Ulster v Connacht Ulster Rugby Live

Christmas is in full swing at Ulster rugby headquarters for tonight's

seasonal showdown. Ulster return to Pro12 action with the last home game

of 2016. It's a sell-out into prevention of against. The champions

have already beaten Ulster this season, but Les Kiss' men haven't

lost in Belfast for over 50 years. We are set for a full house and it's

all live here on BBC Two. Good evening and welcome to Ulster

rugby life. Thankfully, storm Barbara has passed, though it is

still pretty blustery and very cold. We are wrapped up nice and warm for

this festive inter-pro. Good evening. How do you see this shaping

up? Hopefully, great match. I've seen Rory Best sporting a black eye

from last week against Clermont. Only a five-day turnaround, very

heavy pitch tonight. Six changes in the Ulster side, a lot of changes in

the Connacht side. Hopefully the Ulster boys can grind them down and

last week doesn't creep into their legs after 60 minutes. Fifth-place

Ulster against eighth place, they both have a game in hand over the

top four. A win tonight and Ulster can move into the provisional

play-off positions, which is imported. Very much so. We need to

make sure we take away points. This is a dangerous time of year for

everyone. It is a festive fever in the area and people can switch on

and off. You can lose a lot of ground at this time of year. It is

important that Ulster come out and start the way they mean to go on.

Will play and keep coming at you right to the 79th minute. That is

something to be mindful. Ulster have the strongest line-up paper.

Connacht with over 20 players on the injury table. It is crazy and Pat

Lam has alluded to it all week saying it is the worst time with the

amount of injuries he has had. All the supporters want to see the high

calibre of players. I think the Ulster team will be too strong

tonight. The last time Ulster played at home was that sensational game

against Clermont in Europe. What is the key to replicating that kind of

performance week in week out? The top six inches. The guys have to do

it. Rugby is a contact sport. They came out in that first week and hit

the ground running and climbed into it. They gave away a quick try but

responded exceptionally well very quickly. Last week against Clermont

away, they started poorly and played catch-up rugby and won the second

half with their game. If this had started the way they finished, it's

superb. Hopefully they took a lesson from last week, bring it to this

week. Connacht shouldn't be able to live with it. 'S record against

Ulster is not good. How is that a factor? The boys have said this

squad here will make history but the Ulster maps will be saying, let's go

out here and try to turn them over and get the momentum going. Records

could be broken. Connacht have lost 33 times in a row in Belfast. Let's

see how it unfolds. COMMENTATOR: Good evening. A chilly

season. Storm Barbara has done a bit this morning. It is a bit cold, a

bit of a breeze. The pitch is not in bad condition underfoot whatsoever.

This Connacht side, three changes upfront. Dave Heffernan, James

Cannon and Sean O'Brien coming into the pack. Just the one change behind

the scrum. Danie Poolman starts in the centre.

The defending champions have such a terrific win in the last second of

the game in that interracial game in the European Champions Cup match,

but they are here not having one at this particular ground in various

shapes and forms since 1960. 56 years have elapsed, and Ulster are

being bled in the third game in succession by the current Irish

skipper. Rory Best. Disappointing start and disappointing first half a

week ago at Claremont. Ulster picked it up a wee bit in the second half

and they have to try to replicate that second half formed by and large

for this game. Les Kiss has made a lot of changes upfront. Andy Warwick

coming in, Kieran Treadwell starting in the second row with Iain

Henderson moving up from number six and Clive Ross and Roger Wilson

starting in the back row. One change behind the scrum. Tommy Bowe is

being rested. A third starter this season for Jacob Stockdale. Good to

see Roger Wilson back, Ulster's most capped player. The referee is from

Limerick, a former player. George Clancy, refereed at the most recent

World Cups in 2011 and 2015. This is his 85th Pro12 game. Right on cue,

having said what a nice night it is, the rain is coming down.

There was a bit of a knock forward. A chilly evening. How big a

conditions play tonight? Good evening. It will be massive. Wind

swirling and with the rain, to. Impairment from an Ulster

perspective. They start well, haven't done that in the recent

games against Clermont. The first scrum gives forwards a good

opportunity to get themselves forward. Connacht have a stone her

man heavier at almost 18 stone per month. Quinn Roux and James Cannon.

Davy Jones can also play at centre and full-back.

Ulster, fine margins were not quite there for a lot of last week's

games. They have to be right on the money tonight. Beer it is the

basics. Charles Pugh to getting involved early. -- Charles Piutau.

The wind is in Connacht's favour, very slightly. Iain Henderson

operating in the second row. For the first time this season. He played

the last seven games as a number six.

I think that will be another Ulster line-out. Great catch and drive

forwards. Well protected by Rory Best at the back.

A change of mind, it was not forward. -- knocked forward.

So effective. Pat Lam has them well drilled upfront. Able to win

contracts situations with two or three men. -- contact situations.

Jack Carty you kicked that magnificent conversion last weekend

in Galway finds a very good touch. Dreadful injury that Pat Lam has had

to put up with. Danie Poolman is an enormous fellow.

Mostly plays on the wing. The ball is going to be put in the

Ulster scrum. That is what they are all about. Keeping the ball alive.

On this occasion, they were unable to hang on. The last major questions

defensively of this Ulster backline this evening. Coming up to five

minutes gone. The rain still drizzling down, a nasty night. Les

Kiss deciding not to sit. What is it about football managers, they all

like to chew. Whether it is rugby or association, one has to act. Fun and

games on this site. There is a play down injured, looks

like a Connacht player. Danie Poolman, a deceptively big

fellow. That was a lovely angle being run by

Connacht. I think an Ulster player was maybe tackled before he got the

ball. The referee waiting for an advantage to Ulster, I think. Maybe

he's going to give it to Connacht, another Ulster knock forward.

Advantages over, according to the referee Roger Wilson.

The wind is starting to really whip up here. Clive Ross told to get away

out of it. Good defence by Ulster. Interesting from Pienaar. They had

to give it back and ball, so to speak. Pienaar then slows the game

down. Line-out to Connacht over on the 22. Eight minutes gone, still no

score. In October in Galway, Pienaar raced into a huge lead. First time

they have done that in living memory against Ulster.

Holes are appearing in the Ulster defence.

Bruising stuff by Luke Marshall. This is good stuff by Ulster.

A little bit too much in front of Roger Wilson and that will be a

Connacht scrimmage. Given the underfoot conditions, the first nine

minutes have been good rugby. Iain Henderson did very well for Ulster.

We see later on on them Luke Marshall break. Look at Marshall

here. Bit of a flourish from the home side

with nearly ten minutes gone, but it is a Connacht scrimmage.

