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The Bulls were faster out of the blocks and led 22-10 at half-time thanks to tries from Sebastian de Klerk, David Kriel, and Mpilo Gumede. However, Leinster came storming out for the second half and a young side nearly managed to pull off an impressive win against the odds.<\/p>\n
Tom Clarkson, Hugh Cooney, Tommy O’Brien, and Scott Penny all crossed the whitewash for the visitors, but the try bonus point was to be all that they would leave Pretoria with.<\/p>\n
The Bulls were stronger down the home stretch, and David Kriel’s try two minutes from time was enough to secure an eight-point victory for the hosts.<\/p>\n
Just one point from two games is a hugely disappointing return from Leinster’s fortnight in South Africa, and they will feel they should have gotten more from Saturday’s game.<\/p>\n
Post-match, the Premier Sports panel were complimentary of Leinster’s efforts, but Simon Zebo admitted that their defensive play had left a lot to be desired.<\/p>\n
READ HERE: <\/strong>Storm Amy Updates: Major Weather Disruption In GAA, Football, Rugby And Running<\/a><\/p>\n READ HERE: <\/strong>Peter O’Mahony’s Cork Accent Led To Awkward Reunion With Old New Zealand Foe<\/a><\/p>\n Zebo criticises Leinster defence v Bulls<\/strong><\/p>\n After two rounds, Leinster have now lost as many URC games as they did in the entirety of last season.<\/p>\n Their defeat to the Bulls carried far more positives than last week’s hockeying at the hands of the Stormers, but it was ultimately defined by yet more defensive shortcomings.<\/p>\n “Leinster will be disappointed, I think, with their defensive effort,” Simon Zebo said on Premier Sports, assessing Willie le Roux’s second-half try that put the Bulls back in front.<\/p>\n Leinster were opened up by a simple kick in behind, with Zebo arguing they had been caught out too easily.<\/p>\n “I know they’re blowing, it’s hard to get back [and] retreat to your defensive line,” Zebo continued.<\/p>\n “But, if you leave Willie le Roux – he has so much class – that much time on the ball, he’s going to punish you.”<\/p>\n Similarly, Zebo was not impressed by the ‘lethargic’ efforts to stop Kriel’s late clincher for the Bulls.<\/p>\n Look how slow they’re running.<\/p>\n I know they’re out on their feet, but that’s so poor. That’s so mundane, lethargic.<\/p>\n You’re just throwing a Hail Mary to nobody…you reap what you sow.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Leinster were far more impressive on Saturday than in last week’s hammering, but you will find few fans who would argue with Simon Zebo’s assessment of their defensive shortcomings.<\/p>\n Despite this, Zebo did admit he thinks Leinster are back on track after a shock start to the season.<\/p>\n They will hope to get a first win of the season when they are back in front of their home fans next weekend against the Sharks, before a mouth-watering Croke Park derby against Munster on October 18.<\/p>\n SEE ALSO: <\/strong>Peter O’Mahony Reveals Aspect Of 2019 World Cup Prep Ireland Got Completely Wrong<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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