Ulster v Scarlets Ulster Rugby Live

Christmas, it was Ulster who came out on top. It is going to be a

breakaway try and it is going to be Andrew Trimble. Ulster against the

Scarlets and her top off the table battle, Ruan Pienaar with a 50th

cap, as they tried to open up a lead at the top of the table. And

the fans have big hopes for 2013. feeling good so far. Looking

feeling good so far. Looking forward to getting back to the way

it was. I am not standing here for nothing. Let's hope it is worth it

tonight. It is a sell-out. Kick-off is coming up in a few minutes' time.

Well, what else would you rather be doing on the first Friday of this

new rugby year? Welcome to Also grip be live, a great way to kick

it off, first against a second in the aboDirect PRO12. As always, we

would like to hear from you, the contact details are on the screen.

Bringing the expert opinion tonight, former European Cup Winners with

BRENDAN FOSTER:, Bryn Cunningham and Andy Ward, sporting Christmas

ties and you tyres -- of Bryn Cunningham and Andy Ward. After

that last game, how important is it for them to get back to winning

ways? I think BRENDAN FOSTER: Were the happier side after that

performance. After -- I think Ulster were the happier side after

that performers. After 40 or 50 minutes, it looks like it could

have done a lot more and we saw some younger players getting some

experience, so they will be looking forward to this game and looking

for a big victory with a bit more experience. Having a look at the

experience. Having a look at the table, all stuck an open affair

even bigger advantage tonight. -- Ulster could open up an even bigger

advantage. Absolutely, and the most important thing is the Ospreys are

playing zebra tonight, and that could put them back in the mix if

they win. But also could extend that lead they have maintained so

far. Ulster are making eight changes and bringing a lot of

changes and bringing a lot of experience into this team. They are,

it is another opportunity for Alan Macklin and Lewis Stevenson and

Tuohy are back in, he will be looking to make an impact. Williams

is at number 8, where I think he is best suited. And looking at the

team sheet, the big thing is the back line, where Ulster lacked a

bit of experience last week and this week, you have got the likes

of Pienaar and the centre partnership which had a terrific

game last week has been put together again, and let's see if

they can develop that even more. big games -- names missing For

Ulster. Scarlets are suffering even more with injury but there is still

quality in the team. It is in the forwards where they are struggling

most, losing around seven players, down to their third choice hooker

and second rows. In the back line, they still have a lot of ability

and the battle will be interesting between the windows. You have a

nice balance between the hard, physical running of North and

Gilroy, who is fully to food. -- fleet of foot. And Trimble on the

other side against Phillips, so it will be interesting from a rugby

purist's point of view, what will win, at physical pace or small step

for us? Andrew been Pienaar makes his 50th appearance for Auster

tonight. -- and women Pienaar. How influential has it been? He fruited

last season, he has had a fantastic season and he is like Cool Hand

Luke. He showed his experience flashier. The Scarlets on the one

about him, that was a last-minute kick. -- will know about him.

just steps up to the plate every time, he is key to the Ulster

success. The can see there, his charging down ability, he has

become the king of Europe for that -- you can see it. He reads the

play very well and what is interesting is the match-up between

him and Knoyle. He has played 60 times and scored three tries,

Pienaar has scored 10. He is very dangerous and poses a lot of threat.

One other South African who is not in the team tonight, an interested

spectator, the captain Johann Muller, who is talking to Gavin

Andrews. How is the arm and when will we see

you back? It has been a tough and frustrating time but it is going

really well. It has only been three and a half weeks, so there is a bit

of time that, unfortunately. I'm seeing a specialist on Monday and

hopefully we will get some good news. A huge night for the boys

tonight. Absolutely, it doesn't get bigger than this, the two top teams

playing each other and it is a home game, both of us lost last week, so

everything to play for. The boys will be really up for it. A special

one for your good friend Ruan Pienaar. Yes, his 50th cap, and he

has been played some outstanding rugby this season. He should be

good again tonight. Enjoy the game. Thank you.

The Scarlets have only won one game in their last five. Ulster had been

on a fantastic run. How big airlift would it be tonight -- a lift will

it be tonight falls to? They want He they put a very experienced side

against Ulster, -- Munster, but it is now back pushing the Europe.

Alwyn tonight, Andy? I think so, they will want to push on from last

week's disappointment and I think they will do the job. The Scarlets

haven't beaten Ulster at Ravenhill since 2008 but games between these

two are always close. It is time to say have been the year to Ryan

say have been the year to Ryan Constable, but first, Jim Neilly.

JIM NEILLY: Welcome back to a lovely Ravenhill to Mr Constable.

It is a much stronger Scarlets side than the one that went down five

weeks ago. Internationals and the second row in the form of to Manny

and Josh Turnbull and McCusker. -- Timani. To people looking to book a

place on the Lions tour Jonathon Davies and George North on the

right wing. A perfect night at Ravenhill, the

pitches in very good condition and the Scarlets, as was mentioned,

have not won here for more than four years and will be anxious to

reverse that trend. Still very much in contention. Out of Europe,

unfortunately for them, but still very much in contention. He comes

Chris Henry, the Ulster skipper. Leading out the mass courts. Callum

Davidson, from Whitehead primary school. And there is a man winning

his 50th Ulster cap tonight, and his father, the former Springbok

fullback, he is here, it will be interesting to see how he regards

his son's performance in his adopted province. Adam Macklin

returning to -- retaining his place. The Ulster skipper Chris Henry

leading the side as he has done on so many occasions. Pienaar and

Jackson restored to halfback. Luke Marshall keeps his place, Darren

Cave is back in and back comes Trimble with Gilroy and Darcy.

