Munster's URC playoff hopes boosted by Cardiff defeat to Bulls

Welsh side drop down a place in the table with just one game remaining in the regular season 

DIVING IN: Gabriel Hamer-Webb of Cardiff Rugby scoring his try in the last minutes of the match

Munster's United Rugby Championship playoff hopes received a further boost Saturday evening as Cardiff suffered a consequential 45-21 defeat to Bulls in Pretoria.

The Welsh province are looking for a maiden trip to the playoffs however they saw their hopes hit as the defeat saw them drop down a place in the table with Munster, who recorded a pivotal interpro win over Ulster on Friday night, now moving above them thanks to a superior games won record. 

Sitting fifth heading into the final two rounds, tough assignments against Bulls and Stormers in South Africa, the game was over for Cardiff by half-time as the home side ran in four tries.

After an early Johan Goosen penalty, Harold Vorster, Wilco Louw, Canan Moodie all crossed, with Goosen and Keagan Johannes (twice) converting, to put Bulls 24-0 ahead just past the first-quarter mark.

Cameron Hanekom secured the bonus-point try for Bulls, Johannes again adding the extras, before the break and Sebastian de Klerk's converted score early in the second half extended their lead.

Cardiff got on the board through Alex Mann, with Ben Thomas adding the extras and, after De Klerk's second try of the game, Teddy Williams and Gabe Hamer-Webb crossed late on, Thomas converting both.

The Welsh side must now hope other results go their way and may also need to beat Stormers on Friday to guarantee a top-eight finish.

PA