Bulls' 'crazy' Ferris-wheel week in hunt for glory: 'Business as usual in unusual circumstances'

Like those who packed into Cape Town Stadium and millions watching from their homes last Saturday, the Bulls were kept on the edge of their seats by a Manie Libbok kick that determined whether they were staying in Ireland to face Ulster or travelling home to take on the Stormers.

As soon as the flags were raised and the Stormers defeated Ulster in the second United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final, the Bulls confirmed their provisional bookings to return home for a final date that nobody in the Southern Hemisphere had prepared for.

The Bulls travelled from Ireland to South Africa in squad increments, with a batch leaving on Sunday and arriving Monday, while another followed on Monday and arrived early Tuesday morning.