Crossword Genius

Bull with stick through heart after matador’s finale (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rhubarb

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'matador's finale' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'bull with stick through heart' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'stick' could be 'bar' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'bar' is located in the answer.
'heart' could be 'hub' (hub is a kind of heart) and 'hub' is found within the answer.
A single letter 'r' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'after' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rhubarb that I've seen before include "Hand covering" , "Reddish root, fruit when cooked" , "Reddish leafstalks cooked and sweetened" , "Leaf-stalks eaten with crumble" , "Stage chatter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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