The 24th league game tonight for Marshall Gilroy. First against

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

second, second in the shape of when they get into that flow, they

get that offload in game and are a pleasure to watch. Alston need to

keep their line speed up in defence and the need to know a fire that --

or knife. Interesting to see Simon Easterby in the warm-up very

animated. He will need to marshal has been outstanding with that

kicking out of hands. It is just his judgment. That was a difficult

catch to take over the shoulder and he is very aware of where he is on

the pitch, makes the catch, slows things down and put in an excellent

jersey by Ulster. If that was against Chris Henry, it looks harsh.

It looks like Knoyle was the one for venting Henry to get to the

ball, it could have gone either way. Yes, I think Chris Henry was

Andrew Trimble may have much -- nudged it forward, so we will get

and a pitch that hasn't been used the game with tell quote -- tempo.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

attention is given to Josh Turnbull. put it up into the air. That is

enough bad effort at a Garryowen. It was well taken. -- not a bad

Scarlets and there is half a chance probably shouldn't have given away.

-- Ulster. Looking to kick through on this occasion. An excellent

highball that was returned and as it goes into contact, you see a

player over the ball and it was a from your fall-back is security and

certainty and the moment that that the book, Adam D'Arcy put his name

on it and went to claim it. -- the options her before he had the ball

was very alert to it. Jackson lost second to the Scarlets. Ulster to

Henry, D Ulster captain. Ulster get penalised for going over. It might

have been Williams, I think. All of the hard work was done. The scrum

was excellent. Send a committed a very straightforward terror. --

error. Nick Williams going over. Felt he had gone past the ball and

caught up of. The first to opportunity for. SFA the Scarlets.

-- first opportunity for points for Straight between the Ulster posts.

Scarlets are off to the perfect start. Add deserve to lead. -- a

Have not managed to affect its turnover. Tavis Knoyle has been

told to use it. He has to kick from here. Not quick enough. You have

got five seconds. Tavis Knoyle will have known that end big as the din

made, -- and because he delayed, the referee well and to the scrum.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

-- will enter. A perfect attacking turnover. Could Scarlets defence.

Ulster are going through phases, the Scarlets are getting the ball.

Trying to release into the space. Ulster going through some phases

but unable to dislodge over the Jazz and Davies was captain at the

start of the week. We did not know what would happen to Rob McCusker.

-- Jonathan Davies was captain. It has decided its that the red card

was sufficient to a trump the disciplinary meeting, so he was

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

and Lewis Stephenson went a bit awry. Mark Anscombe will not be

happy with these mistakes. These looked to be small, individual

handling mistakes. McWilliams doing what he does well, taking the ball

into contact. Ulster Arabic so lateral. Chris Henry does well to

straighten up. Difficulty getting flow and pattern into the game. 18

Lewis Stephenson in the face, unfortunately. Ulster making an

enforced change if we look at the work by Nick Williams. Adam Darcy

has left the field. Ricky Andrew is coming and he plays fifth games. A

a long time to get his opportunity, but he did not get to fulfil his

potential. Not a bad scrum from clever percentage game at the

moment. They are not looking to over-elaborate, they are kicking

for territory and muscling up Jonathan Edwards and a great chance

for are the Scarlets. A penalty against Ulster. At the moment,

Ulster are not playing well at all. The man that made the tackle did

not release the man with the ball. The referee has given a penalty for

up to compete for the ball. They tackle affected can be difficult

for Nick Williams to get out of the way. -- of the tackle was affected,

their lead. The crowd are very quiet at the moment, but from an

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

Ulster perspective, very little to hour Ulster. -- a bit of a let-off

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

brisk stuff. A nasty kick by Ricky structure for the Scarlets, F they

are not making inroads, they have a tactical kick into the Ulster 22.

They are controlling possession and territorial. Another Ulster player

line-out, and communication had better be better than the last time

from an Ulster perspective. Nearly is inside the 22, so he can take.

