:01:46. > :01:52.We have 11 changes because of the rotation system. Munster have eight
:01:52. > :01:56.changes and they nearly got beat last week. To expect an Ulster when
:01:56. > :02:03.will be a massive challenge. would you assess what they have
:02:03. > :02:09.achieved so far this season? At the start of the season, if anybody had
:02:09. > :02:14.said he would have 11, everybody would say, put a bet on that. But
:02:14. > :02:19.they have been fantastic and it is fantastic to the front players and
:02:19. > :02:23.all 30, the management and everybody. They have built a
:02:23. > :02:27.momentum and developed. They have been upset through various
:02:27. > :02:35.situations and it has galvanised the team better, but big question
:02:35. > :02:39.today. League tables are healthy reading, nine points clear for
:02:39. > :02:45.Ulster. If ever what -- if ever there was a game to put out a
:02:45. > :02:49.weakened team, this is it. When you say a weakened team, it is
:02:49. > :02:53.experienced in comparison to the team last week. But they are
:02:53. > :03:00.looking for positions within the squad and right for League
:03:00. > :03:05.challenging for number one. We can have fully absorb a loss here and
:03:05. > :03:09.hopefully Ulster will pick up a bonus. A from the outside, we see
:03:09. > :03:14.it as a weakened team, the squad see it as an opportunity and that
:03:14. > :03:21.is the key ingredient. Theroux youngsters, fresh faces we have not
:03:21. > :03:27.seen -- about off. They will be excited. 11 changes for all stuck
:03:27. > :03:34.but for Munster, it does look stronger on paper -- for Ulster.
:03:34. > :03:40.They are very strong in the front row. That is where the platforms.
:03:40. > :03:46.For young boys like Paddy Butler who are good and upcoming. And they
:03:46. > :03:54.have strength across their back line and you have to look at their
:03:54. > :04:00.bench if they need to change things are. Strong on paper but to go down
:04:00. > :04:05.there for an Ulster player is challenging. And if you look at the
:04:05. > :04:09.quarter-finals last season, that can take a sting out of the team.
:04:09. > :04:18.Now we can talk to David Humphreys and Adam Quinn man with Gavin
:04:18. > :04:22.Andrews. -- David -- Adam Quins. Did the turkey tastes nice against
:04:22. > :04:26.-- after that win last week? It did, but Christmas does not really
:04:26. > :04:31.interfere too much now in sport with training. An important game
:04:31. > :04:35.starting tonight and the Scarlets next week and the European Cup so
:04:35. > :04:43.it is an important part of the season. Nothing is one but you can
:04:43. > :04:46.raise plenty. 11 changes tonight and a lot of young boys income at a
:04:46. > :04:52.significant test, isn't it? He a big test and a big opportunity for
:04:52. > :04:57.a lot of players. A lot of this team provided the basis of the
:04:57. > :05:00.squad that won the opening fixture so they have played a lot this year.
:05:00. > :05:06.Another big opportunity for a number of them close to the Irish
:05:06. > :05:10.squad and to lay down a marker is going into two European Cup games.
:05:10. > :05:20.This man standing here knows all about it, a big test for the
:05:20. > :05:22.
:05:22. > :05:26.forwards? The is no well harder to come and play an Thomond Park and a
:05:26. > :05:31.lot of questions will be answered tonight about how their response to
:05:31. > :05:38.the pressure and atmosphere. massive game for Ulster, has
:05:38. > :05:42.significant is it for Munster? very important, a home win against
:05:42. > :05:46.three-strong, at not so strong Ulster team so there is an
:05:46. > :05:51.opportunity and there are 11 changes which can sometimes benefit
:05:51. > :05:56.the opposing team. A lot of young Ulster players are trying to make
:05:56. > :06:03.an impression. Munster are not consistent but it is a home game
:06:03. > :06:08.and if they went, they are in their play-off position. I suppose
:06:08. > :06:15.looking up at the Ulster team, in your eyebrows are raised?
