Vodacom Bulls Complete Historic “Irish Slam” as Round 15 Heats Up Playoff Race

Round 15 of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship delivered high drama and narrow margins for South Africa’s four contenders. While the Vodacom Bulls announced themselves as genuine title favourites by becoming the first South African side to beat Munster in Limerick, three of their compatriots also produced stirring performances—and one suffered a damaging setback.

Vodacom Bulls 16–13 Munster: Making URC History in Limerick

At Thomond Park on Saturday, the Bulls staged arguably their finest display of the season, clinching a 16–13 win that sealed an unprecedented “Irish Slam”—victories over all four Irish provinces on their own turf.

• Marcell Coetzee’s impact: The Springbok loose forward powered over from close range early on, giving the Bulls an early 7–3 lead.

• Controlled kicking: Johan Goosen’s composed boot extended the advantage before half‑time, despite a resolute Munster defence.

• Clutch finish: In the 72nd minute, replacement flyhalf Keagan Johannes coolly slotted a penalty under immense pressure to secure the win.

Why it matters:

1. Historic milestone – No South African side had ever toppled Munster at Thomond Park.

2. Playoff momentum – Eleven wins from fifteen pool matches leave the Bulls third on 54 points, well–placed to host knock‑out rugby at Loftus Versfeld.

3. Psychological edge – Completing the Irish Slam injects confidence into a squad peaking at the perfect moment.

Hollywoodbets Sharks 18–17 Edinburgh: Late‐Game Heroics

In Scotland’s Hive Stadium, the Sharks preserved their Top 4 spot thanks to Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi’s last‑gasp try. Trailing 10–6 at the interval, Aphelele Fassi’s second‑half score put them ahead, but two missed Jordan Hendrikse penalties left the door ajar—until Mapimpi’s decisive break in stoppage time restored the Sharks’ footing in fourth place.

DHL Stormers 34–29 Connacht: Drama in Cape Town

The Stormers secured a vital bonus‑point win when Connacht’s would‑be levelling try was overturned for obstruction at the death. Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu delivered a man‑of‑the‑match performance with a first‑minute score followed by a second‑half penalty and three conversions. Despite leaking five tries, the hosts’ resilience lifted them into eighth on 40 points, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Benetton 42–31 Emirates Lions: A Tough Lesson in Johannesburg

At Emirates Airline Park, the Lions’ defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed. After Kade Wolhuter’s early penalty, Benetton raced to a 32–17 half‑time lead courtesy of four converted tries. Although the Lions fought back through Ruan Venter, Marius Louw, Edwill van der Merwe and JC Pretorius, handling errors and ill‑timed penalties proved costly. The 42–31 loss, their fifth straight, leaves the Lions 14th on 31 points with an uphill battle to crack the top eight.

Looking Ahead: Three Rounds to Decide the Playoffs

With three pool rounds remaining, the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers have all positioned themselves inside the top eight. However, every point will count as they face tough away fixtures and home derbies:

• Bulls travel to challenge Munster’s fellow province before returning to Pretoria for two crucial must‑wins.

• Sharks must defend fourth place against a resurgent Ulster and tough Leinster test at Kings Park.

• Stormers confront back‑to‑back Irish trips before a home showdown against arch‑rivals.

• Lions need maximum points in every match and favourable bonus‑point swings if they are to revive their campaign.

The Bulls’ landmark triumph in Limerick sends a clear message: they have the belief, depth and tactical nous to go all the way. But with form oscillating across the South African contingent, Round 16 promises to be every bit as compelling.

More Details at: SARugby