Nicely read their stop make sure you're standing foot isn't outside

the 22. When you are taking it just now. It is the 22. He can't kick it

from outside of 22. He has made a decent touch, Ruan Pienaar. The most

clean breaks in Europe so far this year. We have seen three clean

breaks again this evening, we see how comfortable he is from one to 15

with ball in hand. Intelligent running off the ball. Tom McCartney

now signed a new contract. Ulster just that little bit of fine

tuning a and there is an injury to a player. The won we have seen more

from Henderson in the opening 12 minutes than we have seen in the

last couple of games with ball in hand playing in the back row. He is

up for this this evening. Such an imposing physical figure it with

ball in hand. A great read defensively.

That doesn't look too good for Quinn Roux. It looks like his left

shoulder or his collarbone or his neck. 36 years of age. Came to

Connacht a couple of years ago. George Clancy has called to have a

look at something. Rodney Ah You driving through. Roger Wilson just

picked him up and threw him out of the way. I don't think there was

anything wrong with that. I don't know how that could be interpreted

as a foul. The won I don't see much wrong with that. He put his backside

in front of Roger Wilson. Lee Hodges is BTM oh, incidentally. To be harsh

and Wilson, you could say he is coming in from the side. The attempt

is to clear the man out. He is saying the tackle was illegal.

There is no more than a penalty against Ulster for that. We should

be grateful for small mercies. The touch judge on the near side is

Dudley Phillips and his flag is going again. Second in from the left

as we look at it. Coming in from the side at the

breakdown by Ulster. Crowd, needless to say, don't like that. Clancy was

right on top of that. Good kick chase from Ludik. Clive Walsh going

down on the ball. I think it is Iain Henderson who has

done. You must come in over the ball, not from the side. They are

masters of the second-half performance into the wind, and the

way this wind is going in Ulster's favour, Ulster needs to be thinking

about sport pretty soon. -- points pretty soon.

How many penalties is that Ulster have given away? Two, probably

three. Ulster unable to get him off the latch. Clancy has got that

right. Coming up to 60 minutes late, still

no score. Nice bit of set piece played by

Connacht. They made up an awful lot of ground.

A bit high for Rodney Ah You. He has been binned for that before. Not

forward by Connacht. A round of applause from the crowd, saying

thank you to George Clancy, now he is giving them something. You won he

has been very on the money. He got knocked back, the ball went

between his legs rather than a knock-on. Danie Poolman in the ward

for Connacht. Some intelligent rugby in terms of ball in hand. They have

had so little possession that whenever they do turn the ball over,

they turned defence into attack. Very difficult. Wonderfully well

done by Piutau, who read that. Square off for me. Big hefty

Connacht wearing number six, the other Sean O'Brien, the 26-year-old.

No relation to the one from Leinster.

Stuart McCloskey did the sensible thing and held onto it.

Ulster at the 22 for just about the first time.

Connacht bubbling away for everything at the breakdown.

Well met in the middle of the park. Rodney Ah You, good release by the

former Connacht prop. Great Connacht defence in the middle

of the park. Ulster get the penalty. At this stage in the game in this

stage in the season, they have the option, they can pick the scrum or

go for the post and put it in the corner. 20 minutes into the first

half, playing with gale force wind with the scores level, Ulster should

look to get themselves on the scoreboard. Good set piece. We see

Henderson and Stuart McCloskey. Connacht commit very few at the

breakdown. They have a surplus of defenders and can send one very

quickly up and they have made all the tackle is first up as well. That

was a great tackle by Sean O'Brien on Roger Wilson. He is playing his

first game for a while for Ulster. Missed the last four. Was ready to

play last week, but didn't feature. Jackson, just 24 years old and hard

to believe he has hundred and 50 appearances -- 150 appearances.

No mistake with that. Not the easiest of kicking conditions, but

Jackson has made sure and the king span -- Kingspan crowd will be

happy. A sweet strike from Paddy Jackson. Massive improvement from

his play last season, consistently now one of the best. Jack Carty gave

that a wallop! Apologies if there is a bit of

industrial language head there. It could probably be heard around

Belfast City Hall, so sorry about that. They may not be happy with the

fumbling of that all. Roger Wilson has done well, perhaps kicked to

fight by Conner, but the basics he has done well. Realistically, in

midfield with the wind behind, create your lines, please. 112

appearances for Connacht before coming to this part of the world and

signing up with Ulster. Now capped three times by Ireland, Rodney Ah

You. Born in New Zealand, some 27 years ago. This is his eighth start

of the season. His pal says, don't worry, you won't do that again. At

least he better not. People in a good shift last week Clermont.

Played well after taking a pasting in the home match against the French

team and suddenly last week, he got the scrummaging sorted out. He made

a big impact. This is a big scrum, Ah You will be

looking to make amends and put some pressure on is old buddy Denis

Buckley. That is a better from Connacht,

Andrew Warwick being told to keep is buying up by the rectory. Poolman

looking for a gap which didn't happen -- by the referee. Good work

at the breakdown but Connacht have it. It has gone loose. Well tidied

up by Sean O'Brien. Held up by Clive Ross, that is good

work. George Coetzee said it has knocked on in the tackle so Connacht

get another scrum. -- George Clancy. Good wriggling by Buckley, what a

solid purple mini has been for Connacht down the years. He and Dave

Heffernan both very good with ball in hand. Heffernan played against

Ulster in the opening game between these teams this year and had a

massively influential performance and might even have scored at try

that night. It is a good player. Cup games including this one coming

up for Ulster, Leinster await next week at the RDS and then away to the

Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets -- tough games. And the last two European

Games. Marmion once again. Once again Heffernan gets the strike.

Muldoon leaves it for Marmion. That is spilled. Advantage to Ulster and

none coming they could not get it away. Good defence by Ulster.

Poolman took his eye off it. Soft hands and he just looked up and saw

Marshall in his tracks and the ball spilled. Connacht in the red zone

again, Pat Lam will not be happy with that. The picture is starting

to cut up a bit, unsurprisingly given the weather we have add.

George Godsey has moved them over a bit into a decent patch -- have had

and George Klein C has moved them. It all starts in this front row.

Connacht get a bit of a squeeze on. But illegally. Coming in at an angle

I Denis Buckley I think. He slipped his bind and tried to come in at the

side. The first penalty Ulster have got? Maybe the second. I think the

first one Paddy kicked for the three points. Of course, silly me! They

were a good go at each other in the front row. Denis Buckley is quite

short in stature and he can be destructive as a loosehead against

Ah You who is quite tall for a tight head. The dynamics and the physics

might be stifling them. Buckley was always a very good ball carrier but

he has beefed up to make himself a decent scrummager. Very good, low

centre of gravity comedy gets his hips in the right place and there

was a good battle going on. Finlay Bealham can play loosehead or tight

head also be had a spell playing for the Belfast Harlequins but he is

leaving the field and that is a bit unfortunate. It looks like JP Cooney

might be coming on and that will be a blow for Connacht. I think that

stems off the back of the Roger Wilson receiving the kick-off.

