Despite a second half comeback that saw Munster dominate proceedings and outscoring the Vodacom Bulls by 18 points in Pretoria, the province could only secure a losing bonus point.
The prospects of a win as Johaan van Graan returned to his hometown club in Pretoria looked like a tall order but Munster showed the belief, mindset, and performance from there 23 players to take pride in.
Munster captain Jack O’Donoghue had a try ruled out after Josh Wycherley was adjudged to have infringed in the maul in the build-up after eleven minutes. The Bulls led 6-3 at that stage following two penalties from Chris Smith either side of a Ben Healy effort.
The opening try came after a burst from former Ulster No.8 Marcel Coetzee and was finished by winger Madosh Tambwe after 16 minutes. Smith converted both Bulls tries and added four penalties to lead 26-3 at the break
Munster responded to the challenge. They got back in contention when Kendellen superbly squeezed over after a tapped penalty in front of the posts. Healy added the conversion with a drop kick to cut the margin to 29-10.
World Cup winner Damian de Allende, back from injury, made a big impact on his return. He was rewarded for chasing a loose ball off the lineout to get the bounce of the ball and the touchdown. Healy again converted and the deficit was cut to 29-17 after 58 minutes.
The Bulls were reduced to 14 men when replacement hooker and former Springbok Bismarck du Plessis was sent off for a tip tackle on Kendellen, with eleven minutes left.
Good Munster pressure yielded a third try when O’Donoghue scored and Healy converted to get the gap down to five but unfortunately for Munster there wasnt enough time on the clock.
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