Ulster v Munster Ulster Rugby Live

It's the first Dobbie of the Rabo Direct Pro 12 season. An age old

rivalry as two new coaches go head- to-head. Not for the first time.

They have met Down Under but they have never experienced anything

like this. Ulster first as Munster. On a big night for Ulster's Stephen

Ferris who wins his one hundredth cap. Just another bit of add spice

if any were needed as these two Irish heavyweights go head-to-head.

It is Ulster first as Munster live on Ravenhill Park live on BBC Two.

Good evening and welcome to the programme. These are two out of

three teams so far who are unbeaten so something will have to get the.

Here to give us their opinions, forced -- former Ulster's players.

It is an Irish Derby this evening but with the New Zealand twist.

think it is always going to be a twist. The two guys, one from

Auckland, and the other from Canonbury, it is interesting to see

what they're take on the Irish competition is tonight. I am

looking forward to it and it will be interesting to see their

conversations before kick-off. sprinkling of New Zealand players

as well. Do you feel that Ulster on paper have too much experience for

Munster even though they have made seven changes? I believe so. The

Aussies to make an impact. Tom Court. Nigel Brady has been

rewarded for his performances. Patton has been very good. Stephen

Ferris, we know all about him. Half backs, again, they had a good

performance against the Ospreys last week. The centre is a question

against Laulala. And then the back line, Trimble has got in. And we

have seen the attacking ability of them. A big night for Stephen

Ferris, his 100 the cap. He had a celebratory breakfast this morning

and this is what he had to eat, courtesy of his girlfriend Laura,

she tweeted this earlier on. Sheen had better made more for him cos he

will need more. That is a nice touch. It is a real honour to play

100 games for any team but for him to do it at home, we know what he's

capable of. He is a world-class player and we are very fortunate to

have him playing in an Ulster shirt because some of his performances

were money 1 draw last year. takes at least three people to take

him down last year. With his impact, that opens up space for other

players to attack. Last year, I remember this fondly, and I'm not

sure that he had recovered. massive occasion this evening. Last

week, but Ulster's admission, not a great performance. They had a try

in is the closing minutes but it is continuity like this that led to

the try. Great skill and continuity. When they are attacking, the

support players, they are coming directly behind the ball on either

side of the ball player, so if they can flick the ball back up into the

air, they will have pace and depth. Coming from New Zealand and that

style of rugby played down there, it is all about efficiency. Gone

are the days when you are putting six guys to an the ruck. It becomes

more efficient allowing more players on their feet. There are

ruck inspectors, they can hide for a couple of seconds to get their

breath back. They are that well conditioned, they have jobs to do

and if they do that effectively, they get a good turn off the ball

creating attacks. Although Munster beat Ulster last year, they won't

forget the hammering they got in the European Cup last year if.

is a rivalry that has gone back for years and decades so tonight will

be no different and I am looking forward to it. It is a very young

Munster side tonight but when you put that shirt on, you become a

different guise. Thank you for now. We will have a teacher on the big-

hitting Kiwi, Nick Williams, but now, action. Ulster have only lost

once in the last 12 months and it is now time to join our commentary

attack. Can they bring the centres into the game? Stephen Ferris came

out before everyone in acknowledgement of his 100 sq cap,

a remarkable player he is. He's a remarkable player for Ulster and

Ireland. He has continued to make an impact and he is still a

comparative baby. He is one of four changes. The others all in the

the man who officiated in the World Cup final in 2007, former Irish

scrum-half. He is refereeing his 53rd league game. Strong wind is

going to be in the Ulster faces and Ulster defending the war memorial

than 130 years, they are very much rivals. Ulster won the last league

game between the two, but they will be smarting about the victory by a

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Ulster in the quarter-final of the good start by a Ulster by any means.

A very good use of the tactical kick by Munster. The intensity that

this rugby brings, this is not disappointing. Trimble was under

pressure. He did have a man inside him. Laulala they held right upon

Ian Keatley in his second season for Munster. He did have a couple

that nicely and that is the perfect start for the visitors. A mistake

by Munster conceding possession and the penalty and the point.

Interestingly, BJ Botha did play for Ulster for a couple of years,

and then Nick Williams, having previously being at Munster, is now

quick kick. The ball was transferred so they cannot take it

themselves quickly. He can only take it if he retrieves the ball.

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Plenty of Ulster pressure but there international. He initially played

very club just down the road from on the Ulster man who retrieves the

ball. It is a red cul-de-sac. Marshall will have to put the ball

down the field himself and the knock-on was by Ulster and Munster

get the put-in. The two coach is, it will be the Munster management

that will be happy the way the team is applying themselves defensively.

They have been outstanding. Very physical in a tackle leading to the

two turnovers. This is cause for alarm for Ulster. Munster have a

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Crouch, touch and then set. And engagement. Very hard to judge,

though, Ryan? We talk about that Paul's begin counter-intuitive but

it is all about getting the cadence right. It seems to have worked so

far in the season. Jackson, well taken. Denis Hurley, 28 years of

age. Equally at home on the wing. That was a lovely kick. Scoot back.

Here comes Paul Marshall. Williams, could not hold. Not released in the

tackle. Where... The referee isn't hiding his light under a bushel

this evening. Trying to get away from the Munster hooker. And just

holding on, the Munster players were not off their feet. The

penalty was always going to go Ulster's way. Being put under

pressure by that good line at speed. And that excellent position over

the ball. Hard to dislodge. Ulster finding it particularly hard on

that occasion. Well, Ian Keatley, not surprisingly with a very strong

wind behind him, has opted to go for the goal. Munster might have an

injury. It might have been the man who won that penalty, Damien Varley.

Some blog to his nose. The man commanding centre-stage... That is

a good, solid strike, he has hit that brilliantly. And what another

very good kick. And Munster leading 6 - 0. And the Ulster supporters

looking anxious. Their tactics have been particularly good with Munster,

employing a lot of kicking and sending that excellent chase

through, pressurising the Ulster players and then using that field

position when the penalties come to establish that margin they now

enjoy. Jackson again giving it plenty of height. That was well

taken by the restart. Billy Holland. The son of a former international,

Jerry Holland. Duncan Williams. Could not quite make contact with

that. Knocked forward by Munster. Nick Williams, not really getting

down quickly enough. The forward has been given. It'll be Ulster's

end of the scrum. Knocked forward by the Ulster skipper, Doug Howlett.