Bealham tried to make a tackle and came off second best. He has not

recovered from it. That scrum twisted round awkwardly and Finlay

Bealham went down. The result was that he got himself quite badly

injured. The coloured forwards just about drove over there tight head

prop and he was twisted badly. McCloskey get it away, Stockdale,

now it is PO time Peshmerga Piutau. We had Ludik with him. He comes back

inside. -- Piutau. The first try of the game and it is McCloskey. From

one end of the pitch to another, finished off by Stuart McCloskey,

celebrating his 50th Ulster appearance with a fine try and his

sixth in the league. Beautifully finished. A great dummy line from

Luke Marshall. That opens up the space for Stockdale off the

blindside wing. Piutau take it in two hands and they execute the G1

one. McCloskey could not fail to score from there. A great line by

Luke Marshall cutting in right-to-left and that holds the

inside defence and takes Rory Parata away. It is a nice pass from

McCloskey. He follows up and was in the right position to score in the

corner. Connacht had been very much in this game and their most capped

player of all-time, the great John Muldoon, fast approaching 300

appearances for he is having a word. Jackson has struck that

fantastically in difficult conditions. The crowd like that. And

the Ulster players and coaching staff will as well. Ten Nel after

just under half an hour. In terms of territory, it has been mostly

Ulster. That might have been a high tackle by Parata. It was well played

by George Clancy. That is a long restart, backward from Roger Wilson

and the referee is happy with that. Retrieved at the second attempt.

Clive Ross has done a lot of carrying soap bar this evening.

Piutau in the outside-half position. He discovered that a bit and it has

not found touch. O'Halloran bounced off Treadwell. Danie Poolman, Rory

Parata, great tackle by Marshall, textbook stuff from the Ulster

centre. Well recycled by the visitors. Adeolokun will put some

zip into it given half a chance. Connacht again inside the Ulster

half. Quinn Roux seems to be OK. Parata well by Marshall. He has got

to release that. Knocked forward by Connacht. Was George Clancy a bit

slow in not penalising Parata for not releasing? Maybe he was still

moving. He has the option to be able to reposition his body. It is up to

the tackler to get on his feet. Have a look at that, he was tackled and

he rolled. Chris Henry was in. Marshall makes the tackle. Ludik was

in over the ball. You can't really quibble with that. Half an hour

gone. Ulster have to win this game to be with in any chance of

finishing around the top six next year.

Solid Ulster scrum. McCloskey has a go himself and cuts through but he

needs some help. Pienaar looking to the narrow side and he finds

Jackson. The kick for Stockdale, it might be a bit too far and it is.

They will come back for the scrum, that was unfortunate for Jackson, it

was pretty close to being perfect. We have seen what about legal weapon

Stuart McCloskey is. As soon as the defender turned, he was happy to

take him on. And he has the ability to reach, he has the ball and he is

looking to off-load. The supporters cannot quite get close enough on his

shoulder but he has the presence of mind to go to ground and recycle.

Just one cap for Ireland against England at Twickenham in the 2016

Six Nations. The crowd in fine voice.

Can Ulster that is agreed on? That is a solid scrummage from Connacht.

-- get a squeeze on. O'Halloran had to check a little bit. He had Matt

Healy outside him. Well won by Connacht.

Here they come again, Connacht. Ulster were just caught right on the

good work by Henry at the breakdown as ever. Taken by Quinn Roux who

runs into Rory Best. Marshall was up quickly. That had to be shuffled off

and this is Matt Healy. That has set up nicely and what will Piutau do?

He will have a go. He is strong enough to hang onto the ball and has

done to ground so they have do play it. Pienaar has looked up the

nearside. They have given Pienaar a bit more room. But Ulster take it

forward through the forwards. Chris Henry set it up. Pienaar is inside

his 22 just about. Well taken by Carty who was taken down by Matt

Healy -- by Clive Ross. That has been stolen by Ulster. Pienaar, an

uncharacteristic fumble and the need some help and has it from Clive

Ross. Ah You takes it on. Good tackle by Nepia Fox-Matamua. Pienaar

looking for a runner to his right hand side. He decides to take. That

is knocked forward by O'Halloran. Very unfortunate, he doesn't make

many of those mistakes. He is one of the most improved players in Irish

rugby over the last couple of years. Very unusual to see him make such a

gift. I think he was scanning to see where the space was in terms of the

counterattack. But evident that Ulster are struggling to get any

fast ball. Connacht are very good at slowing it down. The ball for

Pienaar is scrappy, the last one came out of the side and Connacht

are happy to play around the fringes and slowed things down. Ulster last

season with the only Pro12 team to beat home and away. Five minutes

until the interval and Ulster are 10-0 up. Ludik ran into Poolman. The

referee has a hand out for a penalty against Connacht and at this stage

you would think Ulster would go for the points. You would imagine they

would take three. A slight change in tactic McCloskey was the dummy

runner and the ball went behind him. They were looking for Louis Ludik

but again good defence from Connacht. Connacht could not roll

away. One South Africa on another and Danie Poolman has come off the

worse. He normally plays on the wing but with the nasty injury to Bundee

Aki De Villiers been pressed into service at inside centre. Do you

think Connacht will be happy with this scoreline? -- he has been

pressed into service. I think they will. It is important for Ulster to

stretch any lead they have to the maximum before the break. We heard

Stephen Kerr was mentioning before that that he thought it was a 15

point wind -- Stephen Ferris. Pat Lam it's off to Bristol at the end

of this season but what a fantastic job he has done with Connacht. Would

you bet against him coming back and coaching Ireland when Joe Schmidt

stops? I think he would be in the frame in terms of fulfilling the

requirements of coaching in Ireland and the whole structure seemed to be

about winding carriages through whether they are home-grown or from

overseas. But on limited resources he has done a hell of a good job.

Dannie Bulman went in very high on Louis Ludik and took a shoulder in

the sternum -- Danie Poolman. I think he has been winded. Coming on

is 21-year-old Ciaran Gaffney. It will be his first cap and what a

cauldron to come into. In the meantime it is Paddy Jackson who is

the man in the frame. No mistake. And the Ulster lead goes out to 13

points. The second penalty from Jackson to add to the conversion of

Stuart McCloskey's try so he is three out of three. Connacht have 21

injuries and have a two in the first half through Poolman and Bealham.