:06:15. > :06:21.looking at. But the Irish players, they cannot all play the two games
:06:21. > :06:25.-- the Irish. Ulster put out their strongest team last week so they
:06:25. > :06:30.were always going to make changes and this is difficult to play this
:06:30. > :06:35.over Christmas. But it is an opportunity for young players and
:06:35. > :06:38.Munster probably have a stronger team on paper, but a great
:06:38. > :06:43.opportunity for younger guys to come and test their ability
:06:43. > :06:48.mentally and physically. As they both said, a big opportunity for
:06:48. > :06:53.some of the younger players. Like Luke Marshall who maybe younger put
:06:53. > :06:59.is turning out to be one of the most experienced in the side.
:06:59. > :07:04.has done a lot of work physically and is growing. He shows a lot of
:07:04. > :07:09.strength and is very direct. He goes straight for it and that is a
:07:09. > :07:14.bonus. He will step in and he holds time and gets it up. But he is
:07:14. > :07:23.still growing, he is very young. He is just in the right place at the
:07:23. > :07:28.right times. And he's put the ball and finishes off. -- he supports.
:07:28. > :07:33.The most exciting player has been Craig Gilroy, the only national
:07:33. > :07:40.player in the Ulster line-up. coming on from last season and this
:07:40. > :07:44.season he has backed it up and is getting the rewards from last
:07:44. > :07:54.season. He is the one to watch and everybody is talking about him, he
:07:54. > :08:00.is exciting, a quick and makes the right decisions and goes after it.
:08:00. > :08:05.The shoulder charge is something a lot of people forget about. For a
:08:06. > :08:11.guy on his first full international to have that bus about 10, he has
:08:12. > :08:21.the skills. -- bus about him. and for the action, we can join our
:08:22. > :08:26.
:08:26. > :08:35.has been raining in Limerick for most of the day but that has abated
:08:35. > :08:45.and the pitch is in very good condition. The contest we have,
:08:45. > :08:54.
:08:54. > :09:04.Ulster, a bright new front row for with Niall O'Connor coming in.
:09:04. > :09:16.
:09:16. > :09:24.Craig Gilroy is the only Munster side. They have serious
:09:24. > :09:30.ambitions for silverware this season. Not quite a packed house
:09:30. > :09:40.here at Thomond Park, but pretty close to it. Led by the remarkable
:09:40. > :09:46.
:09:46. > :09:50.Doug Howlett. It is a big, strong, Ulster -- Munster pack. A
:09:50. > :10:00.formidable Munster forward pack. Behind the scrum, international
:10:00. > :10:02.
:10:02. > :10:12.half backs. Watch out for Casey Lyle last in the centre. -- Casey
:10:12. > :10:17.
:10:17. > :10:22.Laulala. The referee is Alan Rowland's, have approaching an
:10:22. > :10:32.half-century of appearances in the RaboDirect Pro12. So, big changes
:10:32. > :10:34.
:10:34. > :10:44.for the Ulster side. Of Munster are fielding 11 internationals, Ulster
:10:44. > :11:02.
:11:02. > :11:12.only two. Not forward immediately at the breakdown and that is a
:11:12. > :11:35.
:11:35. > :11:40.the world. First scrum of the evening. Although the rain has
:11:40. > :11:50.stopped, it has been raining very heavily in the last hour. I think
:11:50. > :12:00.we will see a lot of knock-on balls, it is very greasy. The guys will be
:12:00. > :12:16.
:12:16. > :12:24.referee gives a penalty, rather ominously in the first scrum
:12:24. > :12:30.against Ulster. They had decided to take matters into their own hands.
:12:30. > :12:40.They shouldn't be doing that. BJ Botha of putting a big squeeze on
:12:40. > :12:43.
:12:43. > :12:48.Callum Black. In previous weeks we have seen how a dominant scrum has
:12:48. > :12:54.led to the outcome of the game. Adam Macklin is in for his first
:12:54. > :13:00.dark this season. He will be under the cosh early on. They have forced
:13:00. > :13:10.the penalty and this is the perfect start for Munster. It all came from
:13:10. > :13:17.