Has he got the right spiral? Not De for gold when the player is

running laterally and then goes for inside the ten-metre line and came

to ground outside the ten-metre line. You could argue there was a

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

terms of where they should be the Scarlets. Gets a pat on the

head from his skipper Chris Henry. Penalised for bending inwards. And

of course, he is pleading his innocence. I am sure Ulster will

welcome the respite of being in their own territory and the chance

to post three points, and square up the scoreboard and they will

certainly hope the next 20 minutes is more in their favour than the

first 20. It has been a pretty ugly start by this Ulster side. They

have lost two of the last three - run Pienaar would sit between the

opposition's hosts. That puts it impose themselves on the Scarlets

team because they haven't had that vital possession. They have

responded with a penalty, kicked by Pienaar, but the Scarlets they will

be making a replacement. Johnathan Edwards is going off. More on that

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

Dan Tuohy has ripped it away, the referee is playing advantage to the

wonderful stuff from Alan Thomas. What a game this is a turning out

Henry in the tackle. And the referee will bring them back, the

scholars not getting any advantage. And I can pause for breath. What a

passage we just saw. It came to live, or triggered by Pienaar

having a run from deep and exchanging possession. -- it was

all triggered. Pienaar showing that pace to get out of trouble. A

number of players tracking him. Keeping the ball in hand, wonderful

pick-up, Andrews, from the boot laces, and then it was the Scarlets

who had the opportunity to attack. The game was certainly coming to

live. Geoff son hit it perfectly that it was brilliantly read by

Alan Thomas -- Jackson. This could have been dangerous and Gilroy did

wonderfully well to get back. Tom Court, great Hants. And the skipper

Chris Henry dispossessed in the come on in place of Josh Turnbull

for the squalor. -- for the Johnathan Edwards who has gone off,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

I beg your pardon. Josh -- touch for an Ulster side who need a

touched the ground. Sellers Ulster are going forward and the ball was

on the ground, they get to put in you can see. He is just two Paddy

Jackson's left. This is all about securing a good ball from an Ulster

can tell from the ground there. Scrum again. Referee saying that

scrum was inconclusive. If you're going to do a planned back move,

you want to do it quicker. certainly want stability, so you

can anticipate when the services coming. All of the players in that

free rehearsed move will have their triggers for when they need to

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

behind their side. But well policed. Ulster piling bodies in. Holding on

in the tackle by Ulster. That is great defence by the Scarlets.

Great stuff under pressure, Ulster attack in that line and the

Scarlets soon ready well to secure possession. They were just isolated

for a fraction of the second. Williams does well. Ulster go

through the rehearsed move and a little half gap for Gilroy. As

Ulster go through the phases, excellent over the ball from Davies

and then other players backing that and because it was a penalty, it

will be a Scarlet robe. The last 10 minutes have been very evenly

poised. The first to 10 minutes were very definitely dominated by

Knoyle has to use it and it is not not forward by the Scarlets. --

the Scarlets. Ulster get the penalty. It was touch and go.

Wonderful take by Andrew Trimble and then the presence of mind to

offload that fall. -- ball. And Nick Williams, was he the last man?

It probably wasn't, hence the surprise on the faces of the

Scarlets flowers, but what a man you want running at you with 10

metres between youth -- Scarlet Tom Court, who was asking the

Pienaar -- Ruan Pienaar. Six minutes until the interval and

Ulster go-ahead for the first time. Yes, and little bit more colour

coming into the game, this last 10 minutes have been thoroughly

entertaining. You felt it would be a high-scoring game at the start,

perfect conditions with teams who want to play rugby. Turning into a

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

Dangerous stuff. Couldn't quite get Ulster's play. Scarlets had been

impenetrable this half. Simon Easterby laying down the law, very

vocal, and they really have a respondent. Difficult for Ulster.

If they continue with this tempo, eventually, they will break down

this impressive defence. Not sure what has happened to Dan Touhy. Had

been suffering from a calf strain which captain out of the last few

games. Best kept him out. Something has happened and he has gone off

the field. Neil McComb is coming on. He thought it was crammed,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

stretching his calf, but it was not by Paddy Jackson. Not much in the

way of options. Scarlets giveaway dissent. The referee has had a word

with Jonathan Edwards. He said he has spoken to Emyr Phillips, and

this time it was Jonathan Davies was the culprit, so not taking any

backchat. Jonathan Davies was shouting at the referee trying to

get the penalty for Scarlets. The referee taking objection and

awarding a penalty to Ulster. this stage of the game at this

stage of the season when you're playing a second place side, he

Ruan Pienaar. Three penalties for Ruan Pienaar. Ulster leading with

the minutes to go to half-time. to work hard to establish that

margin. They will not want to relinquish 3 any points. -- remain

referee blows his whistle. An Ulster scrummage. Fabulous piece of

play by Chris Henry and Lewis Stephenson. The ability to turn

that ball over in opposition, taking the ball into contact a

fraction higher. Nobody Hyde going from down to up, raising the body

height of the players. -- lower opening penalty, but they have come

us for a Scarlets. Ruan Pienaar made sure that his Tetra be found.

-- touch would be found. opportunity to pressurise the line-

out, try to squeeze more. Before Jackson. The referee has blown his

whistle. There is a man of the occasion that has given all still

the lead, Alan Thomas put the visitors into the lead. Three in a

row from behalf Centurion has meant that at half-time at Ravenhill, it

matter of fine margins in a perfect evening for rugby at Ravenhill.

Ruan Pienaar could not miss. Three out of three to give Ulster half-

time lead. Scarlets have felt the pain of his boot before and this

game could come down to whoever makes the most of their chances in

the second half. Ulster in the lead by 9-3.

Bryn Cunningham and Andy Ward had been enjoying that with me, Ulster

deservedly in front at half-time? Probably, two very different 20

minute periods, Scarlets in controls for the first 20 minutes.

