Ulster v Ospreys Ulster Rugby Live

Last week a Ulster started well against Cardiff. A great try by

Diack, he has done it again. then it went horribly wrong. It is

Tom James Hunt Cardiff get the second try. Tonight is back to

fortress Ravenhill for a crucial game against the Ospreys. And Team

Ulster lost to earlier this season thanks to the boot of Dan Biggar.

Ulster are hoping to find try- scoring form as they chase a play-

off place. This week is massive, a huge battle and we need to pick up

the points. So says the Ulster captain, Chris Henry. It is Ulster

against the Ospreys, live from Ravenhill, kick-off in a few

minutes time. Ulster have only lost once at home this season but they

are currently 7th in the table, four points outside the top four

and in much needed the victory tonight against the second-placed

Ospreys. Good evening, welcome to Ulster rugby headquarters, we have

reached the business end of the Pro12. There are seven games left

for Ulster, four at home and three away. We have the whole game live

in a moment. Look out at half-time, find out which Ulster rugby player

we have taken mountain-biking this week. And as always we would like

to hear from you by text, Facebook or Twitter, or the addresses are on

the screen. Joining me on the studio, Eddie O'Sullivan and

Laurence Neil. It is good to have you. Since you were last here it

has been an eventful time for Ulster off the pitch. What have you

made of the moving of Brian McLaughlin, or were you surprised?

I think everybody was supplies to, especially when the news broken the

middle of the season. Ulster on a high having qualified for the

knockout stage of a Heineken Cup, one of the best performances ever

against Leicester, so everyone was shocked when the announcement was

made. There is a vacant position here at the end of the season.

There is a vacant position at Munster as well. Have you been

approached about either of those jobs? Are you interested? I haven't

been approached but I would be interested in coaching in Ireland

and it would be good to be back home, so if something were to

materialise it would be great. shall wait to see what happens.

Tonight a brave decision by the coach, Brian McLaughlin, to switch

the half-back pairing, drop Ian Humphreys and put Ruan Pienaar into

start at number ten? I would not say brave, I would say a necessity

on grounds, we see a bit of Ruan off the cuff and exciting. Ruan

Pienaar brings composure, he is out of hand with his goal kicking and

the number of penalties he kicked from halfway last season, he has

that innate ability to do the right thing at the right time, again

moving from write-off in the scrum- half, he has a physicality which

unfortunately the last couple of games Ulster have been missing.

Ruan Pienaar in any position as a world-class player, isn't he?

top draw. We have seen this dynamic many times before when Marshall has

come off the bench and Pienaar has gone to ten in a lot of games and

it is the template of the game and tonight we will see a Ulster try to

play with that Template. They have the edge in the midfield so they

have brought him in, and if Costa Ulster have given penalties away

this season. If they do that again, Dan Baker -- Dan Biggar punished

them last time. Last time he got six from six, we worked in charge

of the game and could have won. Again, it has been an Achilles heel

over the season, getting on the wrong side of referees. It is some

of the danger with the referees, they are not international level

but it is their interpretation, they are up and coming never

referees and we have a Welsh one here with the Welsh team so with

Clansy last week, we got on the wrong side so we have to be wary of

that. A lot of internationals missing on both sides tonight, but

should Ulster have the edge this evening, home advantage as well?

think so, particularly if they can match up front what Ospreys bring.

If you look across the back line, Ulster have the edge in the

midfield and hopefully it is a perfect night, that is the way

forward. The fans coming tonight note that Ulster can't afford to

lose this game, to be honest, if they want to make the top four.

of four points of a 4th place, Cardiff ahead of us with the game

in hand and this is a must win game and if possible we must win and if

possible get a bonus to give us any chance of getting into the top four.

Ulster won the second half -- highest pro -- the second highest

try-scorers behind Leinster's. A bonus point could propel the

interplay of time. Let's join Ryan afford to lose this game. If

Ospreys lose they will be in touch at the business end of the table.