They have gone for six forward and only two backs on the bench and Pat

Lam's resources are badly stretched. Roger Wilson took a bit of a clatter

from Quinn Roux. A rare error in handling. That has given possession

back to Connacht. There was nobody near him. Perhaps cold hands, very

unlike Roger Wilson. That is a bit naughty maybe. Quinn Roux coming

through and apologising. Unlike Roger Wilson, but that has been a

massive Achilles heel for Conn Iggulden rugby this year, their

pick-up -- for Ulster rugby this year. Becchetti of receiving has

been poor. -- there kick-off receiving.

That ball has not gone in properly. The referee will ask them to do it

again. Rory Best really putting the squeeze on Dave Heffernan. The last

couple of scrums for Connacht have had a slight squint because

Heffernan is unable to strike such as the pressure that Rory Best is

putting on him. From that position, Heffernan cannot lift his leg to

strike the ball back. He is a ferociously strong man, Rory Best.

Along with the wonderfully named Bismarck du Plessis, I reckon would

be best scrummaging hookers in the world at moment. -- one of the best.

Connacht will be looking for something before the interval. In

the second half they will have the significant wind behind them. A good

scrum once again from Connacht. Parata tries to make a bit of ground

and runs into the Ulster back row. Heffernan is tackled by Best. Nice

little off-load to Muldoon who scrambles forward. There was a hole

there. A bit of blocking all stop and a bit of nonsense breaking out.

But of you see Chris Henry getting involved like that. He did not think

Marmion would release but that is a penalty against Connacht. We have

seen two or three breaks from Marmion. Muldoon manages to make a

yard or two, trying to clear some space for Kieran Marmion. These are

almost perfect Galway conditioned this evening in terms of wind and

rain. It is difficult for runners coming around the corner. Not quite

the view of Galway Bay! Not quite. Chris Henry did well because he

managed to disengage and make it back to Marmion to stop him getting

to the line. It got a bit feisty. You would expect that in the derby.

Absolutely. Will Ulster just put it into touch or think about adding to

their 13 points? They are a long way from the Connacht line. A good drive

by Connacht. And they have the put-in to the scrum but it will not

matter. Ulster lost possession but George Clancy has decided that is

the end of the first half and Ulster will not be too dissatisfied. Just

one try through Stuart McCloskey, converted by Paddy Jackson added a

couple of penalties. Ulster in control on the scoreboard. Not by

any means error-free but Ulster will be happy with that. They would be

ahead on points in boxing parlance. They have kept Connacht to know

points. Connacht have defended well and been good with ball in hand

given the difficult conditions. Stuart McCloskey has been the best

player on show both with ball in hand and some of his good running

off the ball as well. Connacht have lost a couple of players and Ulster

are leading this game reasonably comfortable but a lot more to come

in the second half. STUDIO: Not the most dynamic game but Ulster had

been in control and deserving their 13-0 lead. Definitely, they played

the better rugby, been better in attack and defence and looked

comfortable all stop Connacht have been trying their wide pattern and

on a wet and windy night, is it the way to go? I think they might change

slightly in the second half with the wind and put it behind Ulster and

make them play out. Ulster are cruising at the moment. Connacht

have lost a couple of players and the Ulster bench is pretty strong.

But with the strong wind, did you expect Ulster to put more points on

the board, will they need them? I don't know if they will need them

but in those conditions it is not the easiest to play with the wind at

your back either. Ulster did not utilise the wind as much as they

should. But they are here to play some rugby. They know they could put

it in the corner and applied pressure and perhaps Connacht might

have cracked but they have come up with a different mindset tonight and

they are just looking to play rugby. They feel they have the personnel

and strength and power to take Connacht on. They could have used it

better but maybe they did not want to. It was a slow enough start of

the game but suddenly Ulster were patient and scored a really good

try. As soon as the whistle blew, the rain started coming down. It was

exceptional, the line-out was good of the top. It is just passing and

giving. Charles Piutau made the right decision to hold onto it.

Stuart McCloskey recognised the space and Ruan Pienaar is a class

act and he puts him in. Light from the start, three Pasalic covered

almost three quarters of the width of the pitch -- three passes. That

means you are right, it was the right decisions and just the speed

of the ball coming back and it was a walk in at the end. A lot of the

work was done early doors. And in the conditions that this pervert

rugby. And it is not easy to play in these conditions tonight, not to

make excuses, but it is tough. It is one of those when you are getting

yourself ready, you're coming into the Kingspan and you have to

mentally get yourself right, you know you have the roll up your

sleeves and dig in. But they have been the better side, McCluskey in

midfield has been exceptional getting over the gain line time and

again. I would like to see the forwards working around the corner

of it harder to create more space for the backs but heavily we will

see that in the second half. The strong part for me is the Ulster

forward in the set piece. It has stood up brilliantly. We must have

stolen three or four Linux which is unsettling for them. The scrum has

been strong. But you're right, there is more to give Best line-outs. If

they can bring that element into it and combine that with the set piece

dominant it will be a second Alli good second half. There have been a

lot of turnovers and they have been successful at the line-out. And they

are making Connacht make mistakes. Connacht are not putting a lot of

numbers into the breakdown. They are setting up in their three different

pods. But Henderson goes straight in and they are on the counterattack. A

couple of passes over the top and Marshall is on the outside. There

line-out defence has been very strong. We have not talked about

Henderson and Treadwell in the second row, the first time Henderson

has played at second row this season so it is good to see him playing

well. They are making Connacht make mistakes. Henderson... This is not

like Connacht, they have been lacking numbers at the breakdown.

You could see the first man going through but then there was nobody

else, where is the rest of the team? That is because they have so many

personal changes and they are not quite on song as they have been in

the European matches they have had. They know they have to perform hard

and every man is working so hard tonight but it's not quite happening

for them. One disappointing thing will be the penalty count earlier

one for Ulster. I am sure a lot of people might be sitting at home

saying George Clancy is never good appear! I think he got the first

couple right. Maybe not the run for Roger Wilson -- of the one for Roger

Wilson. He set the tone early of the way he wanted to referee the match.

But I don't agree with all his decisions. It is there to say he is

never the most popular in Belfast! I think he loves coming appear! Do you

think for these big derbies that the referee should perhaps not come from

the country for the teams involved? I agree, I think it is wrong now

because there is so much at stake. This is a crucial time for all of

the teams over Christmas. Personally I would like to see not an Irish

referee taking it on. No disrespect, they are good referees but I think,

they have all grown up with these guys and there has been some history

over the years. Somebody like Nigel Owens coming year, a neutral

referee, letting the game flow, both teams want to play rugby, maybe that

should be looked at. I think so because there is a lot at stake. I

have seen George referee Ulster many times and I'll be honest, he is not

on my Christmas card list! We will leave it there! Let the happy get on

in the second half. Against Clermont last week when Ulster discovered how

to use Stuart McCloskey dummy was very successful and again tonight,

with and without the ball he has been excellent. Just get it in his

hands. He goes outside and is looking for runners inside or out

and if Tommy Bowe was on the wing he would have been coming in for me.