Offloading very good and Ulster made a few mistakes. Then Ulster

started to light up and take control and dominated the second 20.

They had to weather a storm from the Scarlets who were very tactical

and played for plenty a position. Yes, this is very evident in the

first half. They are trying to force Ulster into a corner and

apply some pressure and come away with the points. Ulster have stuck

to their guns and had been clinical and made the right decisions at the

right times. It wasn't the perfect first half by either side and

Ulster are guilty of a few mistakes at times. Some handling errors,

when there is one estate you do not want to compounded with another. --

one mistake. That put them under pressure. One of Miss communication

in an important line-out put them under a lot of pressure, so some

issues to are run out. We have seen exactly that and that is not so

much an overthrow, probably and his communication which puts Ulster

under a lot of pressure. stressed it to their guns, they are

trying to run the game. They have come out to play some rugby, he

will always get a little bit of to- ing and fro-ing, but the decisions,

holster managing to keep the ball. -- Ulster. It is only in the last

few minutes of the first half that Ulster had been getting the quicker

ball. That is where we see the big difference when they get the quick

ball. Absolutely, Scarlets have been grade in the breakdown area,

getting there a bit quicker sometimes than Ulster. They are

slowing Cup and Ulster cannot get the game moving. The second 20 was

different, they got the game going, generating the quicker ball, you

can see they are making inroads into the Scarlets' defence. We have

hardly heard Joe Roth being mentioned, Andrew Trimble is making

some great high balls, it is just interesting the way the game that

goes. Work macro up front, the scrum is under pressure and they

need to get that started. -- Ulster up front. Ulster are doing very,

very well and they need to build momentum and we will come out on

top of this. Nick Williams has been a nuisance, guilty of giving away

some penalties, but his physical presence has been evident. You have

to accept that he will make the odd mistake, whether it is a handling

error or giving away a party, but he makes up for that in mountain's.

He is fantastic going forward and stakes bears out of the game. What

Lewis Stephenson was not prepared was the little pop pass. You have

to be ready from anything. He looks up, he just spots that mistake.

Better as they've fantastic tackle that was made. He has thrown

himself into their game, he creates the perfect pass and off loads and

gets them going forward and that is for Ulster have been stronger.

Inspiration from different players. He is getting the team going.

Ulster are very good on front football when they are going well.

One particular passage of play better lit a brave and hell. Yes,

we were all excited, great play from both sides, Scarlets starting

off with some enterprise played. Ruan Pienaar decided to have a

crack. Good planning by a Ricky Andrew. The momentum is a Forrer

Ulster. This is where Ulster are at their best. The idea was right, we

would not be having this conversation of that ball had gone

and wedge through their hands. Acres of space. This has one of the

longest assets of player I have seen in the game of rugby in the

last two months. Nick Williams, a bit of momentum. Chris Henry did

not see this tackle coming from behind. A great piece of play from

both sides. Paddy Jackson knew the number is and by passing the ball,

it slows down the play. He looked like he needed a flatterer katydid

it out. -- flattered kick. Ruan Pienaar has taken the pressure of

Paddy Jackson because he is making a lot of decisions tonight. Very

much so and he is so cool, he did not panic running out of the 22. He

cleared the lines and took the pressure off. Very cool, calm and

collected. He really does orchestrate this team and make the

right decisions at the bright time and takes so much pressure from

Paddy and I am sure that he is delighted to have someone at that

calibre beside him. His kicking tonight, not just his place-kicking,

but his box kicking has been top- drawer. It is outstanding and takes

the pressure off the team. He can box kick to the opposite tan from

inside the 22. -- opposite 10. Sometimes you hit the ball too far

and it is very dangerous. You have got pace on the back three. Ruan

Pienaar does not allow those opportunities and to make sure he

gets are enough of the field to take it out of the red zone. Thank

you. Time for the Ryder half-time feature and because it is the new

year, we thought we would ask some of the Ulster squad about their

What to pick up by Tom Court. What a score by the international prop!

I have got a few New year's resolutions. First of all, just to

enjoy the siblings. Second, never let the what hasn't been to get you

down. And see if I can get # Tom Finding it resolution to sheet is

to stop playing the PlayStation at I don't have any because I don't

really believe in them, and I also think it would be a challenge to

keep them for the first week or two, so I don't believe in New year's

resolutions. You don't need them? Not at all, I

just don't believe in them. By New year's resolution is to score more

tries and stop all the backs scoring. And by New year's

resolution off the pitch is to cook. -- by New year's resolution of the

pitches to learn how to cook. new year's resolution is to smile

more during games. Her my wife would like it to be that I took a

bit more care with my weight and my conditioning. -- my wife. I will

start off with that. Lose some weight and keep myself in better

shape. If it's possible! I'm glad to see Mark Anscombe scare

it -- smiling, because he said I portray him as a grumpy. We heard

that he was going to smile more during games, it hasn't worked, has

it? It is only the first weekend and he has broken out already.

is a worried man. Let's hear what the director of rugby's David

Humphrey's knee is resolution is. What is your new year's resolution?

