Dave,
The flare should reduce the ROD to a value where VRS (as opposed to being over-pitched) is not possible.
The effect of pulling collective is to switch from an inflow from below to an induced flow (as in powered flight); further reducing the ROD at the expense of RRPM (power off)
This is why a zero airspeed auto to the ground is dangerous: no flare means high ROD; pulling pitch results in opposing forces. Whether it's a big bump because you run out of energy trying to stop the high ROD (power off) or [perhaps] because of VRS (power on), the result is going to be the same: BANG!
TT