It is not a full-strength Ospreys time with Watermeyer. The breeze

has picked up at Ravenhill, the pitch in very good nick, final

instructions from Chris Henry to Ulster side that, well, having gone

down in Cardiff a week ago, and last night probably watched the

Scarlets get a bonus point win at home to Treviso, have seen

themselves slip down to 7th place in the lead, so it is a time this

evening to put all that to write. As ever a vociferous Ravenhill

crowd. Ulster have three forwards on Irish duty. Chris Henry retains

the captaincy. Wannenburg is back from injury. McAllister Kyriacou

come into the back row. And for the first time this season Marshall and

Pienaar start us half backs. Pienaar takes over from Humphreys,

who is on the bench for the first time this season, otherwise the

former Welsh Under 21 international, a lecturer in coast -- coaching

science, Neil Hennessey, refereeing his 9th league game of his career.

Well, he has worn the No. Nine jersey for the Springboks, the

number ten, the number 15, twice last year he started and the

outside-half position, tonight, Ruan Pienaar starts at crucial game

Ospreys from the Bulls in South Africa, his first start in the lead

and the first penalty goes Ulster's way, good defence by Ulster, which

we saw last week. Ulster will be disappointed with a turnover, it

blighted their game last week. They need to ensure they have better

ball security at the breakdown this week but they will welcome that

relieving penalty and an opportunity to go on attack. Bustle

came on to the line and a thumping tackle by Craig Gilroy -- Fussell

came on to the line. There was a sensational kick to follow from

bolster's outside-half, Ruan Pienaar. -- from Ulster's outside

themselves into the right position, somebody holding on in the tackle.

That was one of the issues last week as well, Ulster turning over

possession and giving away penalties in the opposition 22, so

we see that French defence, the player going to the ground, staying

on his feet and Ulster unable to clear him off the ball and a

the Ulster back row, saying mind what you are doing at the breakdown.

The ball came off an Ulster player, A couple of hookers missing, Ulster

are without Best, and Johann Muller, who I was talking to earlier, who

might be coming back soon, and that will be a plus. Ulster have the

depth in their squad, where they expect to win without those players

and after a performance last week it is important they get into a

rhythm and routine early and the new partnership in the hearts is

going to be largely responsible for from 2008, Duncan Jones, capped 57

times, and on the Ulster Tighthead side, the man who skippered them

against the Dragons, John Afoa, 36 times he was capped for the New

seemed to be getting up fairly low and the feet went from under him. I

am sure he has the right studs in, it would be inconceivable to go out

with the wrong studs. Both sides of the scrum seemed to collapse.

referee asking for the gap to be closed, there is too much distance

between them and the centre of gravity is too far in front of

those knees and both feet giving out. Yes, you have to lean in more

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than a certain distance, you Ospreys hand and patience is the

watchword for Ulster here. They were snatching at things a little

bit. I know they need the points and the game. Nevin Spence,

demonstrating the work rate that has made him indispensable. He

chases everything with them. It is the physicality of the Ospreys team

in the tackle that is disrupting Ulster. Swarming over players, that

pass had not gone to hand it was a try, but excellent defence from the

Ospreys, showing desperation in their defensive work. A bit of a

stoppage, and it -- an injury to Chris Henry. A bit of strapping on

his right hand, I don't think it is too bad. So it is going to be an

Ulster scrummage, six minutes advantage of a slight breeze but

nothing really to trouble the the anxiety in Ulster. They know

it's a crucial game and they know with a tough games to come, any

chance of the last four places is gone. They are getting in the right

positions for the attack. Just an able to go through the phases.

Teams coming off the loss, there is anxiety. The players need to calm

hips. Shoulders above hips, all six of us please. That is good

refereeing of the scrummage. He wants the shoulders above the hips.

They have the distance but when they engage, the shoulders were

below hip level. That is nice and have not affected the turnover. The

the Ospreys were clear their lines. A psychological marker set down

when you dominate his scrum like that. No Adam Jones or Paul James.