It has been a great problems, so it will be even better next year.

we should take on the first half? The struggle with field position

putting pressure on the Scarlets. We are probably more disappointing,

lacking more of the physical edge, around the break down offensively

and defensively. You can hear Mark shouting at them a little bit. In

the second half, we will be looking to bring more of an edge to our

game. First to get a second, it will always be tight and kg. --

first against the second. It is always a cliche that you talk about

how you want to play, but we haven't played how we want to. I

think the second half, hopefully we will manage to put some passes

together. And Pienaar with his 50th cap, as clinical as ever and we are

expecting more in the second half? I had only spoken highly of him

since he came and the former sea has given for us, and tonight it

has been the same. -- the performances. His Ruan Pienaar

Ulster rugby's best-ever signing -- is? He has to be up there. I think

it is probably the biggest difference that has happened over

the last of our fears, the quality of the overseas signings, it has

been outstanding. As we can see there, they are going to shore up

the Ulster scrum even further, but it was an impressive one in the

first half. Yes, it was going well but to the last five minutes, it

started to fall away a bit. Johnno Fell is going to bring something

very different to this and will hopefully give the platform for

Williams to go forward. It hasn't been that front foot four that we

want to see and if they can get Williams running in the other half,

it created overlaps out wide and hopefully it will go to plan.

Wallace is coming on as a replacement as well. What do Ulster

have to do to close this game out? Is it about controlling possession?

It is continuing to play the way they played in that second 20 in

the first half. They played with the pace and intensity we are used

to seeing. They were more clinical and precise, which is important,

and obviously making sure... We can see everybody getting in the spirit

of things. We are not doing that in the studio. Yes, the second half,

as the Scarlets come out? I think David hit the nail on the head when

he said they need to kick the ball down to the22 and build possession

and come away with some tangible pressure. Without it, you cannot

build pressure, so they need to put the Scots under more pressure.

is time for the second half. Ulster have a six-point advantage, leading

by 9-3. Let's return to Ryan Thank you, it is nice to have Mr

Constable back. You enjoyed your Constable back. You enjoyed your

last month back in your native country question our kit as far too

hard, you wouldn't have enjoyed it. -- it was far too hot, you wouldn't

have enjoyed it. Ulster making some changes to shore up the scrum but

Adam Macklin had a pretty good first half. They got a couple of

penalties from the scrum, so he must have been doing something

right. Johann fell is coming on. And Paddy Wallace has come on as

well. There is Pienaar, and it will be Ulster to get the second half

under way. Johnno fell wearing No. 18. Paddy Wallace has come on for

so it is going to be a Ulster line- chances, a lot more than he did a

week ago in Munster, when he was restricted to very little in the

forward. Pienaar saying it, keep going. Rob Herring is still there.

this Llanelli defence. Play on says the referee. Pienaar completely

Ulster are where they don't want to be, right inside their 22. It is

always difficult when you are in an attacking alignment and need to

switch quickly into their defensive alignment. Thomas has done well or

game seeking that space in behind. Excellent work to turnover and then

that awareness of where the spaces is. That really does give Fords

such a boost, when they work harder to get the ball back and his fellow

rewards their efforts. -- forwards. To get that kind of distance on a

box kick is unbelievable. He didn't go for a height to make it can

Dayak! What a start to the second half by Ulster. -- Robbie Diack. He

deserves that one, beautifully constructed and splendidly finished.

Ulster are now where they feel they should be. It has an excellent

piece of lead up work that came from it. Ulster stretching it out,

Robbie Dayak that Robbie Diack was instrumental in starting it. That

flat for from Nick Williams, he takes two defenders and he can off

loaded and a clinical finish. mistake by Pienaar. It is just the

flatness of theirs, the defenders are unable, they are on the back

foot -- of this. Nick Williams, a horrible sight to see, coming at

this pace at the defence. And some clinical finishing five Ulster.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

half. Ulster were 0-3 down but lead referee is asking the Scarlets back

line to retreat, because it was still the line-out. They haven't

Trimble was well and truly taken out, I think it was Craig Price,

who kept an eye out and deliberately stepped in front of

them. They go wide and a high ball, just dropping his shoulder at the

last minute and it was there for everyone to see, including the

referee. There is the option for Ulster to kick four-goal and extend

that margin further. -- kick for two converted tries between the

of five for Ruan Pienaar. Four penalties and a conversion. 14

points to the South African and Alston their leading by 19-3.

margin may liberate Ulster further and let them play with a bit more

freedom, looking to increase that Scarlets on the back foot and

inside their 22. There were lots of men outside Paddy Jackson. But no

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

complaints about the kick. Some Afoa. A penalty to Ulster. Under

pressure, Scarlets working Ulster round. The referee says go to the

corner. With a 16 point margin, Scarlets under pressure. You can

feel the momentum is with Ulster now looking to capitalise with

substantial. -- with substantial ceiling it all off. -- Sealink it

number 29 Jerez the, that is at eight peculiar replacement, it is

just that Jacobie Adriaanse had to change his jersey. -- you can see

thump by Andrew Trimble. Just about done the right side of legal. A

Ulster ticket quickly. The referee says now you cannot. -- Ulster take

squarely in the chest and dropped into the ground. -- hit him. Some

changes made now by a Scarlets. Deacon Manu Cunningham. -- coming

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

their speed! Knocked over the line, perhaps. It might be a five-metre

scrum to Ulster. Williams almost got in with his try. A every time

that a man gets the ball, something exciting happens. Tremendous lines

from end this evening, such pace. He sets up Paddy Wallace, at he

brushes aside. The ability to offload the ball is something to

behold. I don't think there's any possibility of that being a try. A

five-metre scrum. With John Afoa on, that could turn into a seven. Scrum.

was knocked forward by Paddy put a squeeze. Deacon Manu, the

Fijian that has come on, a greater World Cup squad on the pitch also,

engagement. -- for the Scarlets Forrer early engagement. He is

unstoppable! We will never know, because he did make it up! Try No.