The ball in both hands, left or right and they also use him as a

decoy and he runs a really hard line. A great tackle by Poolman and

he went off injured afterwards. That is what McCloskey gives you. He

always makes ground. He is a strong man, no mistake from over six foot

and carries well. And he just runs hard. Obviously awkward to play

against. I did not play against him, Stevie probably did and he must've

hurt you! But he is a strong man and he does it every week and against

quality opposition. He still seems to be able to do it. He's doing well

and he gives Ulster a good platform, especially with him and Piutau. They

need to run off their shoulders will stop Piutau is infamous for doing

that. McCloskey illustrated it, they have to expect that they will make

the bust. If Ulster can get on that, that is hard to pick up when we

break through. Another plane is done that very often for Ulster and

Ireland is Andrew Trimble -- another player. Sadly he is not 100% fit but

he is talking to us. He just missed out, what is the

latest? It is going in the right direction, just didn't get there in

time. Plenty of running the last couple of weeks. Punishment for not

being completely fit, but it's just that sharp change in direction just

isn't quite there. Training on Wednesday and I was 90, 90 5% at

didn't get there in time. Unfortunately, I get to sit this one

out and endure another week of rehab. Ready for Leinster on New

Year's Eve? Koloamatangi I am hoping so. Very close to this one, so if I

can get in at the start next week and not stuff my face too much on

Sunday and get back by the weekend and hopefully see how it goes. How

special was the series that she got injured at the end? It was very

special indeed. It took a bit of time to watch the video that Irish

rugby tweeted today. It was a historic year, something I'm proud

to be part of. It brings back a lot of fond memories and then you are

reminded you are injured so you come back to earth very quickly. We

accomplished a lot this year. A great bunch of lads and we created

history. Very proud. What did you make of the first half? We've done a

good job. Quite a pragmatic display. On nights like tonight, it might be

tricky to play rugby. We want your line-ups to function well, and your

nine and ten to manage you around the pitch and we have done that

well. The boys are doing a good job. Connacht always make it difficult.

How is the second half panning out? If we come out all guns blazing in

the second half, this isn't a side that goes out of the gate. They will

keep coming at you. We were better than them for long periods last year

but they kept coming and made a dogfight. They want to play rugby,

as well, so there is still entertaining rugby to be played and

see how we go. In the context of this season, how important is a

winter night? We have become a side that does it week in, week out.

Fixtures like this, we have to win these if were going to compete to

win the league. This is the best site in the league last year. It is

a big test but we are up for it and it is important we keep things and

discipline. I think we are going in the right direction, 13-0 lead. The

second-half will be tricky. See how we go. As Andrew said, set pieces

have been solid. Nine and ten tonight, they have been excellent. A

couple of box kicks. Every week we talk about Pienaar. That's what he

gives you. Paddy Jackson has been making the right calls in attack. He

made that call for Stuart McCloskey round the corner and the massive

break came. Kidding in difficult conditions. The one that landed from

the touchline, an absolute peach. It has come on tremendously well over

the past month. , Internationally, Paddy Jackson, is he number one? One

thing that let him down for me is he has turned down from the kicking tee

of the last three or four months. He is running the show. The man inside

makes life easy for him. It'll be interesting to see how that pans

out. How do Ulster manage the second-half playing into the strong

wind? They to keep their discipline. No easy penalties, letting Connor

kicked down to the corner. They will be very disciplined. When they

box-kick, they have to get their he's right. No easy yards. There

will be a few more pic and goes, tight around the fringes. If the

spaces open up, you have to take it, be clinical. They will a clinical in

the second hopefully as they were in the first. They have to keep playing

rugby. Defence will win the second half for them. They have do keep

harassing Connacht. Keep the wide game going. If Ulster can score

next, do you feel this Pienaar team could fold? I don't know if they

will fold, but they will definitely have doubts in the back of the mind

about winning. If all is to score next, I believe. Will win. 100%

correct. It doesn't matter who is caused next. It is the mindset. If

we come out with the right mindset, it doesn't matter who scores next,

Allstate will take it to the finish line. I hope you are sitting nice

and warm wrapped up at home because he it is freezing. Enjoy the

second-half. COMMENTATOR: Thanks, Steve, chaps. I

think Sean Reidy has come on for all is to. He is looking clean and white

and he has replaced Roger Wilson. Sean Reidy started the previous

half-dozen games as number eight and comes on for the second. Allstate

leading 13-0. Jack Carty gets us underway. -- Ulster are leading.

The breeze that assisted Connacht in the first half has lessened a little

bit. Pienaar could have got that away

quicker, but somebody blocked it. The referee is going to bring them

back. Against Wasps last week, when he

talked the referee into giving the penalty. Pienaar with the end over

end box-kick to relieve the pressure.

There is a try scorer, Stuart McCloskey.

Six internationals, including three behind the scrum.

Just a little bit further, you are overextended. Just asking them to

come a bit closer. The feet were too far back and that can always be a

bit dangerous. Stuart McCloskey couldn't quite get

the build-up and momentum, but he's done well.

You are not on the ball! Can Ulster get this one back on Mark -- get

this one back? Rodney Ah You ran in front of Ian

Henderson, so his view was half blocked. Pienaar have to be

ambitious. Chris Henry is doing well. Advantage over! O'Halloran

showing great enterprise. A rare dither from Pienaar and

Ulster have coughed up possession and Connacht get it away anyway can.

That's really should have been a try for Ulster. Beer the space was

there, perhaps Kieran Treadwell, if the man outside had kept his word.

Sean Reidy coming in May be too early. Rory Best on this occasion

with Stuart McCloskey and Henderson latching on. Pienaar looking for

options and nothing there. Nothing is sticking at the moment

for Ulster with too many little unforced errors. There are unfocused

errors but they are trying to play rugby. Stephen and Andy talked about

it at half-time, they aren't content to sit back and put boot to ball.

Even when falling, you can transfer the ball to two hands. Piutau is so

dangerous in those positions. Hang on. Clancy is coming over to speak

to Jack Carty. Just make sure you are back. I'll give you time to talk

to the boys. Sorry about that. He is making the point that are

encroaching over that five metres before the ball is out of the scrum.

He is watching the ball in the scrum and there are tough judges who are

feeding that information. Sensible refereeing. He has told them he is

watching for it and making sure it doesn't happen again.

Last couple of times have been you, Ulster have won the game but there

hasn't been more than a single scorer or a handful of points

between them. That is an Allstate line-out. Good

hustling defence by Ulster in terms of shutting down any space. Chris

Henry, good skills by John Muldoon. Right pace, right time. Connacht

intent on keeping ball in hand. I make the point in the first half,

from one to 15, they are really confident with their ball skills.