:13:17. > :13:25.a turnover. Ian Keatley, his 36 came for Munster. -- Game for
:13:25. > :13:35.Munster. He was capped twice for Ireland in 2009 in the tour to
:13:35. > :13:42.
:13:42. > :13:46.confident kick from a confident side. It is very important from an
:13:46. > :13:56.Ulster pointed you that they don't allow you Munster to build too much
:13:56. > :13:56.
:13:56. > :15:07.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:15:07. > :15:16.interference there? It certainly looked like it. Lewis Stephenson
:15:16. > :15:22.will be keen to make an impression. He is a very physical player.
:15:22. > :15:32.Ulster on the front foot is very important early on. I think Paul
:15:32. > :16:07.
:16:07. > :16:17.Marshall was unlucky their bets international caps. -- John Afoa
:16:17. > :16:28.
:16:28. > :16:38.break down quickly. Free kick against Munster for an early
:16:38. > :17:09.
:17:09. > :17:19.knocked forward. This will be a very important scrum for Ulster.
:17:19. > :17:31.
:17:31. > :17:41.Luke Marshall has been very good so under Mark Anscombe. The referee
:17:41. > :17:51.just telling Damien Varley that he went early in the last scrum. BJ
:17:51. > :18:11.
:18:11. > :18:21.Botha had three seasons with Ulster, It must have come off an Ulster
:18:21. > :18:21.
:18:21. > :18:31.player, because the touch judge has given it to Munster. Good defence
:18:31. > :18:31.
:18:31. > :19:18.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:19:18. > :19:28.at the break down, they don't allow good kick by Niall O'Connor. Ulster
:19:28. > :19:30.
:19:30. > :19:40.want to play territory. That was an interesting option there by Munster.
:19:40. > :19:59.
:19:59. > :20:09.That was for Simon Zebo coming use it, and that is good work --
:20:09. > :20:11.
:20:11. > :20:19.used it. The crowd are booing, I do not know why. Alain Rolland decided
:20:19. > :20:29.against the Worsell -- the Wessel. That looked a bit forward, but play
:20:29. > :20:41.
:20:41. > :20:47.was done, but that was excellent work to hold a player up. Chris
:20:47. > :20:52.Henry got off the line early, I was very surprised Alain Rolland did
:20:52. > :20:57.not blow earlier for being held up in the choked tackle, it is used so
:20:57. > :21:06.effectively by Ulster this season. Ulster should have had a scrum so
:21:06. > :21:16.worked -- so they will be happy to have possession now. Is stoppage
:21:16. > :21:22.for injury. -- a stoppage. Alain Rolland has had a word with both
:21:22. > :21:32.forwards about early engagement. The Munster management will be
:21:32. > :21:33.
:21:33. > :21:43.happy with that start. Frankie Shane. And he can leave his car
:21:43. > :21:49.
:21:49. > :21:59.bomb what anywhere he likes in Limerick! -- his car. I definitely
:21:59. > :22:06.
:22:06. > :22:16.a free kick but having spoken to the front rows, it seems to be all
:22:16. > :22:16.
:22:16. > :23:34.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:23:34. > :23:42.Conor Murray is the culprit and Ulster have a penalty. Just saw
:23:42. > :23:44.Michael Allen and his strength in contact and not afraid. Great
:23:44. > :23:52.action by Luke Marshall, but Munster were offside. Good
:23:52. > :23:59.enterprise and good play by Ulster. Ulster did well to reorganise
:23:59. > :24:03.themselves. Mack we saw Adam D'Arcy as well, heading up blind-side, and
:24:03. > :24:13.he will look to do the same and generate some attacking
:24:13. > :24:28.
:24:28. > :24:38.and Mark Anscombe. 13 minutes played and a chance for Paddy
:24:38. > :24:47.
:24:47. > :24:57.Jackson. -- Milo,. -- O'Connor. And he scuffed that badly, not good
:24:57. > :24:57.
:24:57. > :25:04.contact, he rushed it a bit. Not the smooth rhythm we normally see
:25:04. > :25:08.from hence. It was not the strike he was looking for. The ground will
:25:08. > :25:18.be wet and the foot placement will be important and that sometimes
:25:18. > :25:18.