24 Ulster tonight here at going to the line with some

inevitability. Nick Williams. nice a fellow as you could wish to

meet, unless he has a rugby ball in his hand, then he is the stuff of

nightmares. This is the stuff of dreams as far as Ulster is

concerned. A gentle stroke by Ruan Bourdais try! A absolute chugger

not! The score line that some people didn't think was likely. --

Anxious to get into the act. You can see why they love him here at

by Nick Williams. Ulster started to mix it up nicely, running when it

is on, and just more strength from the tempo and regain his going. --

where the game is going. A Nick Williams has more than done his job,

and on comes another raid in their Jackson and his 21st birthday

tomorrow. Also best wishes to Paul Marshall, getting married tomorrow.

This is the third time in 85 games that Paul Marshall has not been an

that, being a perfectionist. -- Paddy Walsh will not be happy.

ran flat lines, the ball needs to being the perfect position. -- when

this side of the scrum. Free-kick against Ulster for an early

Christian Phillips, got a bit of pace. His tackle count must be in

puts Ulster right back into the 22. We are into the final quarter, so

to win this game, the Scala so then to have to get three converted

tries and a bit more. -- for Scarlets are going to have to get

to. It is not likely and the Scarlets are looking likely to get

overtaken by the chasing pack for that second place. Gareth Davies

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

and it just hasn't gone his way. Yes, quite often as a winger, he

was relying on the distribution and the opportunities that are created

from the inside players'. Certainly, he has brought the energy that he

always does to the Games and the level of involvement, just a few

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

has conceded. What do they do here? Three points is not a lot of use to

them. They slotted into the corner. Both teams of the player down

injured. REFEREE: It is a head injury. Chris Henry, the Ulster

captain. And George North, that will be worrying. The Irish coaches

in the ground denies looking at prospective members for the Six

Nations. This is not good for George North -- the Irish coach is

in the ground for tonight. He seemed to twist himself in the

tackle. It looks like Tom Court came sliding in as the tackle was

effected. Totally innocuous, but as he goes to ground, you see Tom

Court coming in and he may be took replacement, Rhodri Jones is on,

a neck injury, so they are going to see how it plays out. The Ulster

tries there, Robbie Diack first of all and then advanced firming

effort by Williams set-up Tom Court. Welsh international. He has not

moved at all, George North, he hasn't really move at all. There is

the front four. -- offering to. But they will not be able to do it

until the referee decides that everything that can possibly be

done for the injured George North for George North. Her there is the

physio working on his new year's resolution. You wonder whether too

will start protecting some of the players who they think of vital for

next week's cause. We have already seen Nick Williams go off, you

wonder whether that is a potential start for him at number 8 next week.

Lot of positions are up for grabs and that competitiveness in the

squad has really driven them forward and I am sure it is a tense

time whenever the announcement is made before the Games. We remember

the trouble Ulster had with Glasgow in the second game of the Heineken

Cup. And it now looks like Glasgow are coming back into it, by far the

stronger of the Scottish sides. Ulster, having lost at home to

Northampton, are still in pole position in that route, but it may

come down to having to win both remaining games to get to the

quarter-final, which includes a home quarter-final, so that last

spot is available for that team who can finish round for a roadmacro 5

and 6 and make sure they get this get a little bit on the cold side.

They have to go and stretcher bed. George North is on a stretcher and

they are going to take him off -- go and stretch the bit. He will get

a well deserved round of applause. It is a neck injury and it has to

be treated very seriously indeed, but he is getting the best care

possible. Michael Webber of Ulster is down there as well. The partisan

crowd know exactly what it is and they certainly won't see anybody --

want to see anybody pick of a serious injury. It did look very

innocuous but George North is not a fellow who is going to look down

for the sake of it -- lie down for the sake of it. Ulster will have to

think if they can pick up a try in the next five minutes or so, and

they have three in the bank already, they thought they turn to try

insecure -- trying to secured that is a very well deserved a round of

replacements will have to wait Yes, they managed to destabilise

that the driving forward and once they had momentum, they were going

to defuse the situation very well. Tom Court got that on in there and

he did a bit of dragging and heaving. Could work from John Afoa

as well, who gets the plaudits. -- by Kristian Phillips. A chance for

the Scarlets. It should have been a try. Knocked backwards says the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