With almost down it's going in again, this is their first real

attacking opportunity with the scrum, to get good position and we

have seen sparks of the season when they have been able to get that

continuity and fast tempo going. They will need to get into action

very soon. A touch, set! Just inside them Ulster have. Luke

Marshall on the outside-half position. Stepping back inside.

Paul Marshall. Michael Allen. It has come out across from the left

wing. Good momentum from Ulster. Tom Court across the ten-metre line.

The first time that has been achieved. The referee played

advantage. Colourful and knocked forward, but the advantage is now

over and here comes trouble. He needs to steady himself. Colourful

Wall looks a little bit shaken. -- John Afoa. The team doctor is

looking at the All Black prop forward. He took a very big knock.

You can see that line speed. As he was grasping for that ball. He took

that full-body HET. Maybe a clash of the head in the process. It was

his opposite number, the Ulster loose head prop, Dave Kilcoyne, who

made a very healthy tackle. John a fuller is fine. But once again,

Munster have the ball. --John Afoa. Straight forward to the front of

the line-out. Donnacha O'Callaghan. Another man who has played more

than 200 games for his province. Damien Varley. Here, Munster again.

This is very good work. Rob Penney will be thrilled with the start.

They will have to play this, now. Donnacha O'Callaghan. Looking for a

few guys to take the Sun. He has BJ Botha. Sean Dougall goes in. Better

still from Ulster. Good, solid, aggressive rugby. Williams. The

Ulster man. He is currently playing in at Rotherham. Five seconds after

that, and, you must play it. Stephen Ferris has to play the

tackle. The first time we have seen him all evening. Has he done it

again? Ian Keatley. What a start. Two penalties and now the drop goal.

12 minutes gone and Ulster are nine points adrift and really on the

rack. Munster replied the home team. They have a greater appetite for

the physical. And they have been very composed. Within that scoring

range. And they have taken those opportunities when they have

presented themselves. Very clinical performance so far. Jackson, for

the third time, starting after the monster's score. Taken in. It has

been a hugely efficient performance. To his team-mate, Donnacha

O'Callaghan. Nigel Brady squeezes this back. Nick Williams. Promising

stuff from Ulster. Marshall. That was a good angle. Luke Marshall.

Sean Doyle, the Australian, the first time we have seen him.

Jackson. Jared Payne. He runs at a very good angle. Still going.

Johann Muller in support. Better by Ulster. Jackson. Tom Court. Great,

solid defence from Ulster in the middle of the pack. Nick Williams.

Not quite sure how he got through there, but he did. James Downey

gets under way. The referee says, use that. The forward scrum half,

Paddy Jackson. Better defence. Ulster get the penalty. The best

spell from Ulster and they need to produce something like that. That

was a tremendous period of continuity, using the full width of

the pitch and ball security. Taking stuff, as you would expect from a

game of this magnitude. Williams starting to get involved and then

Stephen Veritas and we have seen Jared Payne creating space and

throwing dummies across the face of the defensive line. Ulster now

Ulster pack. Rooting around on the back from BJ Botha. And a penalty

at tempted by Paddy Jackson. Crucial that Ulster get points in

the stage of the game. Just towards the end of the opening quarter.

Jackson, the youngest member of the Ulster side. He did not go to the

Junior World Cup, he was held back in? Yes. That is exactly what

Ulster needed and exactly what Paddy Jackson was required to do in

the outside-half position. He is the main goalkicker. 15 minutes

gone and the gap has been reduced to just six points, thanks to that

well-struck penalty. Ulster will be pretty happy to have halted that

sequence from Munster. To be on the board. They have shown what they

can do by holding that position and playing at a very high tempo.

not go 10 metres. From the restart. Cleverly done. Ian Keatley, he has

buried his game nicely. James Downey has got himself heard in the

process. He took a bit of a knock as he went up. It was a good idea

because there was a gap but it did not go to plan. James Downey took

that and he got a thump in the back Spells with Connacht and Leinster.

He played three games for Munster way back into 1006 before going to

Northampton. -- 2006. Now, he is back playing rugby in Ireland. It

seems nothing more than a misplaced contact lens. I think the thumb on

his back dislodged the contact lens from his eye. That was a fairly

hefty thump. He has proven to be a real go two-man and to get that

advantage line and get the backs playing on the front foot.

thought for a second that the referee was going to have a word

about the validity of the tackle from Johann Muller. But I think it

is just a communication problem with the electronics. Look at that

skyline. I have to say, much as we love that song, it has been shining

in the faces of the Ulster players for the opening part of this first

half. Johann Muller having a word with his troops. Getting somewhere

back to the region are full strength. Still has a fair bit to

go, but a Wilson and Paddy Wallace not sitting too far away from us.

And Tommy Bowe, also champing at the net. -- the debt. Everything

seems to be fine. The clock has stopped, 16 minutes gone. To a

little bit more for the Ulster fans, young and old, to cheer about. The

new team manager, the former No. 8. One of the good guys. Solid-looking

Ulster scrum. Worked by Tom Court. Nick Williams, gets away from Sean

Dougall. That is what he is employed to do. John Afoa. That

decent sidestep and then decent acceleration. From that chunky All

Black prop. Here comes Steven Bayliss. Makes good ground. Paddy

Jackson. Luke Marshall. Paddy Jackson again. That little look

around, that was well read. Paddy Jackson used a fair amount of

strength. Here comes Nigel Brady. Nick Williams. They were

anticipating that moved. Now, Jared Payne and the outside-half. Lovely

dummy. And again. Great acceleration, he gets through. 10

metres away and he is still there. And the pass was spilled forward by

Marshall. The referee is playing advantage and Ulster have to keep

themselves alert. What down the field. That is very nearly the

opening try. Darren Cave. He went behind. That will hang. He would

chase that. Well taken by Williams. The game has burst into life.

Following that wonderful run from Jared Payne. Ian Keatley, wide.

Look Ogier. -- Luke O'Dea. Scrambled by Ferris. I'm not sure

what the crowd are complaining about. Well tackled from Sean Doyle.