:25:18. > :26:03.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:26:03. > :26:08.The last time Luke Marshall was greatest pass. In two minds about
:26:08. > :26:15.what to do to that, he tried to pick it up. But this is an
:26:15. > :26:19.encouraging. Very good play. We saw Luke Marshall carry the ball in two
:26:19. > :26:23.hands before that allowed him to make the decisions. He managed to
:26:23. > :26:30.get through the hole. But disappointing Hallett finished, he
:26:30. > :26:34.will be a difficult passing game for the scrum-half -- how it
:26:34. > :26:39.finished. The rain will make the ball greasy and so the 10th May
:26:39. > :26:47.have to stand closer to the line to make the pass as a bit easier --
:26:47. > :26:57.the 10 may have to. We are getting very wet here! 3-0 to Munster a. A
:26:57. > :26:58.
:26:58. > :27:08.bit of a squeeze by Ulster. I think the pass was inside the 22. Well
:27:08. > :27:08.
:27:08. > :27:18.taken by Adam D'Arcy. That is not a bad kick. The tackle was by Luke
:27:18. > :27:38.
:27:38. > :27:42.coming up to the end of the first quarter, with 16.5 minutes played
:27:42. > :27:50.only three points between them. Jedward will be more than
:27:50. > :27:54.reasonably happy with that first play, we sort a three-man play for
:27:54. > :27:59.-- an Ulster. Conditions are not good but you have to take
:27:59. > :28:06.opportunities, at that was a poor kick. I was thinking of sending you
:28:06. > :28:16.to the car to get an umbrella, but we do not have won! For her -- are
:28:16. > :28:20.
:28:20. > :28:25.an Ulster line-out. And ask the rain comes down, catching the ball
:28:25. > :28:35.will be more and more difficult. Mack good defence for, but by
:28:35. > :28:36.
:28:36. > :28:40.Michael Allen, - good defence, good play by Michael Allen. Ulster can
:28:40. > :28:50.continue to make their way into this game and it will be happy
:28:50. > :29:17.
:29:17. > :29:21.I think that caught all the forwards by surprise. I don't think
:29:21. > :29:29.they realise that the kick from Luke Marshall went straight up in
:29:29. > :29:34.the air. The ball in the air will be a tactic used all evening as
:29:34. > :29:44.they will be a lot of mistakes made underneath it. The ball will be
:29:44. > :29:52.
:29:52. > :29:59.greasy. Munster are inside Ulster's 22 for the first time this evening.
:29:59. > :30:09.Damien Varley's throw was not straight. Ulster have opted for the
:30:09. > :30:09.
:30:09. > :30:14.scrum. It will be a tough night for the hookers throwing in. The balls
:30:14. > :30:22.will need to be wiped dry all evening if they want to get the
:30:22. > :30:32.chance of a perfect throw-in. an Ulster scrum. They had been
:30:32. > :30:40.
:30:40. > :30:44.under pressure from the outset in will be relieved so with that.
:30:44. > :30:52.Roger Wilson controls the ball so well at the back. Nick Williams is
:30:52. > :30:56.more explosive off the back, but Roger Wilson's control is excellent.
:30:56. > :31:04.Roger Wilson has been outstanding. He has been in very good form for
:31:04. > :31:14.Ulster this season. He was one of the stand-out players at
:31:14. > :31:14.
:31:14. > :32:29.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:32:29. > :32:34.entry. Damien Varley. Great work by to help out. Damien Varley went
:32:34. > :32:38.straight in from an offside position. So, a chance for Niall
:32:38. > :32:48.O'Connor having missed with a penalty five or six minutes ago, to
:32:48. > :33:17.
:33:17. > :33:22.O'Connor! Nicely struck the outside half. We are on level terms. Lovely
:33:22. > :33:30.kick by Niall O'Connor. Everybody knows he has got a very good
:33:30. > :33:40.technique. He has got great timing. He will be glad to get Ulster off
:33:40. > :34:00.