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No Alun-Wyn Jones. The Ulster well them back. When the pack but in the

effort, they want returns. A Willie Faloon on to his man. A defensive

kick from Dan Biggar creating the position of the Ulster attack. They

Ospreys caught behind the gain-line. The Willie Faloon caught early. He

slipped his blind in the scrummage. A bit of relief then for the

Ospreys. It is soft underfoot. Ulster psychologically being in

control of the territory as they have been and possession. Close to

10 minutes into the game, nothing on the scoreboard to show for it.

Willie Faloon, a marginal call. went across the 50 metre line

before the line-out was over. Maybe a harsh call. The Ospreys may feel

aggrieved. Tom Brown having a word. Quite a technical penalty. It did

not impact on the game. According to the laws of the game... The

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first time I had seen that law go through enough phases to break

than the offence. A lack of ball security. Some

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pleased with the way they are on week, Nigel Brady hit the spot

ball was on that ground. The beyond a couple of phases. The

biggest frustration for Ulster is they have not been able to impose

the high-tempo game on the Ospreys opposition. Kyriacou adjusting his

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but were. How rugby boots have sin-bin. That will not help bolster.

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Bearman driving for the line. The first try. The referee is more than

happy. A try to the Ospreys. Ulster, having down to 14 men, can see the

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opening try at Ravenhill. -- it out for the fourth spot. At the

moment, it will not be Ulster. Of Ulster lose, its eggs in one basket

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for the Heineken Cup. A -- if I'll opposition half. It has been the

key attribute missing from this performance, the multi- play, a

Gough in there quickly. Joe Bearman, then Ulster at the moment and with

greater efficiency. They have made growing into the shed. -- the

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foot Ulster, nothing seems to be firing. When the ball was on the

ground they won some authority. Nevin Spence dived on it like a

back row forward, claimed it for Ulster but then the penalty and

suing and Ulster will be alarmed at the penalty -- ensuing. The Osprey

is doing enough to keep them out when they have had the lion's share

of possession and territory up but Ulster will need a solution soon

otherwise the Ospreys are poised to strike again. He is doing his best

to keep warm. It is chilly, but a cold breeze. The Ospreys, without

20 players because of senior or the near side of the Ospreys scrum.

He has been with the Swansea side for five seasons now, playing his

84th game for the Ospreys tonight. REFEREE: Stand up. For Ulster the

frustration at 22 minutes, we said Craig Gilroy's name in the

commentary, to have that sort of strike power, not to be able to

utilise it because they haven't been able to sustain the ball and

get it into those wider channels in referee, was forward, and you can

hear what the fans think about that. That was marginal, what do you

think? When you are running laterally it is not whether the

ball goes forward but the motion of the ball and that is a tight called.

The referee was in a good position, he has made that call. Frustration

for Ulster. We should be grateful there isn't a big screen at

Ravenhill because the Ravenhill crowd would have been throwing

their plight at it. They would be drinking them. -- throwing their

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not really going anywhere. You look at the Ospreys, it is their defence

keeping them in this game. They're not duck dominating the line-out,

the a troubled at the scrum but they are putting everything into

the defensive efforts and when they have had the one opportunity they

have had they have made the most of that get their seven points. Pedrie

Wannenburg Bracken afield, Paddy McAllister will be getting

attention. -- back on the field. McAllister starting and Ulster game

for the 6th time this season. He has had a lot of problem --

problems with injury. He has not started since about six weeks ago.

Munster leading the Cardiff Blues by 16-three. That certainly would

do Ulster something of a favour if it stays like that but primarily

Ulster need to win this game at Ravenhill and at the moment they

are not looking like it. This game and next week's game, an important

result for them in this mini sector but they need to start climbing up

that table, acutely aware their running at the end of the season is

a tough one that sees both Leinster and Munster in those last few

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fixtures -- fixtures and they need the touchline and that is what has

been done. Magic from Stefan just one score separating them but

from the Ulster perspective it is not the scoreline they wanted.