They really haven't used the wind, but it has dropped considerably.

George Clancy telling that they are inside their 22 so they can kick

directly at the touch if they wish. He has become a crowd pleaser,

Piutau. The idea was good, execution was

pretty good. Just didn't quite work out for Luke Marshall, but great

effort. Good tackle by Jack Carty. A little

bit too central. Badly beaten by the footwork of Piutau. I thought it

might have been 22, but George Clancy explained that the ball was

kicked and came off a Piutau player and came off the Connacht line,

meaning it will be a scrum for Ulster. Connacht need everybody

behind that goal line. John Muldoon trying to deploy his

troops behind in case there is enough room on the narrow side for

something, Allstate can wangle it. -- Ulster can wangle it.

Ulster within touching distance of the Connacht post.

Pienaar has got there? George Clancy right underneath him. Time off. He

may well go upstairs to the TMO. I'm not so sure, but we find out. Try,

yes or no, please? Olley Hodges will look at that. The former

distinguished recipe Ofere referee from Leinster. -- referee.

Not a good camera angle. George Clancy is in the perfect position, I

am surprised he has done upstairs. It is on the line but he should be

able to see it for himself. Clancy is in the perfect position. Ulster

should have scored long before that. This is Stuart McCloskey going for

the line, Paddy Jackson in to assist and Pienaar is the dummy and the

sidestep and the drive. No score. Coming up to 12 minutes in

the second half, the scoreboard has not been troubled since the

interval. Pienaar was not too far away. Ten minutes on the clock,

their ball security has been good, their pace and composure has been

good. Credit to Piutau, the defence has been first class.

The try has been given. They have got the try.

Clive Ross has got his first ever Ulster try. He has waited a long

time. His third season here in Belfast. His 42nd cap, 13 games he

has played in Europe, and this is his 29th in the league and his first

try. Stuart McCloskey causing all sorts of problems. Takes two or

three defenders. A rerun of the Pienaar no try. We see good

composure. Clive Ross stayed on his feet. A little help from his friends

and he stayed upright. Paddy Jackson has the conversion and Ulster now I

still inside the third quarter of this game. This is Ross striving for

the line and he really did well. He deserves that. He has played very

well this evening. Happy at six, happy at seven. Here is an

interesting replacement. Pienaar is going off. 36 minutes to go and

outcomes Paul Marshall, who else? Cap number 183.

Good work on the charge there by the Connacht/ the this is good stuff

from the visitors. Connacht not done by any means. The

won we talked about Ulster and their ball security in the first ten to 15

minutes. That is the first turnover they have had. Connacht go across

the field but Tiernan O'Halloran does well.

Nice short line and Jack Carty goes over five. They are very aggressive

at the breakdown, Connacht. Jack Carty took that drive very nicely

indeed. Anyone who thinks that Connacht would go out of the game at

20-0 down, there is your answer. Niyi Adeolokun getting some

treatment, but I think he will be fine. They have made the trip in

decent numbers. They will be even happier if the scorer of the try can

get the conversion. Ulster are warming up one or two replacements,

it looks like. What a terrific kick. Jack Carty.

Ulster, having been 20-0 up, they find themselves at 20-7. Jack Carty

started a good four or five yards outside the Ulster left-hand upright

and the wind with the way he hits the ball to the ball perfectly

between the sticks. We hang herbs Taz, and for Ulster.

-- Wiehahn Herbst. Also on Les Kiss' mind is a date with Leinster on New

Year's Eve. Ulster pinched that one, but it will

be a scrum to Connacht. Replacements coming on thick and fast.

Connacht were looking for more from the referee there. There was a

questioning look from some of the players. Ulster's senior medical man

is having a look at him. A bank in the head. David Arnold had a knee

replacement just last weekend. He will be up and being his older brace

south as soon as possible. Bah humbug.

Connacht are playing the way they like to play, good driving stuff.

Ulster looking for a turnover and they have done. A bit scruffy.

That was cruelly done. -- poor. A good line from Stuart McCloskey.

Just a little rich... A sympathetic enough pass. Maybe Stuart McCloskey

just overrun that. Once again, from the Connacht perspective, how good

their defence is. They are scrambling, getting off the gain

line and putting Ulster to watch three yards behind their own gain

line. We have played just over one hour.

We are now in the final quarter of this Guinness Pro12. 20-7. Ulster

13-0 up at the interval. Hard to tell which are Ulster hats and which

are festive hats. Magnificent occasion at the end of

last season when Connacht won the title for the first time in their

history. Ulster have kept possession, but the

momentum is gone. Locale quickly Connacht are getting

the ball back. -- look how quickly. Holding out on the tackle against

keirin Gaffney. Were looking quite good. That was read quite well.

Brings his man back inside and put him to ground. There is Sean Reidy

and Clive Ross straight over the ball.

Naulia Dawai has come on, the Fijian international. He's scored the

crucial try last week when Connacht pipped Wasps at the end of the game.

We touched on in the first half, the Connacht injury list, with six

forward on the bench. We have already seen what JP Cooney and

delay and have brought to the game. -- Ultan Dillane. And Dawai will be

looking to make a big impact. Rory Best has played over an hour now.

That was a bad line-out for Ulster to lose. Looked like Sean O'Brien

made some ground. Marmion switches. Good defending by Ulster out wide,

bread roll with the tackle. -- Treadwell. If Connacht can score

next, you never know what could happen.

Good switch by Carty. A bit of obstruction thought the crowd and it

has gone loose now. Hacked on by Jackson. O'Halloran got back well,

McCloskey nails him. O'Halloran is hanging on but legally. Aggressive

stuff and an interception from Jacob Stockdale. Ulster ten metres out and

try now could seal it. Rory Best on the charge. And George Clancy as

penalised Ulster for hanging on. Muldoon rides Rory Best to ground

and he was straight on the ball. Classic back row play by John

Muldoon who has been doing it for years but completely legal and

George Clancy gives Connacht the penalty. Jack Carty does not make

much ground that he finds his touch. Caolin Blade has come on and Kieran

Marmion goes off. Connacht may be looking to make another replacement.

Caolin Blade just 22 years of age, Irish international at under 18 and

under 19 level. Blade blocked that the way -- got that away well.

Aggressive from Dawai. The Connacht forwards really know how to drive

with ball in hand and their ability to release quickly is terrific.

Blade was looking for a gap, closed off by Marshall. Well taken by

Buckley. Connacht playing joyous rugby as

ever. Good work by Rory Best. Connacht have it back again. Knocked

forward. That was very unfortunate. Rory Parata just looked up to see

what was available. It was misses Treadwell and Henderson, the Ulster

second rows. -- messes. It just releases the pressure.