A huge gap has appeared on the nearside. And Ulster will need to

get a penalty. This is a Munster side better playing some attractive

rugby. A also no good sending those big runners up the middle. They

pull in defence and Jared Payne has got some good dividends from

running down that wider channel. We can see Ulster at their best. Gets

on the outside, good pace and that wonderful run and the offload. And

just at last has, unfortunately, not going well. Paul Marshall

getting it in the face. End to end stuff. Thoroughly entertaining.

Ulster unlucky not to get the penalty. Stephen Ferris gets into

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go for Marshall. 32nd Ulster game the third time in this game and the

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to use all his height. It is still out. The crowd are unhappy with

some of the referee's decisions. The pace of this game is

unbelievably hectic. It has come to live in the last 10 minutes. It is

end-to-end stuff. Both teams playing in the wider travels. This

is what makes Laulala so difficult to defend. He carries the ball with

two hands and looking for the offload all the time. He is very

dangerous because of those aspects A great kick by Marshall.

pressure reliever by Ulster. An excellent kick from Paul Marshall.

Coming up to 25 minutes. We will look at his kick. There are six

points between them and Munster was a very heavy hit. He is

lightning and given that space, he made good use of it. Ulster take it

arrived in the shape of Trimble. Munster all over that but the

than we are but I didn't think the Munster men... He said the ruck

wasn't formed. We have to go along with what he says. Payne is

starting to get back into it. outstanding 25 minutes, finding a

lot of space. It was his quickness of mind not feed that got Ulster

into this field position. Excellent cover position by Keatley. He never

really released the players so Ulster can count themselves unlucky

to not get a penalty. Where was the ball there? Maybe it was nudged

forward by Munster. It is going to He has a word with Munster about

their rucking. Ulster's mascot trying to get the crowd to enthuse.

replacement. 26 minutes gone and the unfortunate Luke O'Dea has got

a bad thump. He has left the field. Keith Earls has come on. His 71st

cap. And not a bad man to have on the bench. When you look on that

Munster bench, there is plenty of experience to be unleashed there.

Ronan O'Gara could give a fresh direction and change of tactic

should that be required. The former youth international had been

playing so well up until he got himself caught up in that hard

the prop forward is who, me, Rev? have never seen a prop forward to

not do that. There was that wide pass and here is the tackle. And it

was Darren Cave, perfectly legal. His knees banged together on impact

and he heard himself straight away. kick for Paddy Jackson has found

the number one McQuay landed 40 minutes ago. It is closer to the

stretching those legs, especially after his Achilles tendons snap one

year ago. Unlucky for Ulster, of the post, but Keatley was under

pressure and he did well to clear between them, the crowd seems to

because Munster make a hash of it. They were lucky to get away with

that but if you don't try things, you don't get a chance. Munster

have been doing their video work, aware of the threat that Paul

Marshall posers. They had the numbers to cover it on that

occasion and Ulster still fortunate to have healed possession. -- to

have a field position. We look at the unfortunate Luke O'Dea, he has

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he seems to be fine. Ulster trying The ball coming back to the Munster

away. In that situation, that was all that mattered. Ulster are

running into brick walls. It is Munster who are standing firm

defensively, really prepared to meet those runners head on. The

first time they get over the advantage line, but excellent line-

out take from Stephen Ferris and he will be thankful for the strength

of Nick Williams was able to bring him down to earth with some sort of

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support. He must be a strong man to Williams, the former Under 21

international, he played for the Munster 18 this afternoon. On the

bench is Murray. There is the Ulster coach. He will be looking

for some sort of return for this position of dominance they have had

in the last 10 minutes. They have managed to clear their lines.

put Ulster off at the line-out. of it to? He is going to run. He

has gotten himself tackled. Well, Ulster not competing terribly

cleverly at the breakdown. Another steal from Munster. Unfortunately

for Ulster, straight into touch. Billy Holland not exactly the

outside have to the manner born. Apologising to his team-mates.

Playing the percentage option, Munster have been very close

throughout this first half. This is the first sign of some erratic

behaviour from them. Six minutes remaining. Six points between them.

Better by a Ulster. Johan Muller, Jackson. Marshall. Paddy Jackson,

Luke Marshall. Presented nicely for Ulster. Jackson, Nigel Brady.

Another 100 plus man For Ulster. Jackson. Darren Cave. Over

complicating things. The penalty is given to Ulster in a pretty decent

position. There was little passes and the ability to grasp the past,

not quite there for Ulster. Mark Anscombe will be disappointed that

he might have all but Ulster have turned over. They have the

opportunity to get three points back. When Ulster get slow

possession, Munster have their defensive lines set. And Ulster get

no change. When they play that high-tempo game, they can release

their players into the wider channels, particularly Jared Payne.

That has been very effective in kick from to attempt. His second

was off the post and it was very close. That looks better. Well-

struck by Paddy Jackson. And at a crucial time. The last few moments

before the interval, Ulster have got three more points. But monsters

to lead, 9 - 6. Ulster are starting to dominate possession. They will

hope to be able to do that for the remainder of this have and get some

more points going into the half- time break. Paddy Jackson, the baby

of the Ulster side. Ian Keatley, that has been carried and taken in.

Outside 22. That that'll kick to touch. Marshall. -- that little

kick. Well taken. Jared Payne feels that he was obstructed by Williams.

This is Duncan Williams. Trying to put more weight on to this. Keith

Earls, always dangerous and that was a lovely pass. Billy Holland.

Wonderful support play from Munster. And appreciating the space. Duncan

Williams. Munster looking to strike back immediately. Keith Earls, he

has been dangerous. Denis Hurley. Somebody needs to tackle him. Keith

Earls is straight in. Nobody at home from Ulster. The simplest,

most great forward drive. He will not get a better executed try than

this one. We have seen all season at Ravenhill and anyone else,

nothing better. Keith Earls was instrumental on that. See what the

pace does? He draws both defenders in and that creates the overlap and

sets this into motion. Once Munster get into that wider area, the

recycle the ball quickly and another man draws those defenders.

That creates the overlap and then that clinical finish on the inside.