:34:00. > :34:05.the mark and get three points on discipline. The dough restarts will
:34:05. > :34:15.be crucial. It will be difficult for the second row players to catch
:34:15. > :34:23.
:34:23. > :34:29.the ball over their heads. Niall situations like that. Not only have
:34:29. > :34:36.you considered position, you have given the ball back. Absolutely. I
:34:36. > :34:46.think he went for too much on that. Neil McComb has been a much
:34:46. > :35:13.
:35:13. > :35:19.billed by Denis Hurley. It has worked out to the advantage of
:35:19. > :35:25.Ulster after all. This tactic will be used an awful lot. It is maybe
:35:25. > :35:35.not pretty, but you can see it has given Ulster a great attacking
:35:35. > :35:38.
:35:38. > :35:48.platform. It is a split airfield scrum. -- split field scrum. There
:35:48. > :36:11.
:36:11. > :36:18.will be lots of speed here coming Marshall. Gathered by a Denis
:36:18. > :36:28.Hurley. It hasn't worked out too badly for Ulster. There is no doubt
:36:28. > :36:29.
:36:29. > :36:39.that Ulster was on the back foot there. Denis Hurley does not have a
:36:39. > :37:17.
:37:17. > :37:27.left-foot and, so Ulster should For a prop forward, his hands are
:37:27. > :37:33.
:37:33. > :37:41.normally excellent. That is a pity, they had a couple of men over. Adam
:37:41. > :37:50.Macklin was unable to take that. Encouraging stuff from Ulster.
:37:50. > :37:55.Paddy Butler, the 22-year-old, in the war as a little bit. Irish
:37:55. > :38:05.Under 20 International. Was in the Junior World Cup squad a couple of
:38:05. > :38:18.
:38:18. > :38:24.seasons ago. Peter O'Mahony is only word with Alain Rolland, pointing
:38:24. > :38:34.out something about the way the Ulster scrum his scrummaging. Not
:38:34. > :38:34.
:38:34. > :39:52.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:39:52. > :39:58.that you would know, as Munster are holding on in the contact. A good
:39:58. > :40:03.Ulster attack, just a shame that it petered out. The amount of rain
:40:03. > :40:13.that has fallen will not help people like Craig Gilroy he is very
:40:13. > :40:21.
:40:21. > :40:27.far. I think when they get into the 22 p should just keep it a little
:40:27. > :40:34.bit tighter. That will keep the pressure on and it will start to
:40:34. > :40:40.wear down the Munster defence. That will create opportunities for them.
:40:40. > :40:50.Last time Craig Gilroy was here he scored a hat-trick for the Irish
:40:50. > :41:23.
:41:23. > :41:31.coming from Munster. At this level, if you fall off the tackle you're
:41:31. > :41:36.in serious trouble. Munster have the five-metre scrum. That came
:41:36. > :41:46.from one or two defenders shooting out of the liner. The passing from
:41:46. > :41:47.
:41:47. > :41:52.Munster was clinical. Ulster have to be careful. If they are going to
:41:53. > :42:02.go off to try and block those passes, they have to go up in twos
:42:03. > :42:04.
:42:04. > :42:13.and threes. Denis Hurley had Doug Howlett outside him, but he opted
:42:13. > :42:19.to go back inside. Good covering by Ulster. Michael Allen got himself
:42:19. > :42:25.in the middle of all that. Adam Macklin seems to be fine. This will
:42:25. > :42:29.be a big scrum. That was a good scramble defence, but they were put
:42:29. > :42:35.under that pressure because one or two of the Ulster defenders shot
:42:35. > :42:38.out of the line. Luke Marshall didn't know whether to shoot out or
:42:38. > :42:46.staying and he just lost his footing, which allowed Ian Keatley
:42:46. > :42:56.to go straight through. This is the most important scrum of the game so
:42:56. > :43:08.
:43:08. > :43:16.inside. Peter O'Mahony looking at the touch drudge and decide on was
:43:16. > :43:24.to say, Ulster were collapsing that! -- touch judge. That is so
:43:24. > :43:34.close they are. Doug Howlett is standing directly beside Ian
:43:34. > :43:50.