unquestionably they came out of the blocks, they dominated possession

and territory but you have to admire the us praise' defence, they

are away from home but there dominating the collisions and that

is denying the continuity they need to get a fast tempo need -- game

going and to bring in Gilroy and the wider channels. Ian Whitten,

the Irish international centre, who is playing his 6th game for Ulster

on the wing this season, in trouble. Simon Danielli, the vast experience

Scotsman whose normal position is left Wing is on the bench, but he

hasn't been called off the bench that to see if there are any of

sides involved. The Ospreys are on the front foot, really taking off

as a Ian Whitten take that into contact. They line upon the back

foot but they are down and ready as soon as the ball is out, they are

under pressure, man and ball tight not releasing the ball immediately.

Now Ruan Pienaar missed after 12 minutes from a fairly similar

position and I guess the right option is the one he is taking to

go for gold. Walker not releasing it all at the tackle. Chris Henry,

it looked like on his feet, trying to claim that ball and Pienaar

having had a side on an earlier kick will look to get the first

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kick. No mistake flags up. Ulster get their first points of that

reasoning -- that evening and the Ulster fans are probably thinking

not before time. Only four. Between them in the final ten minutes of

this first half and that fabulous strike by Ruan Pienaar has closed

the gap. A very important score for Ulster. Do have something to show

for the domination they have had in most facets of this game. They will

need to keep going, these next mind -- next nine minutes, very

important in the context of the game and whether the Ospreys can

keep the intensity and their the park, the 35-year-old Ian Gough

up. A great servant of Welsh rugby over the years. He doesn't often

dropped football's like that. There is a man who has been around the

corner, 64 Welsh caps, first in 1998 against South Africa and still

going strong, a great club man if Ospreys. He will bring them back

for the penalty. An interesting option by Marshall when he was

under pressure. It has worked out for Ulster. Chris Henry, now, what

do you think, would be posts or corner? He will probably go for the

points given that Pienaar was well within range. Just watching that

wonderful football -- foot work of Paddy Wallace. He was under

pressure but he has the ability to beat a man one on one, under

pressure, but he has the presence of mind to make the ball available

to keep the play alive. A last- minute call up to go to Paris a

couple of weeks ago, Paddy Wallace. Like everybody else, players and

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spectators and commentators alike, The penalty count is creeping up

again, the same in Cardiff last week. The accuracy has let cabbaged

down this evening. -- let Ulster down. They will be

disappointed with this 35 minutes. McAllister. It did not make the

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Try to keep him on his feet so Ulster can affect the turnover and

as a result of that small space is created out wide. The Ospreys

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perfected their Belfast accent Ulster are going for the jugular

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Ravenhill have elapsed. Ulster must has given. Extraordinary. He has

given a penalty try and is reaching for the pocket. The ball was

deliberately slapped down by Dan Biggar who has gone to the sin-bin.

What an interesting decision. Ulster do not care how it came

about. They have got the five points with potentially to more on

the cusp of half-time. -- two more. It looks like Dan Biggar was tried

to catch the ball. Maybe not, on penalty from three attempts makes

error-ridden first half by Ulster, the converted penalty try and

Ulster will not be delirious with their performance but they will be

happier of the two because they are going into the dressing room on a

It has been a scrappy first half. How did Ulster go in front? With

persistence and luck. They got the try eventually but were lucky to

get the penalty try. A going in front but a frustrating first half

for Ulster. Yeah, both teams trying to play exciting wide play. There

were phases of the game which were dross. Both teams tried to throw

the ball about but lack of accuracy for both teams. Why did Ulster look

as if they were looking continue -- lacking continuity? The problem was

the Ospreys defensive line is quick off slow ball. There is no time to

get around it. One Ulster get a quick ball, they are getting it

wide. Quick ball you can run off a slower ball, they should go to the

Ospreys more. Ulster conceding the tried to the Ospreys. It was a

silly error. We can see on the videotape. Ulster were guilty of

tripping the scrum-half up. A yellow card for that. It was 8 ft

trip. If the referee saw that they could have been a red card. The

using physical power to score. was the Ospreys first foray into

Ulster territory. Ulster... The Ospreys have not been too

interested. They had a fair bit of possession. Suddenly, a silly

Peltier and yellow-card and a soft try. It's frustrating. -- penalty.