Perfect rugby. Width, tempo, everything you want to see. Casey

Laulala has been outstanding. That inside pass from Denis Hurley. The

missing all evening and he does not. That is a great end for this

opening half and, of a sudden, 10 points between them. When you

contrast the last 15 minutes, Ulster have dominated possession

and territory and then Ulster have been forced to defend. The first

opportunity they get with possession, they convert that into

points. Yes, Ulster making far too many mistakes with the ball in hand.

And there is an inability to receive the restart successfully.

That has cost them. Ulster have made another replacement. Tommy

O'Donnell has come on, wearing number 20. Looks like a groin

strain. I think it is. Very unfortunate. Tommy O'Donnell has a

habit of scoring tries against Ulster, as well. This is a line-out,

almost lost but Johann Muller come through and pinched it. Stephen

Frears. -- comes through. Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall trying to

straighten things. Good covering from Billy Holland, who has been

all over the place. Darren Cave, the dummy. Munster have been equal

to everything Ulster have thrown at them. Pushing the home side into

far too many errors. Brady. Marshall, Paddy Jackson, Luke

Marshall. Stephen Frears. Great tackle by the great Doug Howlett. I

don't think there will be time for anything other than the penalty.

And Ulster will be very happy to get three points out of this. Good

work from a partial, he was involved twice in that. Offloading

Ulster skipper. Interesting tries for captain for Munster this

evening. Doug Howlett? It is unlike them. You feel that certainly the

consensus among the playing group was that it has been very well

received and Munster will want a player who would be there

throughout the whole campaign and an inspirational leader. He has

proved to be that in the first few games. This will get a Ulster back

to within bonus point range. And - hit that. That is a good end to

the first half from Ulster. But by and large, it has been Munster's

game. They have been critical in everything they have been doing.

And there is a man who scored the try that made the difference, Keith

Earls on his first game for Ulster, right off the bench and he scores

what could be the decisive try. Paddy Jackson with three penalties.

Matching the three penalties or the two panels on the drop goal scored

by his opposite number, Ian Keatley. Plenty to discuss by the coaches

and the panel. Half-time, the happier coach will be Rob Penney.

This is about looks after 40 minutes. Very competitive, old

fashioned into provincial rugby. 9 Century a Stephen Ferris lead the

team out at Ravenhill but Munster are here to spoil that big night.

The visiting team much more composed and clinical in the early

stages and the kit the scoreboard ticking nicely through the boot of

Ian Keatley. Paddy Jackson kept Ulster in touch. But the home side

simply could not take advantage of those opportunities. Jared Payne

looked lively, almost putting Andrew Trimble in for the score.

But Ulster are hurting at half-time. The try by Keith Earls gives

Munster that 16 - 9 advantage. 11 points coming from the boot of Ian

Keatley. Andy Ward and Maurice Field had been watching. Gentlemen,

from the Ulster point of view, it has not gone according to plan?

has not, it has been a flat game. We had been watching little bits

and Munster have come out of the blocks stronger and hungrier. The

passes are going to hand and the breakdown has been good. They're

getting away with more than we would like to have thought. It is a

long way to go. 40 minutes and Ulster have not fired too many

shots and I would expect them to have a stern talking-to at half-

time. Ulster are justifiably ahead, based on the fact that they are

more acrid with the ball in hand and we have turned over too much

ball and they have interpreted longer runs and that application

better than we have. A Ulster took the score before half-time

absolutely beautifully. To be honest, they had two chances before

that. But they could not make it click? They had been going through

the stages. Ball retention has been good. We talk about the past has

been great. The passing is very simple. And the follow-up play has

been better than Ulster. In it did look very simple. It is but what

you must look at is the slight of hand and the good passes. The

runners that block the opposition defensively. There is a lack of

communication between defenders which does not help the cause.

Darren Cave on the far side, getting sucked into that. It is

more about an indication as opposed to anything else. Ulster have

created opportunities but have not been able to take them. Exactly.

Those opportunities that we have not taken. Here was a great goal.

This young player, Jared Payne, running with two hands. Indecision

with the defenders. That has been thrown up. It hits Paul Marshall in

the eye and that should have been an opportunity. And this man has

got great legs good. Very evasive manner. Great counter-attack from a

Munster. We thought once you might want to slow the ball down at the

breakdown, which they have, but they have also thrown at about a

bit as well. All credit to muster. I think there is serving that

scoreline. They are very good at gamesmanship and slowing things

down. That is what Munster has been very good at. Some examples of the

breakdown. And not sure what is going on a times. There are a few

things going on. If you just look at those numbers and the breakdown,

when they get there, there were physical and the breakdown is

physical. Marshall has been good. Some lovely sets of hands. Bang,

bang, bang. They are all in there. The tackle is supposed to release.

It's the application of law. That tackle is on the ball. He should

not be on there. There it is. They had the numbers and they have been

more efficient at these points. Again, the breakdown, getting the

numbers in. Getting the ball turned over. You know, Ulster just seemed

to be walking around. They have to understand, they are at home and

these are big points. You have to take it to them but they seem to be

walking around and align Speed, defensively, is poor. We're not

getting out of this box. There was some very quick thinking with the

quick line-out. That was good awareness. Jared Payne. The one

issue is that should have been should have been stripped to the

seams. Trimble has been held back. But he must accelerate at this

point. I expected more from him because that is the past and we

have now lost the moment. But Sarah Payne has done exceptionally well.

An opportunity wasted. The main R Ulster being out muscled?

particularly. They have to close down the space between the passer

and the receiver. They are not supporting quicker. All in all, I

just think the small details have been a little bit more des --

executed better by Munster. Their accuracy at the breakdown, ball-

handling, he decision on a ball, it has been more accurate than Ulster.

One of Ulster's new signings who has made an immediate impact is the

New Zealander Nick Williams. Almost 20 stone and his big-hitting style

has become a fast favoured with the Ulster fans. As Gavin Andrews found

out, off the pitch, he is a bit of I love to be confrontational. It's

just the way I love to play. Here's Williams, does a pretty good job.

had a bad run the last couple of seasons and the opportunity came up

again and I wanted to take it. have you found it? The gameplay and

structure has made our team stronger. And it has allowed me to

get my hands on the Paul Forkan A lot more and tried to do my thing

Williams is looking for a second... And he has got a second! You are

very softly-spoken off the pitch, something of the sea changes when

you get out there. It is work. You know. You have to change if you

want to play rugby, otherwise, you have to go back to being a

ballerina. I guess there is an alter ego. You want to give it all.

