return of several Springboks including the likes of Handre Pollard and Canan Moodie – went down 28-7 in their first tour match after a perfect start in rounds one and two.

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The first quarter of the clash was a cagey affair, with the Bulls initially struggling to get a foothold into the game. But they started to assert some dominance, and after a penalty, managed to maul their way over the Ulster. But the TMO spotted a knock-on and disallowed the try.

But shortly after that, it was Ulster getting the opening try of the night through centre Stuart McCloskey. Man of the Match – scrumhalf Nathan Doak – converted to give the hosts a 7-0 lead after 22 minutes.

Ulster then found themselves on the back foot from the restart and conceded a series of penalties, which led to the sin-binning of hooker Rob Herring. The Bulls took full advantage of their extra man, with tighthead Wilco Louw crashing over following a quick tap. Pollard added the extra points to draw level and that’s how it stayed until half time.

Wilco Louw powers through 💥
The big man drives over the line for the Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby 🏉🐂

📺 Watch all the action LIVE on SuperSport@Vodacom #URC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/kLHBS9x5A4

— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) October 11, 2025

It was a disastrous start to the second half for the Bulls, as they had No 8 Jeandre Rudolph given a yellow card for cynical play. Ulster then opted for a tap-penalty, which led to former Stormers hardman Juarno Augustus crashing over to give the hosts the lead. Doak again had no problems with the conversion.

Ulster then snuffed out any chance of a comeback for the Bulls, when Herring and lock Cormac Izuchukwu crossed the whitewash in quick succession. Both tries converted by Doak.

It’s slick play from Ulster to secure their bonus point try 🏉

📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/zb2LRFMqIH

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) October 11, 2025

The Bulls next make the trip to Galway to face Connacht while Ulster go to Durban to take on the Sharks.

Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images