referee. The Scarlets of five it. Ulster's Midfield a little bit

soft, right at the death. And Josh Turnbull gets the Scarlets's first

try of the evening, but is it all too late? They could turn of pace

shown by Josh Turnbull, spot in the hall and the defence. -- a good

turn of pace. The scholars are spending some time down there and

then that flat line, saw the space, managed to slip through the gap and

good pace and power to get across the line. He took the try well. He

has battled away all evening, Josh Turnbull. Like his fellow back-row

forward and skipper, of Rob McCusker, capped five times for

down for that try. The angle was very good, he straightened and then

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

ran a great line. Andrew Trimble pressure by Ulster. Excellent

passage of continuity. Andrew Trimble had the ability to get the

ball away and once it becomes broken field, Craig Gilroy, no

better man to have the ball in hand. Phillips, a big man, could pass it,

good hands by Ulster. Ulster going through the faces. Excellent read

by Paddy Jackson gathering them try for Andrew Trimble. Not a

finger tip delayed a month. -- not a fingertip laid on him. The

conversion has been taken very quickly the. A chance for Ulster to

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

squeeze a bonus added this. looking pretty comfortable. 23

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

The Jackson! Gave it away. Palace here against -- penalty against

Scarlets. It is a penalty try. The Leighton Hodges has given out. The

issue the yellow-card but first. He said the trial would have been

scored had it not been for the infringement. Ulster have got the

bonus strife. -- tried. Right decision, quick ball, then it

should have gone to Lewis Stephenson for a certain try. He

infringes and correctly, the decision has given that it is a

yellow-card offence. A try would have been scored. A penalty try.

are on paper at the start of the match, he would think that Ulster

would serve won the match. They looked unstoppable. A miscue by

The touch judge had a good look at Jackson, I am sure the 21st

birthday celebrations would be even holster are? Good catch. -- in this

A great flourish and a great finish and Neil McComb gets his first try

for a Ulster. You can see how much it means to Neil McComb. Absolutely

delighted to get that across the line. The floodgates have opened

from Ulster. They had to be patient and the first half. Neil McComb, of

driving the play over the line. of Mark Anscombe. Doing very well

Jackson strikes it very nicely. Two minutes remaining. Ulster with five

second half try is very much in contention. Very much in control of

this league table, leading by 47-10. At very, very tough second half for

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 58 seconds

been treated in the second half to entertaining stuff. That would be

the announcement of man-of-the- match Dominic Williams, what a 60

minutes the played. Trademark of clouds. Devastating stuff. --

piece of this highly entertaining game. -- this might be the last

set-piece. Bobby dad going forward very well done indeed. Splendid

finish off by Scott Williams. Unstoppable once he got into that

and his hands. No stopping him. was made. A 30.14 holster. -- a 13

picked up the space in the second half and were by and large pretty

Ulster celebrate another victory, they are still unbeaten at home

this season. What a performance. Man of the match was a halt --

human bulldozer up, Nick Williams. Inspiration tonight. Ulster tendon

at tremendous second-half performance. Credit to the Scarlets,

who tried to fight their way back into the game, but they were

outscored five tries to to be in the second half. And Ulster extend

their lead at the top of the their lead at the top of the

protocol. -- the aboDirect PRO12. That is what I call making a

That is what I call making a statement at the start of the year.

She took the words out of mymac, it was a statement indeed. That is the

way rugby should be played -- the words out of mymac. That last 20

minutes was probably the best rugby I have seen Ulster play. It just

blew the scar on its way. Let's hear from the man of the match,

Nick Williams. This is your man of the match ball, you have just told

me you are feeling pretty stiff neck. Gone are the days when you

can just run on the pitch and not feel it. But I'm very pleased and

it is a good way to start the media. David Humphreys told us at half-

time that he had a lot of shouting in the dressing room, what did he

say? I can't really say anything, but when he gives it to you, he

gives it to you could, we were playing poorly and we were and he

gave us a bit of a kick up the backside. What was the difference?

Did the breakdown get sorted out? It was just individual errors at

the break down, we didn't win the contact competition in the first

half and it showed in the second half when we up to it, and showed

what we are capable of. He go lot of joy at the gain-line in the

second half. I just wanted the ball in my hands. The last couple of

weeks, I haven't given the boys as much as I would have liked, but

they do the job of front and we have a bit of fun at the back.

Happy days. And real competition for the number 8 spot, how much

they help is that? It is healthy. We have some depth and quality in

the squad and it brings out the best in any team and it showed

tonight. What kind of the message does it sends the rest of the

league? -- send two. When we can put it on, we can put it on, but at

the same time, we have things to work on. It is a real test to come

to Ravenhill and get a win over us. What a couple of weeks look forward

to, we will look forward to it. Thank you. Nick Williams is the man

of the match, after just 58 minutes on the pitch tonight. Why did you

select him? It has that been a hard core between him and Pienaar.

Pienaar was outstanding again but there was no question it had to be

Nick Williams. He produced or offer go forward four. You run out of

superlatives for the sky. -- he produced all of the go forward poor.

The guise of him and feed off that he -- the guys around him. You are

a fan. He goes around the box and tries to play rugby, looking for

that bit of inspiration and due needed from individuals. Nick

Williams has a bit of individuality and gets his team going forward.