Just for the jersey and for the family. And that is what happens to

me when I get out on the pitch. Once across the white line, -- once

Surely, that is a try. Nick Williams, unstoppable from that

range. What are your goals and targets with this new team? Are you

ambitious? I want the Championship here. Whether it will happen, we

will see. But we want to win. We want to play well. Lookout for each

other and hopefully we can bring some silverware home for the Ulster

people. He is certainly no ballerina and I

am not asking him to wear a Tutu. 20 stone in this game is an asset.

What it is nice to seek is he actually throws about those assets.

He has silky hands. I would like him to put out some more moves like

Jagger. He has been controlling the game so far as has Keatley. He has

game management has been exceptional. He has got a strong

wind behind him. Putting the ball back in there for possession. That

was a good drop goal after a sustained period of dominance. He's

very assured with his kicking. Very accurate. And he knows that if he

doesn't do things right, he has got O'Gara to come on. He did well to

Paul Payne Down for stock he seems composed. Tonight, so far, he has

been sitting in the box seat. The ball he is getting is nice and tidy.

He looks and assured player and he's got a big pair of boots to

fill, but he is doing well so far. Pitch side now joining Gavin

Andrews. What was your discussion? We have

given them the lead. We need to try to make sure we stretch them a

little bit. We let them score again before half-time. The last penalty,

it gave us a little bit of a chance to come back. And that is the

territory now. We need to get in early and pick up points. Any

concerns about the referee? It is a contact sport and we have got to

fight and make sure we get the ball carrier early and not get Munster

the chance. Is it just accuracy in the final third? It is always a

tough game against Munster. You have got to be accurate and make

sure you get the players in early doors because they want to slow the

game down and they are doing it very well and we need to make sure

we fight with that and get quicker balls so we get a good pace. Thank

you for your time. Is that the key? Quicker ball and

more physical a tea? Without a Shadow over doubt. Munster are

world leaders at slowing games down and taking the edge out of the game

and they are doing that. And Ulster playing with a strong wind force

struck it is a sizable wind. They have to play the position early and

then put the pressure on. Thank you. Sit back and enjoy the second half

led by Johann Muller. A couple of changes at the interval. A little

bit of a breeze picking up. The breeze picking up so Ulster will

have to try to get possession and use that wind wisely fools stop it

is a packed House here. The crowd are looking for something to latch

on to, whether it be a ball taken by Nick Williams, Ulster need to

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 41 seconds

They have slowed the ball right through a gap that wasn't there.

Munster have held Paddy Jackson. They get the put-in off the scrum.

So Munster efficiency proving the crucial thing in is. What has

impressed me is the organisation in their defence. They are getting

that line said very well. They are trying to slowdown possession,

every team does that. They are communicating well and they have

got tremendous line speed which is putting them in good places to

international caps each. A bit of a squeeze on Munster. Ulster get what

they needed at the start of the second half and that is a very

kickable penalty. It came from a very good scrum. And Munster got it

half a week ago against Treviso and they did have a good scrum against

the Ospreys. They applied the pressure and created some confusion

at the back and Ulster capitalised on that to get the penalty. They

will welcome some points in the all. Three successful kicks from

four attempts, one of them coming off the post. This to close the gap

to four points. Stephen Ferris getting a bit of treatment,

worryingly. We will concentrate on Straight through the middle yet

again. So, four from five. Ulster 12, Munster 16. It is the kicking

that is keeping Ulster in touch in this game. They will respond with a

try, I am sure, as this game everything to regain them.

Wonderful tackle by Trimble on the response by Munster. Munster

playing with that tempo they have been able to create the throughout

this match. They have had limited possession but they come to life

when they get it. We have just seen Laulala, the no look past to keep

that ball moving. They will be disappointing they succumbed into

pressure on the Ulster line-out. comes Paddy Jackson. That was

think it is going to roll dead. Was it carried across the goal line? It

is going to be a Munster line-out. That was so, so nearly another

Munster try. Yes, Keith Earls was time and space isn't a great

proposition from Ulster. You feel they need to box clever, used the

wind they have at their back to create territory and that ball

could have gone anywhere. Fortunately, it went to Paddy

Jackson. Quickly through came Dave O'Callaghan, and he would not have

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Ferris. Still no room to move into. Ulster again. Jackson nearly got

through with good support from John Afoa. Getting within that distance.

Here comes Darren Cave. Andrew Trimble. Great strength. Well

released. Paul Marshall. Lewis Stephenson. He works off the

defender. He has made available. Jackson. Jared Payne. He did not

quite work. That was a great spell pressure from the entire game so

far. It is starting to look dangerous when they can play what

that would. Paddy Jackson, just a couple of nice touches. They need

to get onto his shoulder when that occurs. They need to create that

overlap and then naturally go down that wider channel and hold the

defensive line to finish off the overlaps they were creating.

Certainly better stuff from Ulster. This is Paddy Jackson. Just showing

that he is more than a goal kicker. Nice little bit of acceleration and

the lovely soft pass. Jared Payne got that away beautifully. Good

work from Andrew Trimble as well. The clock has stopped. Nine minutes

played in the second half. Munster, the first half tried by Keith Earls

was converted by Ian Keatley. He kicked a couple of penalties and

dropped a goal. This game is still very much in the balance. He will

be slightly happier with the start that his side has made to the

second half. Around about the stage, they might just start looking at

the replacements bench, looking at how this is developing and

wondering if there is any pressure they can add to the proceedings.

Ulster putting the pressure on here. Marshall, Jackson. Nick Williams

with the initial quick ball. Luke Marshall. Good ankle, taken by

Darren Cave. Here is Nick Williams. He needs to get that massive body

around to present the ball. And he has done just that. Luke Marshall.

Squeezed. Under pressure again, coming from the men in white.

Williams. Marshall. Trimble off his wing. Into Nigel Brady. The hooker

spirals away from defenders. John Afoa. Wide pass, taken by Michael

Allen. Great strength from Michael Allen. The line is right there. Tom

Court. Good Munster defence. Quick- release. Jackson. Trimble! Jackson

again. Yes! Jared Payne. It was coming, it was coming. And Jared

Payne gets his first competitive try for Ulster. And his comeback is

just about complete. There has been a noticeable lift in the intensity

from Ulster. Their carrying the ball with more venom, there were

physical at the breakdown and that is creating these opportunities.

