James Ryan just about held it together in his post-match interview as Leinster's season came to an end.
The Bulls held out for a deserved 25-20 victory as Leinster's run without a trophy stretched to three seasons.
After taking the lead in the 23rd minute through James Lowe's try, the Bulls edged ahead with tries from Johan Goosen and two from Sergeal Petersen, while Goosen added 10 points off the tee.
Caelan Doris got Leinster, beaten after extra-time by Toulouse in the Champions Cup final three weeks ago, back into the game but the hosts proved too strong.
"Knock-out rugby, it's all about small margins," said captain Ryan.
"This team probably knows that better than most. We’re gutted.
"It was exactly like we expected, a seriously tough game, Test-match intensity and we're gutted to come out on the wrong side of the result.
"Fair play to the Bulls, I thought they were brilliant today and best of luck to them in the final."
Flanker Josh van der Flier (above) was similarly disappointed and hailed the performance of Goosen, who controlled the game.
"(It's) very disappointing, we played a very good Bulls side," said the Ireland international.
"There wasn't much in it. It could have easily gone either way.
"They played a territory game. They went at us for a couple of phases and then they were happy to kick the ball and let us make a decision.
"I thought we did it pretty well throughout the game. The Bulls just executed a little better and Johan kicked very well so that made a big difference and fair play to him for coming up with it under pressure.
"We have to give the Bulls a lot of credit."
Bulls will play the winners of Munster v Glasgow, which kicks off at 6pm.
United Rugby Championship
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Rugby
James Lowe
James Ryan
Caelan Doris
Johan Goosen
Leinster Rugby