Connacht are starting to play some more rugby and the Ulster line speed

has dropped off and bait might be slipping off some tackles that they

were making in the first 50 minutes. Dave Heffernan leaves the field

having had a pretty good game and Tom McCartney have come on. Rory

Best goes off and Rob Herring comes on, US captain Ulster on no fewer

than 20 occasions. -- who has captained. Still plenty of mild on

the clock for Rory Best. Franco Van der Merwe also coming on. Rory Best

is unlikely to start in Dublin, such is the player management scheme now

from Joe Schmidt and the Irish side. Anybody in that Irish squad will

have limited time on the pitch over those two games. John Muldoon has

left the field. Eoin McKeon comes on.

Ulster scrum. Options right and left. Mostly to the right but don't

rule out charge Piutau -- Charles Piutau doing something sneaky on the

near side. Rob Herring wins his first scrum. A

great squeeze by Ulster and they get the penalty. Sean Reidy had picked

up and was driving for the line but the whistle had gone. The front row

is not happy with each other but then they never are. They will ask

Barry Jackson to keep doing what he has been doing or evening. -- Paddy

Jackson. 13 points up, they will want to increase that and keep

Connacht at Bray, potentially out of bonus point territory as well -- at

bay. They then might re-evaluate and try to chase those two tries for the

bonus point themselves. Franco Van der Merwe is going to

come on and we think it is Clive Ross going off which would mean that

Iain Henderson would go back to number six. In the meantime Paddy

Jackson pops it between the posts and is looking a bit rosier for

Ulster with 12 minutes remaining as they are now 23-7.

Ulster with 12 minutes remaining as throw caution to the wind at 16

points adrift. Iain Henderson is actually leaving. No, it is Clive

Ross. Franco Van der Merwe has come on for his 50th league game.

Marshall has put just about enough on that and it was a good kick. It

is taken by Ultan Dillane. Blade gets it away. It looked like it was

Eoin McKeon who got it. Carty is still there. This is nice stuff,

Adeolokun gets no change out of Stockdale and that has been knocked

forward. Stockdale has put in a very good defensive shift. Adeolokun is

full of running, a slippery customer but Stockdale has managed him well.

Younes managed to push him inside. -- he has managed. Les Kiss will be

more than happy with the shift that Iain Henderson and Treadwell have

put in in the second row. They have both carried well and been good in

the line-out. Young Treadwell making his first start, he can be pleased

with his performance. Jacob Stockdale's tackle initially seemed

to be fine, I think it rode up a little bit and Adeolokun has been

hurt. One hopes he is OK. Born in Nigeria some 26 years ago, winning

his one Irish cap to date against Canada. A fine player for Dublin

University. Let's have a look at this one. Stockdale stood his ground

and that looked OK. I think he got hurt when he went to ground and his

head hit the ground, I don't think there was anything but Stockdale

bid. There was no swinging arm, he stood up Dolberg did not go high. --

stood up and did not go high. He to step back in and pull himself up

right. Jacob Stockdale has just made a man on Ball tack go -- tackle. I

think the contact with the ground perhaps jarred him a bit. He will

probably have too stay on unless he is pronounced dead! They don't have

anybody left in the back division in terms of the substitutes. He is

getting up very gingerly. They are going to have a look at him in terms

of a head injury assessment. I don't think not have anybody else to come

on. He's not going off. I'm pleased to see that.

Just over ten minutes remaining. Ulster are 16 points to the good.

Connacht need to score a couple of times to get within losing bonus

point range. Another dent in their title intentions which was always

going to be difficult after a magnificent season last year.

Marshall, got it to Cave. Connacht making life difficult for Ulster at

the breakdown. Van der Merwe is fresh. Likewise Callum Black.

Naulia Dawai was in there. Treadwell.

Jackson runs into JP Cooney and does not come out the worst. This is

Wiehahn Herbst. Louis Ludik in the outside top position. --

outside-half position. Piutau is there. All aggression and muscle and

bustle. Quick ball and good driving by Henderson. Callum Black in

attendance. Piutau. Sean Reidy was outside him.

I think the touch judge on the far side has brought his attention to

something. Number 20, neck roll. Sean Reidy has been penalised for an

illegal tackle. A pity for Ulster because they were building up a head

of steam. They had some momentum. When they get to the outside of that

Connacht defence, Piutau has been lurking and he gets across the gain

line every time he carries. So hard to put to ground. Despite having the

wind behind him, Jack Carty did not make an awful lot of distance.

Arnold still inside their own half. This is Tom McCartney who assigned

along term contract with them and will be Irish qualified pretty soon.

31 years of age now. You some pretty good hookers in front of him

including the one who just left the field for Ulster. That did not look

altogether straight. There didn't seem too much wrong

with that. George Clancy, much to the delight of the Ulster fans,

gives Ulster be put in at the scrum. -- the put in.

Ulster are going to bring on another replacement and it is Tommy Bowe who

will be coming on for the last few minutes.

The band is striking up and the crowd are in good voice. Expect for

Ulster, they have had some chances and did not take all of them. -- a

mixed bag for Ulster. A chip and chase, this could be

interesting. He has done well, Marshall, he nearly tried to flick

it back between his legs. He is class at that. They brought in Louis

Ludik of the wing. Marshall has 15 or 20 metres to explore. A good chip

and just unlucky with the bounce but that was classic Marshall, something

unexpected. Tommy Bowe, wearing number 23, has come on. Stuart

McCloskey is leaving the field, the first try scorer.

Well taken at the line-out and driven forward by Dawai.

Blade gets it away, Carty, O'Halloran trying to get outside

Treadwell and that has come off and Ulster hand. I put: Black cab secure

audit but not so. Connacht will keep running until the end. O'Halloran

again from full-back. Great wrap-up tackle by Paddy Jackson.

Adeolokun has not been given a sniff of room. Here they come again. Full

marks to them for giving it everything. The tackle from Darren

Cave. Just over five minutes remaining. Buckley is tackled well

by Van der Merwe. That has been knocked forward. Louis

Ludik, it bounced beautifully for him but he has lost it. That might

sum up Ulster's evening, child is not taken, cold hands and a couple

of errors and they could not quite make it. -- chances not taken. They

have been happy to let Connacht moved the ball from side to side.

They had used the width of the Pittsburgh Ulster have been a bid to

flood the outside man -- of the pitch.

McCartney has had to come on and play at loosehead prop. He has

played there before but not at this level.

Caolin Blade was caught by his opposite number, Paul Marshall, who

is unwell to release that ball. They are still battling away. Great work

by Kieran Treadwell. Iain Henderson is the man on the deck. Ulster will

be hoping to get some possession here, in such a good position on the

field. Connacht minimising the number of men

This is enterprise indeed but they have to kick and it is not a bad

one. Tommy Bowe goes back. Piutau. He needs Tommy Bowe with him. This

is Marshall. Back inside to Franco Van der Merwe. Less than three

minutes remaining. Again it is Piutau who picks up.