Michael Allen in a tight space. He does particularly well to keep the

momentum going the way of Ulster. And then Ulster get into that wide

channel. Trimble, all flooding into the Channel, creating the overlap

and then Jared Payne had the pace to get across. An outstanding piece

of teamwork from Ulster that led to that. Jared Payne just put his head

down and went. Trying to take out Luke Marshall. The men outside

could not get to Jared Payne his career might have been ended by

cannot believe it. It is very close to being an outstanding conversion.

But, for the first time in this game, with nearly 12 minutes of the

second half, Ulster find themselves in the lead, albeit by one single

point. Paddy Jackson are starting to become more influential. You can

see his confidence growing and he is taking the ball to the line and

bringing the outside backs more into this game. That is a trend

that Ulster would like to see continuing. Ulster with a couple of

changes. They have brought in at Mike Sherry, the hooker. And Conor

Murphy is at scrum half. Ian Keatley, restarts. Well taken. Paul

Marshall, no charge down this time. Well placed by Keith Earls. Ever

dangerous. Ian Keatley. Denis Hurley. That was a lovely show. He

has got away. With a great bit of acceleration. He has made 50 metres.

And guess what - Ulster are still there. That that will shape for Ian

Keatley. Keith Earls was offside. - - little shake for Ian Keatley.

They are really turning into influential, end-to-end stuff. The

Ulster fans are being treated to an excellent game. Clearly, they see

Keith Earls off-side and put in Jared Payne under a huge amount of

pressure. Just a little bit over- enthusiastic by Keith Earls.

Jackson. That was a good touch and that is the Ulster line out. They

are going to bring on a replacement. It looks like Craig Gilroy coming

on. Michael Allen might be the man to make way. Michael had such a

good game against the Ospreys. Defensively, it was just kept in

his favour for this one. physicality, taking the ball into

contact and Craig Gilroy will get his opportunities. John Afoa.

Speaking of magic feet. Donnacha O'Callaghan making a tackle. That

is a good forward ball by Ulster. Lewis Stephenson. Johan Muller

helping him. Marshall. Paddy Jackson. This is trouble. That was

a good pass, clever kick from Darren Cave. And a beautiful kick.

Jackson putting a huge amount of pressure on Conor Murray. Michael

Allen, I should say, not Michael Jackson! That would have been an

interesting thought! That was a clever kick. Forcing Munster to

take that into touch. Ulster playing and executing a very clever

game-plan. Playing plenty of rugby but they're quite content to play

down in the Munster half. Darren Cave is the man who has been

hauled aboard. It seems that Michael Allen, as opposed to

Michael Jackson, will move into inside centre, where he was playing

his school's rugby. And not altogether sure that Darren Cave is

particularly happy about that decision, given that he has got

played badly at all and showed some lovely skills. Putting Ulster into

the position in which they find themselves. Stephenson, he has been

excellent. Once single point between them. Tom Court with the

ball. He leaves it for Sean Doyle. Ulster still moving forward,

getting ever closer. What a thunderous try this is from the

Ulster pack. That is bound to be a penalty against Sean Dougall? It

might even be a yellow card. It is the yellow-card. Against the former

Ulster man, the former Malone man. Trying just a little too hard.

Against his fellow provincials. There is always a turning-point in

every game. Will this be the turning point in this particular

contest between these great rivals? What a wonderful drive it was. The

ball, at that stage, were still above the ground and then it did go

to ground. Ferris was adding everything to that. Sean Dougall.

But involved in the tackle at all. Once it becomes the ruck, players

are unable to use their hands and that's an area. It'll be

interesting to see the decision. They're going to take them on from

the edge of the scrum and see if they can get some. It'll be

interesting to see if Munster, that is exactly what they're doing,

Dougie Howlett joining the scrum on the blind-side... Will it be the

pack and drive? Assuming Ulster can secure the ball? They have got the

security. How did it come away on the Munster side? Munster will be

clapping their hands and ecstasy, having stolen the Ulster ball, with

the old-fashioned strike against the head. Ulster will be wondering

what the devil happened. It was looked back very quickly. And it

bounced back off one of the Ulster second-row forwards and away went

Conor Murray. You'll have time to pick them up... Conor Murray, one

for Duncan Williams. 12 Irish caps under his belt. And that World Cup

campaign, as well. Taken by Johan Muller. That is good pressure from

Ulster. The Ulster men still have it. Now they do try to shunt

forward again. The referee is happy with that. Try to spiral away

towards the touchline. Stephenson, grafting again. Held by John Fuller.

Paddy Jackson. Taken off at the ankles. He has made it available.

Marshall. Jared Payne. Luke Marshall. That was a solid tackle.

Ferris, wide. There he goes, could transfer. Kilroy! He was just

hauled down two metres short. What a great piece of Munster defence.

Remember, there down to 14 men. Williams picks up. Paul Marshall

looking for a couple of big men to take the ball. Here is John Afoa.

BJ Botha gets his hands in, the referee has let that go, nothing

wrong with that. Ulster did not get the support men in quickly enough.

And Connery get it away. Taken by Craig Gilroy. What a great piece of

defence. Not the first great piece of Ulster Defence, either. Craig

Gilroy was running for that certain try and then desperate defence by

Denis Hurley, I think it was. And then the acceleration I to the

contact, desperate defence and BJ Botha, outstanding in those

passages of play. The acceleration of the mark, wonderful tackle to

bring Craig Gilroy down. Wants to living dangerously but they're

still in this, they have not conceded any points in five minutes.

When they could quite easily have had another 10 points but on to

them. -- put on to them. Here is Williams. Marshall thinking about

the narrow side and then changing his mind. It has gone a little bit

slow. Johan Muller. Marshall. Jackson. Oh, they have left that

behind. Well gathered by Trimble. Trimble's still going. He needs to

release that. He has released it. Marshall. Talking about the narrow

side changes. Jackson. What a good kick that is. Looking very

comfortable, on and off the ball, Paddy Jackson. Coming up to the end

of the third quarter. Munster taking it quickly. They managed to

knock a Forward. Ulster get their foot into the scrum. Stephen Ferris

read that well. Paddy Jackson assessed the situation very well.

