It's not been plane sailing for Munster this season but they gave their chances of retaining their URC title a real boost with a famous win on the road against the Bulls.
Injury issues have hindered Graham Rowntree's side this season, with off-field matters like RG Snyman's impending Leinster switch breeding further frustration for fans of the province.
They had the tough task of traveling to South Africa this week in search of valuable points in at a challenging altitude.
However, history has been kind to Munster south of the equator, who notably salvaged their campaign away to the Sharks and the Stormers last season before returning to Cape Town to claim the Championship.
They again made their long-haul trip worthwhile with a 27-22 victory away to The Bulls on Saturday - their best performance of the current campaign.
Shane Daly first crossed over for the visitors, who then added a second try through Snyman before John Hodnett got a third and the impressive Conor Murray secured the bonus-point.
TRY MUNSTER
76mins BUL 22-27 MUN
Conor Murray gets down in the corner as Munster take the lead late in the game.
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Munster break record against The Bulls
It is a victory that sees the province jump to third in the table, enhancing their chances of landing a home quarter-final when the knockout phase of the competition begins.
They became the first team to beat the Stormers at the DHL Stadium in the URC last season and have achieved a similar feat as a result of the hard-fought win in Pretoria.
By winning at Loftus Versfeld, Munster have remarkably become the first ever European side to ever taste victory at the famous venue.
MUNSTER HAVE DONE IT
The first European team to win in Loftus, and got a try bonus point too
What a performance, what a team
Incredible— CaolanSRugby (@CaolanSRugby) April 20, 2024
The result also marks the first time that the Bulls have been beaten at Loftus Versfeld in the URC, having been undefeated there for 21 matches.
The champions are six points adrift of Leinster, who were handed a surprise drubbing by the Lions earlier on Saturday.
Munster have that task next on their agenda as they look to do what their chief rivals couldn't and claim victory in Johannesburg.
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