We have seen Ulster's best moments with a quick ball forward. A sloppy

pass or knock-on and it's been frustrating. They have lacked

accuracy. The Ospreys have been looking dodgy. It's unusual to see

so many high balls. Are asked to forcing the game too much? I think

we are trying to play a fast game to get wide. The line speed of the

Defence is putting us under pressure. We are getting the wrong

decision makers making decisions. Kyriacou out why. The coach will

not be happy. The line-outs, some good, some bad. A mixed bag. Dan

Tuohy has been crucial, he has won And after the field a line-out the

Thames, they went back to Dan Tuohy and steady the ship. His line-out

play it is good. He is in the Irish squad. An athletic player about the

park. I suppose positively it has not been anywhere near a perfect

first half for Ulster, very scrappy but still they are going in front.

The the is an element of luck. The try was lucky to get. They

built the pressure, they went after the Ospreys, they kept their foot

on the Ospreys' throat and despite everything they have gone into the

half in the lead and Ulster will scratch their heads knowing they

should have got the lead, having defended relatively well and got

out of jail a few times. The situation, the strike coming up, I

think he tried to play that ball. Was that a penalty try, do you

think? Harsh? Very harsh. By Judge it whether it is Palm a poor palm

down, palm up, he is trying to catch it. I think he tried to catch

it. That is the look you get sometimes and you take it when you

get it. Dan Biggar is not that type of player, to be as cynical as bad.

He is a good player and he has thrown the hand sideways to try to

block the ball going across them rather than slapping down. Was it a

penalty try? I think it is just reward for the adventure that

Ulster took by going for the line- out instead of the three points.

Maybe the Ospreys were offside prior to that, prevented Ulster

from scoring so it is six of one and half a dozen of the other. The

penalty try was just reward. taking the penalty just before

half-time, did that signal that Ulster needed more points on the

board, the gamble paid off. It is a breeze and it will have an impact

on the game. A couple of minutes at half-time, losing seven-three, they

needed to get something on the board and make a statement and now

they have, they have the lead, they will start the first ten minutes

against 14 men and they have to keep the ball into the wind so it

is a great opportunity to use it or break before half-time, to really

go after the Ospreys and take advantage that they have created

for themselves. They really need to step it up in the second half. If

this second half starts slow tempo and the Ospreys hold them out, the

advantage springs back to the Ospreys with the wind at their

backs. One player who knows all about tonight's composition is

South African Stefan Terblanche, because he played on the Ospreys 87

times. He has made quite an impact since he arrived at Ulster four

months ago. He has been enjoying himself on and off the field. We

found out he was a big fan of mountain biking so we introduced

into the Northern Ireland downhill champion. -- we introduced him to

the Northern Ireland downhill I can handle the forwards on the

rugby pitch but going down the hills, that is something else. A

bit slippy towards the end. Sometimes it is better to keep

going them to break. Definitely, you get a grip with the momentum,

and letting go with the brakes but it is harder to do that sometimes.

It is quite scary, that. I always thought that after rugby that is

the sport I will go winter but there is a lot of hard work ahead.

When I was younger I focused on rugby and it showed in my game. I

didn't have enough breaks from the game. I did not enjoy life enough.

When you get older you start getting the balance right, striving

to get the balance right and it tells in your game. COMMENTATOR:

Here they come, with pace, his first Ulster try. He dives as far

out and slid in. That is what they have brought him over four. It may

be a short-term contract but that will either long-term memory.