When he is going forward and getting those little passes up to

go forward, the whole team comes to light, and that is something that

is exciting and that is the different between the teams. --

difference. A few consider reaction from the Ulster supporters, the

team are back out to see them -- you can see the her reaction.

atmosphere was electric throughout the second half. From a 40-60,

Ulster was superlative. They were a little bit bad for five or 10

minutes after that but they got back on their game again and

finished it off. You can't take anything away from that, there were

one or two mistakes but as a whole, one or two mistakes but as a whole,

the most entertaining game I have seen them play this season. Let's

have a look at why Nick Williams was the man of the match. A

physical performance. This is it, his running lines. He is a threat,

he are floated here, and this guy is around 15 stone -- not 15 stone,

he is 20 stone and he is mobile. He has got the skills that any back

would like to have. And the boys really reacted to him, he went over

and was very dynamic. How many tries as escort from five yards

out? He is a human racquet ball from there. -- how many tries has

he scored. Constantly looking to offload as well, he is not just

going to the deck. He is offloading the ball and the more these guys

play with him, the more they know he they have to be looking for him.

he they have to be looking for him. It is expecting the unexpected.

Let's pause there for a moment and hear from the Ulster coach Mark

Anscombe. Nick Williams tells us we cannot

repeat what she said at half-time, can you give us a cleaner version?

-- what you said. Just that we were flat at half-time, there was no

accuracy, we were poor at the break down and we couldn't build any

pressure. It was getting turned over every time we went into

contact. Some guys have had a week off, this a bit more, and it takes

longer to get them back and running again and it was a very flat first

half. The second half, was that as good a half have rugby as you have

seen this year from your team? -- of rugby. No, there were good

aspects but there were other aspects we win it be better. I'm

really happy with the win and getting the bonus point against

them, because you don't do that often against the Scots, but it is

a lazy try that we gave them against the end -- against the

Scarlets. Maybe I should be enjoying the win, but it was bad

defence and at different stages, it was soft today. Glasgow next week

is going to be tough and we can't afford to do that again. What you

take out of that tonight? The fact is, we have got some injuries, so

we have to look at how that is but we have a two tough games and we

are going to have to be very good with set pieces, but the breakdown

were today was very shabby and Glasgow are very good in that area,

so if we don't get that sorted out, we will be in trouble. Thank you

for your time. He is quite endearing, because he's

never really that habit. He has a little Tintin his eye, he is trying

to restrain himself but he is fantastic -- it in his eye. From

the perspective of a supporter of Ulster rugby, he is striving for

more, he wants the best for the steam and that is infectious within

steam and that is infectious within this camp. Inside, he has got to be

thrilled. Have a look at some of these tries in the second half.

Robbie Diack, who has been in a great vein of form, getting the

first one. The build-up to a lot of these tries was fantastic. Afoa

novel about a phases, doing the simple things well. -- going

through the phases. This is good. This puts pressure right on the

gain-line, he takes the pass well and he has the instant offload. Rob

Herring getting on his shoulder and it is a simple one for Robbie Diack

to cover. This one, Jackson with a little bit of magic. That is where

you have got to get them down. It is right on the gain-line and he

has the villa sits to deal with that and still offload. The it is

refreshing to see people looking for those offload but that is the

way Ulster are looking to play. Once again, great build-up play

through the phases. That is what it is all about. That line from Andrew

Trimble is outstanding. He is hitting it at all times, he comes

from nowhere. If we see it here, he hits a great line but just before

that, Paddy Wallace takes it from the line-out, he does very well. It

looks like Paddy Wallace might have got isolated but it is sealed off,

he hits one of the guys out of the way and then they are away again.

The penalty try coming up in a minute, the bonus point was secured.

Credit to Ulster, they could have seen the game of but they pressed

and pressed and make sure they got the bonus. At so that he, they are

going for the jugular and really going for us -- absolutely. This is

what they want. The build-up to the tries. The referee is right on the

mark, the right call at the right time, unfortunately for the

Scarlets on that occasion. It was inevitable, it was coming. It could

have come from anywhere. You can see the heads of the Scarlets were

down. It was good quick ball. Auster just dominating. Mark

Anscombe is a tough task Lasker -- task master. He said things word

perfect but they started to dominate that area physically --

were not perfect. For staff have bounced back from the defeat

against Munster -- Ulster. But also, they go into crucial weeks in

Europe which will end up defining the rest of the season. Absolutely,

we lost against Northampton here and they bounced back with a tough

game against Leinster. They are just bouncing back nicely and that

is what you want to see from your team. When you take a hit, would

damage confidence? Whistle at the top of the show, the fans wanted

them to bounce back and they did -- we saw it. And what is important,

we saw it. And what is important, last week some of the substitutes

made a real difference and this week, they did it again and that is

what great about this what this year, there is real impact coming

off the bench. And not from huge stars, people we don't say that

much of, because they know they are playing for a place in the team.

They know it is competitive and they've really hope that they can

push their way into the team. of you, thank you very much, we

of you, thank you very much, we thoroughly enjoyed that and as I

said, two big weeks for Ulster coming Gulf. You can hear live

commentary of both of those Heineken Cup games. Jim Neilly on