:43:50. > :43:56.will ask them to do it again. It started off quite well for Ulster,
:43:56. > :44:03.then the pressure got to them. No penalty incurred. Ulster will take
:44:03. > :44:13.a lot of confidence from that. Munster got a bit of momentum going.
:44:13. > :44:17.They will probably look to do exactly the same again. Robbie
:44:17. > :44:23.Diack Hass to stay down on the flank to give Callum Black a little
:44:23. > :44:33.bit of extra support. Tom Court is just warming up. They must be
:44:33. > :44:40.
:44:40. > :44:44.referee has given a penalty against Ulster for the front rows coming up,
:44:44. > :44:51.and Munster will probably go for the five points or seven points,
:44:51. > :45:01.rather than three for the penalty. I do not think Doug Howlett was
:45:01. > :45:05.
:45:05. > :45:10.consulted about that. They decided to go for the scrum again. Ulster
:45:10. > :45:15.just have to keep that initial head on a. Those last two scrums, they
:45:15. > :45:22.held Munster without any difficulty for the opening seconds and have to
:45:22. > :45:32.continue that and not allow Ulster to gain that momentum. The referee
:45:32. > :45:40.
:45:40. > :45:46.is playing on and he has given scrum, I am sure Alain Rolland
:45:46. > :45:56.would go underneath the Ulster posts. Third and last chance maybe
:45:56. > :45:56.
:45:56. > :46:02.for Ulster to relieve the pressure, and the pressure is enormous. Alain
:46:02. > :46:12.Rolland is telling everybody he is coming over to the Ulster loose-
:46:12. > :46:23.
:46:23. > :46:27.head side, BJ Botha against Callum given a penalty try! It was
:46:27. > :46:37.inevitably -- inevitable. That gives Munster the lead once again
:46:37. > :46:41.
:46:41. > :46:44.the. And although Munster players have run in. You felt -- she felt
:46:44. > :46:49.that was coming but it came from Ulster missing tackles in the
:46:49. > :46:53.middle of the park. The writing was on the wall, after the second or
:46:53. > :46:58.third penalty, you knew it was a matter of time before the penalty
:46:58. > :47:03.try was awarded. We knew there would be an area of concern for
:47:03. > :47:08.Ulster, it is a relatively inexperienced front row against a
:47:08. > :47:15.seasoned and Harden front row for Munster. Faith -- hardened. They
:47:15. > :47:20.have pushed well. Ulster will be disappointed, it just shows
:47:20. > :47:28.territory is going to be crucial in this game. If they allow Munster to
:47:28. > :47:35.get into their 22, they will be under pressure. Six minutes until
:47:35. > :47:43.half-time. Munster now leading by 10 points to three points. Paddy
:47:43. > :47:53.Butler seems to be fine again at. - - again. That is a belter! And
:47:53. > :47:54.
:47:54. > :48:00.Wilson, magnificent under the high ball! And Munster have won the
:48:00. > :48:06.scrummage. That is playing right into their hands, Ulster did not
:48:06. > :48:15.get enough people behind Wilson. And Paul Marshall has been binned
:48:15. > :48:22.a! That was about urgency. And Wilson was under a lot of pressure.
:48:22. > :48:27.Simon Zebo bed down on him and got the ball away -- came down up.
:48:27. > :48:36.There was not enough Agency from the also forwards to get around him
:48:36. > :48:46.and support that ball -- enough urgency that allowed the forwards.
:48:46. > :48:47.
:48:47. > :48:52.Mike McComish is injured and the referee has been asked about the
:48:52. > :49:02.sin-binning, the referee said it was about the use of the foot. I
:49:02. > :49:05.
:49:05. > :49:10.suspect took on a cat O'Callaghan did not even feel that. -- Donnacha.