Sometimes it changes, it -- sometimes a change is really good

for you. What helped is that I lived in Wales for four in the

years so I knew what I was getting into it without the weather. It was

difficult to make the decision but once I had made its it is something

I look back on, happy. The rugby is improving all the time. I left in

2007 and the step up from them to now it is amazing. Is the

atmosphere different compared to rugby at home? People at Ravenhill

a more encouraging, they appreciate the simple things, when you make a

good tackle, have a good kick. They are so noisy. Back home people like

to go to rugby, sit down with beer and don't get involved. At

Ravenhill they'd get involved, basing, they don't keep quiet for

80 minutes. -- they sing. COMMENTATOR: Here is Marshall,

Pienaar, 0, Terblanche, he gets the ball, a try. What a finish by

Ulster. All the young guns did the hard work and I finished, that is

how I like to play rugby. They say you are in the best shape in the

squad. I'm trying to keep that balance and get the balance right.

Paddy, I know down south at Ulster have stick for having a South

African constant -- contingent but they have made an impact. Yes,

particularly Terblanche coming in bit -- mid- season. He brings a

huge level of experience and particularly when you are missing

from liners, like this weekend, he is going to steady the ship with

the younger players around. He has punched his weight, he has got

tries at a crucial times. The first ten minutes of this second half are

going to be crucial with the Ospreys down to 14? They will, we

can't underestimate the challenge in front of Ulster bigos de Ospreys

was second in the lead and have a good quality team, although they

have lost stars to France and the rest of the country, so a very

tough opposition that we have. Ten minutes could decide if they win or

lose this game. Thank you, this game is finely poised. Back to our

the sin-bin you are looking at a minimum of six and a maximum of ten

points to be rattled up. Chris Henry's side got seven points just

before the interval but that was before Dan Biggar or Gosford -- was

sent off because he was sent off for the sin-bin which produced the

penalty try, so having been seven- nil down, Ulster find themselves

ten-seven to the good and it is going to be another South African,

the 23-year-old Watermeyer. Formerly with the Blue Bulls, to

get the second half under way, with Dan Biggar serving probably another

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Munster, with Munster leading at ground level, as Ulster goes

through a number of phases playing into the wind, trying to establish

a position where Marshall can go to the box kick and it may just work

in Ulster's favour as they goes with a number of faces, trying to

get themselves into this game, get some rhythm and accuracy what they

play. I am looking at the flag on the far side, blowing strongly into

half, Chris Henry offside. With no Dan Biggar, and wondering if there

is anybody in the Ospreys side who he fancies having a pot at the post.

He would have gone for those posts with the wind behind him.

problem in not going for the posts is you kick the line and you are

down one man already from the line- out, that eliminates the rolling

maul that crow option. -- Rolling maul option. Ospreys will have to

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be creative until Biggar get back the initial knock forward, which is

by Ulster. There is going to be in Ospreys scrummage. Excellent work

by Ian Whitten, identifying the opportunity to come in and nullify

that attack under the process creating some turnover ball. -- and

in the process. The scrum now, errors still persisting from both

sides. It has been a scrappy game and will now and you feel the team

that puts authority on proceedings and plays with a high degree of

accuracy will ultimately come out the victors. Biggar with five

minutes or so remaining of his sin- behind the rear foot. They're well

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despite the wind advantage at their an offside by the Ospreys, it was

knocked forward by an Ospreys player and an Ospreys player who

was in front of him so took -- subsequently touched it, which is a

penalty. Pienaar has taken that quickly and taking it very well

change, at prop forward. It looks like a Duncan Jones is going to go

off. Ryan Bevington, another Welsh international, coming over. Duncan

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scrummage. At 23, ten years younger Ian Gough is going off. Another

Welsh international, Jonathan Thomas is coming on. Even with

international duty, the Ospreys are a mighty outfit. A number of

international players leaving Ospreys in the last couple of

seasons but drawing on the debt they have developed over the last

crept into his game this evening. either side of half-time. Ospreys

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bit of a mismatch, he was outgunned by a couple of stones. What a

lovely piece of play by Ulster. Ulster show good intelligence to

keep the ball infield. A phenomenal of this game. The agency is with

Ulster. The decision-making and the accuracy has looked good on the

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quarter. Well, he did not deliberately aimed for the lower