Marshall, deep in his own territory, not many options. And he just puts

that perfectly placed kick over the head of did Hallett and establishes

bit position. Ulster very keen to get some returns, as we have seen

at Ian Keatley, just losing control of that ball. Ulster have been here

for a very long time and that is a move, looking for the space to

bring Craig Gilroy in. Under turnover ball was always very

Marcus Horan is coming on. And I think Nigel Brady is going off. Rob

Herring is coming on. That last quarter of the game, it is like

musical chairs in rugby these days. At the pace and physicality of the

game, you would expect some substitutions to be made around the

60 minute mark and possibly more to come. Another game under the belt

for Nigel Brady. And Marcus Horan, 67 caps for Ireland, 214 fog

Munster. He is a veteran, Grand Slam winner. He has achieved a lot.

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Allen, have been impressive. 18 minutes remaining. One single point

between them and this could go either way. Ulster, and Trimble

using his a frame to get over the advantage line. O'Callaghan has

been outstanding and his game. Some people say he is in the twilight of

his career. But he has been leading that line-out, he has a huge

appetite for the physical aspects of this game. He will be happy with

his performance and so will the swinging of the scrum around

illegally. An unfair confrontation between Paul Marshall and Tommy

O'Donnell. No sign of Ronan O'Gara. Keatley is still on the field. All

it takes is a Munster penalty and they will be ahead. They have used

their position very efficiently and they haven't had a lot of it but

they have made good use of it. Ulster will have to draw over their

experience and know the threat that Munster possessed with Paul Forkan

In hand. -- ball in hand. Munster replacement with the throw,

couldn't call for the fair catch. Have they managed to take that

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red. They just need to score to win to establish that field-goal

position. It may be a little bit one in the second have, Keatley,

and Munster in the lead with 14 minutes to go. A second drop goal

from the very talented Ian Keatley. Two points between them. We talk

about the efficiency with which Munster have used the limited

possession they have had an no better example of that. They go

through multiple phases, side to side and when they realise they are

not able to break down the defence, they take the three points, putting

them out in front by two. Suddenly a lot more twists and turns to come

from this game, you feel. Ulster Nick Williams complaining about a

deliberate knock forward. What a good game Payne has played. He has

been very destructive in those wider troubles. His pace and his

lines of running are sublime. You add that to that strong Fenty has

and he has almost been unplayable in the wider channels for Munster.

Here is Payne once again. That lovely angle, getting outside

O'Donnell and good covering by the man who was back on the pitch

having turned -- served 10 minutes in the been the, Sean Dougall. --

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BJ Botha is going off and Stephen Archer is coming on. It looks like

Mike McComish is coming on for Sean Doyle. Both coaches recognise the

pace of the game. They are looking for the final push home. Callum

Black is still waiting to come home. Mike McComish comes on. He had a

scrum but they get penalised! And the referee says it is the same as

Ulster did. In that respect, he is consistent. A penalty to Ulster.

When the scrum starts running around at that sort of place... It

is an obvious penalty. REFEREE: You cannot go around like

that. It is the action in that time sanctioning. -- that I am

sanctioning. He says the intention is irrelevant, it is the action

around illegally. Here now Paddy Jackson to put Ulster back in the

expect of your goal kicker. Put them between the opposition's posts.

Very good strike by the 20-year-old Paddy Jackson. Very good composure

from a young man and a pressured situation, delivering the Ulster.

Ulster gather that one in especially with Ronan O'Gara on the

betting on Ulster at this stage. is finally balanced. The scoreline

says that but you get the feeling there have been twists and turns

the whole way and Munster kicking away possession for the first time.

They have scored every time they have gone through passages of play

and Ulster will be very happy to play this game out in opposition

territory. I think Keatley has gone are still in this game with eight

was spilled but not all the Munster side. Great decision by the referee,

men out here but they decided to go by Ruud one. What a hit by Trimble!

Well gathered in by Jackson. There is nobody chasing, though. That may

go dead and, if so, he got it down to the 22. And that is all he can

do. What are thumb peg by Trimble. I'd like to see the replay because

I suspect it may have been carried over the line by Munster, which may

have meant a five-metre scrum because it was fumbled. This is the

hit by Trimble. Perfect technique drop-out, and it didn't work.

Ulster have got themselves a scrum. Trimble showing the physicality he

6.5 minutes remaining, the crowd are giving out their favourite

chants and standing up for the Ulster men. Just in front of the

kicker at the restart. Has he got his fingers crossed? Underneath

referee's command. All change in the Ulster front row. Ulster must

keep this straight. That isn't bad by Ulster. The referee says that he

wants it done again. Dave O'Callaghan and Nick Williams

getting a little bit friendly, there. Or Ulster might be looking

for a penalty. They think they have got a slight edge in this scrum.

They will but it will keep their heads down and keep pushing to see

if they can get the penalty. Pressure coming through from the

Ulster front row. More than anyone in this Ulster side, Nick Williams

would like to win this one. Good shopping. Here is Nick Williams.

Well done by Conor Murray. Ulster have lost five or six metres. Have

they lost possession? This is a real good example of the Ulster

stealing. That was a well-worn Ulster scrum and they have made a

mess of it. They were going forward. Williams got himself mixed up and

he just could not get the ball away. Look at that work done by Tommy

O'Donnell. Here is Ronan O'Gara. Not the greatest kick he has ever

put in at Ravenhill but it's good enough to put Ulster back inside

their own half. Ulster will be disappointed that the ball emerged

from a scrum. They could have controlled possession, then. That

one undoubtedly have given them the penalty. That is another thing that

Mark Anscombe will have to look at. Half-way. Under five minutes

remaining. Taken by Billy Holland. So, Ulster have to match that

Munster results for the last two minutes of this game. -- results. -

- resolve. Well tackled. Conor Murray, Ronan O'Gara. To nobody in

particular. Denis Hurley. Bundled into touch. The Munster line-out.

Tempers starting to fray a little bit. Nothing wrong with that. Four

minutes on the clock and one point between them. Provincial rivals. It

is certainly getting heated. Here is Ronan O'Gara. Passed to nobody

in particular. The retention from Paddy Jackson. Then Ian Keatley.

