Leinster and Munster were both favorites to advance against the Bulls and Edinburgh but both ended up losing in the United Rugby Championship semi-finals on Saturday.
The Bulls came out on top 25-20 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria with tries from Sergeal Petersen and Johan Goosen, who scored 15 points in total, ensuring the South Africans reached their second final in three years.
James Lowe and Caelan Doris scored the Leinster tries but the altitude setting clearly affected the Leinster side who were not just good enough on the day.
It was an even sadder day for Munster who went down 17-10 at home in Thomond Park.
Warriors wingers Kyle Steyn and Sebastian Cancelliere stunned the home crowd with two tries and they will now travel to Pretoria for the June 22 decider against hosts the Bulls.
Antoine Frisch scored Munster’s only try in a disappointing game for the expectant home following.
Peter O’Mahony at Thomond Park, Limerick, ahead of the game against Glasgow Warriors. [Inpho/Dan Sheridan]
Munster head coach Graham Rowntree was crestfallen after the game and conceded: "It’s going to sting for a long time. We didn't take our chances, full stop. They did. In the first half we had a lot of territory, possession in their 22.
“We didn't come away with enough points. In the second half we had our opportunities near their goal line and were forcing things. Credit to them, they were tenacious," he pointed out.