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come away with something. They are dominating the game, multiple

phases, attacking around the fringes ensuring the ball security

that is required. And ultimately identify the overlaps and

exploiting it much better. The accuracy and precision has returned

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to their play and they have hands on the ball. Reverting to a

kicking gap -- a kicking game but not getting the ball into

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by James King, and nudged forward by Ulster. McAllister has her at

his shoulder. He has had problems with that. It does not look too

good. The kick was perfectly placed outside the 22, the luxury of the

mark was not there a Pienaar, who was following it up, just managed

to snatch back ball. Ulster coming back infield there, as speculative

offload deep in his own territory. Simon Danielli, 30 times capped,

Scott's international, is coming on for Craig Gilroy. But much more

concern about the fitness of Paddy McAllister. Paddy black, am sure,

will be warming up soon. McAllister, he went up-and-over and came down.

Maybe it is his groin, his groin, he has torn. House all start?

did not look like much fun, that is for sure. Maybe just winded and

needs a moment to compose himself before launching himself into the

next scrum. Garth Robinson on, Brian McLaughlin has taken off his

woolly hat. Great to see so many young faces here again at Ravenhill.

Yes, I think the expression is he had the wind taken out of his sales,

Paddy McAllister. His eyes came together with an ominous bang. --

referee is saying he was binding on the arm, not on the jersey. A

chance now for Dan Biggar to make own half, the flight shows how

strong the breeze is. This side is all right, it is the Ulster

Tighthead side where the infringement occurs. It looks like

Ulster is going to make a replacement, it looks like George

Stowers is coming on. Richard Fussell looks as if he is going off

and they are bringing on the prodigiously talented young Matthew

Morgan, 19 years of age, but will he be at fullback or will there be

a shuffling? Off goes Fussell and off goes the a man and off -- and

on comes George Stowers, who plays -- who played in all of some hour's

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games alongside Fotuali'i last the maxim that Terblanche lives by.

Excellent work by the Ospreys developing the opportunity, and a

one-on-one, excellent tackle at the death by Terblanche to deny the

Ospreys. Going through, they showed excellent pants from Biggar, and

Dirksen on the outside with the pace to get around, an excellent

copybook tackle. They got the body in the right place and affected

that tackle. A another replacement, Fotuali'i is leaving the field.

Rhys Webb is coming on for the Ospreys. Having played against

Ulster 15 previous occasions. excellent game by Fotuali'i, he

really mixed things up, was dangerous around the fringes, put

in an excellent defence tackle and cover defence to deny Ulster a try

in the corner and he will be happy with his individual performance.

There are 14 minutes remaining, the eight point leaders by no means

unassailable. There is still plenty of time. We have a huge wind which

is picking up their backs, they haven't really used that, they

haven't really got the possession to try to do any constructive

kicking. With a player like Biggar when their team and the wind at

their backs, you would want them to score a try now and bring this game

out. Seven-nil to the Ospreys at one stage, thanks to a try by The

Omen, converted by Biggar, so also -- Ulster lead ten-seven at the

interval, and a try in the second half have put Ulster where they are

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progress, such as the quality of the defence. That is going to be in

touch because of the nasty wind. Into the last ten minutes, is it a

case of Ulster just hanging on. think they want to go into the back

foot and move into containment, they need to keep attacking. It is

difficult and this strength of wind. You don't have the luxury of

pumping it 15 metres downfield. They will have to work hard to gain

the yards. The ball security should allow them to go through this

multiple of. Louis Stephen, having performed pretty well all evening,

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kick, you can't affect that choked tackle which is unfortunate giving