Good defence from Andrew Trimble. It got a little bit fractious. Well

taken by Munster. Ronan O'Gara. Nearly got through. James Downey.

Keith Earls. Doug Howlett, the Munster skipper. The man who can

score tries whether it is what the All Blacks or a Munster. Stephen

Archer. What a great round that the prop has made. They will be looking

for the drop at goal. Changes his mind. Gone into touch. Donnacha

O'Callaghan actually gathered the ball. It is the Ulster line out.

looked like a communication breakdown as to who the ball-

carrier was going to be on that occasion. We can see the replay.

Munster, the first time they have not looked composed on the ball. He

sees Paddy Jackson coming up, defensively. Ulster one know that

if they can hold the ball for two minutes and 20 seconds, they will

have this game one. Paddy Jackson, getting treatment. He seemed to be

fine. He will not want to leave this game. Probably his best game

and Ulster colours. 15 of Ulster's time with the throes. But this time.

Well done by Munster. John at full what does very well to tidy this up.

Marshall. Well taken by Trimble. That has got an unnecessarily messy.

It really has kicked off at Ravenhill. This is most unseemly.

And most unnecessary. Munster took objection to the tackle on Denis

Hurley from Andrew Trimble. Well, they don't need to be doing this.

The referee will have trouble trying to sort this out. He may

well consult with his touch judge on the side. To see who was at

come down. Andrew Trimble will get himself penalised. But not a yellow

card. It will be the penalty to Munster. With over one minute to go.

Andrew Trimble, trying to get possession for that quick throw, he

was very physical by nature and they had that altercation at area.

You knew what you did by throwing her opponent into the boards. The

penalty is against you. The penalty and 15. Off you go. Andrew Trimble,

who perhaps over-reacted and tried to push his opponent into the

hoardings, has been penalised. Retaliation? Well... Six of one and

half a dozen of the other. But it started the whole thing off and

somebody was going to get penalised. And what a very good kick by Ronan

O'Gara. Is there a sting in this tale? Simple for Munster. You can

tell easily what they will try to achieve. They will try to kill

possession at the line-out. A couple of phases. Back to Ronan

O'Gara Ian Keatley. Ulster will try to disrupt the line-out and they

must muscle up defensively and put pressure on the drop goal. The ball

is his. Gathered in by Holland. Ronan O'Gara. Just shaping up for

what could be the winning of this game. The Ron Garan. He tries it.

No, he doesn't. Good work by Luke Marshall. -- Ronan O'Gara. Huge

pressure on this Ulster side. Stephen Archer. The replacement

prop. Great driving. Enter the last 30 seconds. Holland, he has had a

terrific game. Alongside Donnacha O'Callaghan. Marcus Horan. Well

tackled by Neil McComb. Can they get field position? Nick Williams

puts in a really big tackle. Conor Murray. Mike Sherry. Great Ulster

Defence. We are into the red zone. 80 minutes up. Ulster defending

desperately. Conor Murray, Ronan O'Gara, thought about that. Michael

Allen with the tackle on the great All Black. Conor Murray. Tommy

O'Donnell. Williams, Ulster need to get more men to the ball. Great

chance for Munster. Ian Keatley. What a tackle by Andrew Trimble to

make up for giving away the penalty. Conor Murphy. Ronan O'Gara. Sean

Dougall. Gets away from Nick Williams. Wallace, still there for

the men in red. Back to Ronan O'Gara. Gets away from Rob Herring.

What an extraordinary finish. Is there still one more thrilling

moment? Munster, keeping possession. Reminiscent of so many of those

great wins down the years. I remember that game against

Northampton. A Heineken Cup. Phase after phase. Stephen Archer. Conor

Murray. Still no way to set this up. Donnacha O'Callaghan, who has been

terrific all night. Denis Hurley. Good tackling by Tom Court. Ronan

O'Gara. He thought about it and changed his mind. Runs into heavy

traffic. Back in the Munster side, yet again. Mike Sherry. Tackled by

Rob Herring. The replacement figures. Here is Conor Murray.

Marcus Horan. How many times has he come to Ravenhill and one? The ball

not coming back. If this goes dead, it is game over. The referee is

having a look. Ulster have turned this around. Take it in. The Ulster

scrum that they will not get the scrum. The referee blows his

whistle. And Ulster get them on tenterhooks right to the end. It

was touch and go. Andrew Trimble might have thought he had given us

away and how delightful to see that he and his old rival can shake

hands. What a finish. I outstanding discipline from Ulster. Once you

could just not get that last five minutes that they needed to set a

position. Summered Ulster Defence and outstanding discipline at the

breakdown. And then, finally, that tackle that resulted in of the ball

being held up from the ground. And the whistle was blown. Well, songs

and exultation. But noise is a great relief. Jared Payne, who had

a terrific game for Ulster. The capacity crowd at Ravenhill for the

first time this season and everybody but hope there will be

more clouds like this. Will they see finishes like this? If this

Ulster side can produce finishes like this, they will have an army

of new fans. And very relieved Andrew Trimble, only his first

start of the season but relief all round as Ulster when one of the

games that these simply had to win. Stephen Harris -- Stephen for us,

his 100 cap, and a quiet game by his own terrific standards. And

Munster came here and made such a game at this. 9 - 0 up at one stage.

But they finish losing by one single point. What a scoreline. 20

- 19. What a finish. What an atmosphere and what a win for

That sums it up. It is always going to go to the wire and credit to

Ulster, there were strong to the last. It is about passion and pride

and commitment and the Ulster Defence towards the end, they

wanted to win this and that second half epitomised what Ulster want to

do. They were put under the cosh on several occasions but they stayed

strong. They can take a lot of positives. The Ulster coach, before

the match, said he would take any when. And that was the all-

important thing. It was exceptional, to turn around at second half

performance and eclipse the first half. The way that he has gone

about his business, they were playing for their positions and

repetition means nothing to him. Absolutely right. He is instilling

this thing within the squad, I don't care who you are - if you put

in the performance, you will get the nod. That is coming through.

of the younger men coming through, Craig Gilroy took his opportunities

and scored. The commitment in the passion and the tackling, fantastic.