The switch by Marshall to Tommy Bowe. Got back to European scoring

last week with a cup tries against Clermont.

Treadwell makes ground for the home side and now Jackson inside to Tommy

Bowe but obstruction from Ulster. A penalty. A bit overenthusiastic and

here come Connacht. Good tackle on Shane Delahunt. The last couple of

minutes. It has been entertaining. Ulster will be happy to get back to

winning ways having gone down in Galway at the last time these teams

met in October. Ulster have to watch Connacht's exuberance. Good tackle

by Stockdale. And good work by Stockdale again, he puts himself

around but he did so from an offside position. Taken quickly by Delahunt.

Rory Parata. Into the final minute of the game.

Matt Healy tackled by Rob Herring. Connacht have meant out wide. The

Ulster tackling is good again. 30 seconds left. Well presented for

Blade. Adeolokun. The ball has been knocked forward by Connacht and

there is time for the scrum but I'm pretty sure that Ulster will pop it

into touch. They will stick it in touch and look forward to Leinster

on New Year's Eve. This was a potential banana skin for Ulster.

Connacht are shorn of 21 players and that they can some injuries this

evening but Ulster will be happy coming off the back of that average

performance against Clermont last week. They were second best then but

we have seen some enterprise tonight. The two second rows, I have

been impressed with them and this is the best game for Henderson since he

came back from his lay-off. Pienaar and Jackson speak for themselves and

McCloskey has been head and shoulders above everything else, the

fulcrum of the attack and sound defensively. Ulster are in good

shape going to Dublin. That'll be a different game next week. You can

hear that with us live on BBC Radio Ulster.

Not so good for Connacht because Ultan Dillane is leaving the field,

the Irish international who has produced some muscular performances

for Ireland as well as for Connacht in the last 12 months. He has a

pretty heavily strapped left knee and is certainly not favouring it.

One hopes from an Irish perspective he is OK. He had a terrific 2016.

Notched up eight Irish caps. We hope he's OK.

There is another young man who has had a very good year, Iain

Henderson, following on from the World Cup.

A minute of what used to be called extra time has been played. I can't

see Ulster wanting to do anything other than put it away and Paul

Marshall does that. Ulster come through this, they conceded a try in

the second half but added ten points themselves and they have taken the

game with the final score Ulster 23-7 Connacht. STUDIO: We did not

see the flair of the Clermont match but certainly that was a dogged and

determined display by Ulster. And deserved winners led by the man of

the match Iain Henderson. He played very well. The forwards gave the

backs the platform. McCluskey in midfield had a tremendous game but

Henderson was calling the line-ups -- McCloskey. It was very windy out

there but their set piece was very good and Henderson was an absolute

beast around the pitch. And that last play, he tracked down the

winger, typified his plate. -- 's play. And to go into the second row

and vice versa shows his immense utility that he can bring to any

team. I thought he was a solid performer tonight with Paddy Jackson

pulling the strings. Ulster are up to fourth tonight. Great reading. We

went through that blip with a couple of defeats having made such a good

start with those five wins. Ulster fans were a bit apprehensive for the

rest of the season but we have performed well in the last few weeks

and given the crowd something to cheer about. It was a professional

performance tonight and the fans will go home happy. Those are the

Boxing Day fixtures. The Scarlets play the Ospreys on the 27th. Things

are looking up as we approach the end of the year for Ulster. Exactly

what we wanted, we have played ten games and won seven and only lost

three which is not a bad return. There was a moment, but there is a

long way to go and it is great to see so many Irish teams in the top

four. Connacht are not followed by a -- not far behind. We can hear from

the man of the match. Congratulations from a real light of

graft for you out there. It was knew it is going to be and it was a bit

slippy at times and windy but you have to play in these conditions in

December so we knew what our job was. The first art went well, the

second half we missed a few opportunities but it gives us plenty

to work on in training. Connacht do not let up. That's it, they went a

few players down with injuries and the players who came on did really

well for them and they did not open up towards the end. We would prefer

to take some opportunities but the boys knuckled down and got the win.

How important is that in your season? Every win is important,

especially you need do is put at this end of the season come March

and maple to make it easier. -- and April. Congratulations, you are the

man of the match. Thank you. He is an important figure in the Ulster

team and they came out in the second half and did exactly what you want

them to do and put another try on the board early. They took the

restart and got up the pitch, a couple of phases. They make a

mistake from the box-kick from Pienaar. That is exactly what Les

Kiss and the coaching staff would have wanted. McCloskey up the

middle, working hard and look how quick the ball is. Clive Ross, it is

a great finish, he had some work to do and it was a great finish. This

was brilliant and the boys worked well. It was good to see them

working well off the ball as well and that is where that came from.

The right amount of guys to win a ruck. We have overcommitted at times

which has left us short later on but the balance is looking better and

the ball came back at pace and that was crucial tonight. Ulster sought

so much of the ball, will they be disappointed not to put more points

on the board, perhaps a bonus point slipping away? Maybe but it was all

about the four points and that in the table. They may be let some

opportunities slip but they will go home happy tonight and Iain

Henderson will enjoy a Christmas celebration. Not sure if he will

play next week but they will be happy. And obviously one of those

opportunities come a great break by Charles Piutau. This is where he is

electric, I love to see him in broken play because he is so strong

in a one-on-one situation, that step, he is magic. My son will be

sitting at home, a love to see this man with ball in hand! He's

tremendous, world-class. I do see him here, it is great and the light

it up when he plays rugby will stop at on the road next against

Leinster, can Ulster do the double? I hope so. They might rest a few

players, the likes of Paddy Jackson, Rory Best who had a massive couple

of weeks with the Clermont back-to-back and 60 minutes tonight.

I'm not sure what type of team Les Kiss will bend down to Leinster.

Hopefully they can take confidence from tonight -- send down. Thank you

very much for your company tonight. The next game is on the road for

Ulster, when they meet Leinster on New Year's Eve. And the first game

of the New Year is also away, at Welsh opposition Scarlets and you

could see that live on BBC Two on Friday the 6th of January. That is

it from Ulsterman to be live this evening and it leaves only from all

of us to wish you a very happy Christmas. Goodbye.

# Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

# It doesn't show signs of stopping # And I've bought some corn for

popping # The lights are turned way down low

# Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

# When we finally kiss good night # How I hate going out in the storm

# But if you really hold me tight This Christmas, meet up with some

old friends... Give My Head Peace returns...

All right, Andrew? It was the best time

of my professional life. ..and a special,

one-off new episode. Brilliant, isn't he?

The farce awakens. That's it!

I'm finished with this family!