the excellence of the Ulster work there, but Biggar had to climb

forehead. From the kick you are not allowed to affect that tackle, or

you can, but it doesn't make any difference. That nullified Ulster's

chances of getting the put-in by holding it up but still a good

result by Ulster at the fact they are in the Ospreys's half, they

have an eight-point margin and the clock is ticking away. What a great

talent is Dan Biggar, hard to believe he's only 22. But his first

Welsh cap against Canada in 2008, when he was a teenager. Callum

this scrummage. It is an area Ulster have done particularly well

in. Both sides well short of their full complement of international

was knocked forward and Ulster may be slightly lucky to get that put

into the scrum after conceding the initial penalty. An initial free

kick. But game management decision, when you have that sort of wind at

your back, even though it is midfield was the calibre of

Biggar's boot, he could have put that down field and put the Ospreys

in good condition, albeit maybe with the line-out not functioning

that well, maybe that was behind the decision. But McAllister and

Andi Kyriacou going off and on comes Nigel Brady, to win his 130

Ulster CAB and Callum Black, who will be celebrating if I am not

mistaken, his 26th birthday Robbie Diack and Paul Marshall he

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pulling. They need to settle The Ospreys are losing bonus point

range. He has opted to go for distance. He has made a pretty good

job of it. A very good kick given the limited space available.

Important for the Ospreys to get this primary set-piece possession,

they have struggled with the line- out. They need to get better for a

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last chance at this game. Mefin They are capable of causing

need. Callum Black I think, Tom Smith thought Callum Black was in

judicious with the use of his knee. It is not a clever thing to do with

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a touch judge five paces away from he has dropped it. Heartbreaking

for Walker. And heartbreaking for the Ospreys. A little bit of time

to go. Interesting to see, downward pressure and it will be close. An

incredible lead-up to get to that position and as he reached out,

there could be a try with the ball bouncing out of his grasp. The

first point of impact will be the interesting thing. I bring the ball

spilled forward. The ball goes forward. He was not in control of

think it bounced forward across the line. I am not sure that is a try.

It is hard to see. The side view was the better one. The side you

will show, deary me. This is a good angle. I am not sure. The benefit

of the doubt might go to the attacking team. It was grounded

before. Was he still in contact as he went across? I have a decision.

You may award the try. The try has been given. The try has been given!

Well, well. It took a long time and the decision by the match official

was the try is good. The conversion is good and there is only going to

be a point between them. From the Ospreys perspective they will look

to regathered the ball, work their way up the pitch for a penalty or

get the drop kick. An amazing individual effort by Eli Walker. He

has been impressive to up again. That was a stunning piece of

individual brilliance. We are into the last minute. The referee is

telling Ulster to hurry up. A long strike by Ruan Pienaar. Can the

Ospreys conjure something up there? They are back to a guaranteed using

time. And Ulster's hopes were hanging by the proverbial thread.

And the Ospreys, for exuberance they might have deserved it. It was

about luck as much as anything else. What a finish. A never-say-die

Ospreys side. They nearly contrived to lose the game. That was

something. The end made it exciting. An incredible break from within

their own dead-ball line. Unfortunately for them just not

enough. Ulster will be happy to have secured the victory and vital

points. Ruan Pienaar, Paul Marshall starting combination will be a

point to be debated. What will not be debated despite the finish is

How to almost throw a game away? talked about this in the second

half, Ulster played better but did not put points on the board. The

Ospreys will one score away from causing problems. You have selected

John Afoa as the man of the match. I imagine you did not see yourself

kicking the ball dead. I thought we would have finished the scrum. A

tight finish. They got the try. They came close but we held our

nerve. How key was the penalty try? It was important. We had a lot of

momentum. We were pretty lucky. We looked dangerous. It was tough.

They had great line speed and put us under pressure in the first half.

We adjusted and tinkered a few things and it paid off.

Congratulations. Real drama but a very important win for Ulster.

Exceptional. His scrummages, he takes the ball on, John a fella.

The complete proper. -- John a fella. They seem to do really well.

They could not push the deal home. We see a good build up, retaining

the ball, running some good lines. Keeping Ospreys under pressure but

with their dominance you have to put it home. They showed accuracy

and patience but we did not have it all the time. You can see multiple

phases of play. We thought Ruan Pienaar could have scored. It was a

well-taken score. I can tell you that Munster have beaten Cardiff by

16 points to 13. Munster are third in the table, Ulster move up to 5th.

More rugby next Friday night. The usual time and place. Ulster