:49:10. > :49:15.He is taking on water, I think he will be all right. That was an
:49:15. > :49:20.excellent pitch, but Wilson that under pressure. It was at that
:49:20. > :49:25.stage that the players needed to move as quickly as possible. It was
:49:25. > :49:30.always going to be difficult against three or four forwards, so
:49:30. > :49:34.again, Munster have got the territory, will put pressure on
:49:34. > :49:41.Ulster now they are down to 10 men. For the will be looking to force
:49:41. > :49:47.another scrummage perhaps. -- they will be. If Ulster catch this and
:49:47. > :49:51.forced the scrummage, there could be another try before the interval.
:49:51. > :50:00.When it goes to the front, they have to drive it forward and they
:50:00. > :50:10.are doing just that. They will have to play it, Damian Varley looking
:50:10. > :50:43.
:50:43. > :50:48.to pick up and drive. But defence that. The new -- and we saw the new
:50:48. > :50:52.Munster there and not the old team. The old team would have used the
:50:52. > :50:58.forward pack to dominate. The weather conditions are not good.
:50:58. > :51:02.The manager wants to play an expansive game, Rob Penney. This
:51:02. > :51:12.game -- the side is capable of doing that. With conditions like
:51:12. > :51:23.
:51:23. > :51:29.this, they have to keep it a bit everything stops, is that clear?
:51:29. > :51:33.Alain Rolland is saying to both captains, he is talking about
:51:33. > :51:41.discipline and he said too many players are in each other's faces.
:51:41. > :51:45.Still another chance for more points for Munster. Another Munster
:51:46. > :51:55.line-out, same-again, packed again and looking for the drive, and they
:51:56. > :52:18.
:52:19. > :52:28.Mike McComish has to get away and he does. The referee has called,
:52:29. > :52:34.
:52:35. > :52:41.music. -- used it. Good defence again by Ulster. Ulster's tackling
:52:41. > :52:47.now is desperate. And Ulster get the penalty. And that is very good
:52:47. > :52:51.defence by Ulster, difficult conditions. James Downey was
:52:51. > :53:01.penalised and he does not understand why. More remakes a
:53:01. > :53:02.
:53:02. > :53:12.mistake and look how quickly Ulster react some -- Murray. Before so a
:53:12. > :53:17.
:53:17. > :53:23.penalty and that relieves the pressure. -- that was a penalty.
:53:23. > :53:31.Lewis Stevenson next six games in a row with a knee ligament problem --
:53:31. > :53:41.he missed it. He will be important for Ulster but the Heineken Cup
:53:41. > :53:41.
:53:41. > :55:11.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:55:11. > :55:16.That is 40 minutes and then maybe time for the kick to touch. The 40
:55:16. > :55:20.is up and Ulster will be happy about that. Apart from conceding
:55:20. > :55:25.the penalty trike when they were down to 14 men, not a bad first
:55:25. > :55:30.half for Ulster. I do not think Mark Anscombe will be too
:55:30. > :55:35.disappointed with that. He will be very happy, only 10-3 down against
:55:36. > :55:40.the strong Munster side. At macro - - Ulster competed well but they
:55:40. > :55:44.will be talking about the scrum at half time. If they tighten that
:55:44. > :55:54.area up a bit and if Marshall comes back on the pitch, still a good
:55:54. > :56:02.
:56:02. > :56:09.It has been a tight at Derby on a miserable night in Limerick thigh.
:56:09. > :56:15.Few scoring opportunities so-far, but again it with plenty of
:56:15. > :56:21.mistakes on both sides. Ulster competitive for the first half hour
:56:21. > :56:27.but Munster powered in France with that penalty try, and more problems
:56:27. > :56:33.for Ulster before half-time it with a sin-bin for Paul Marshall.
:56:33. > :56:39.Munster lead but Ulster still in the games. As I said, it has been
:56:39. > :56:45.riddled with mistakes and penalties. It has, the weather conditions have
:56:45. > :56:50.not helped. That, culminating with the fact a lot of players are
:56:50. > :56:59.playing their first game for a long time. Paul Marshall has not had
:56:59. > :57:03.much pain time recently and these are fundamental mistakes. It has
:57:03. > :57:07.culminated in being seven points down. It feels like a game of fine
:57:07. > :57:13.margins and you need to take opportunities to win it. Very much
:57:13. > :57:18.so, these games are always that way, and never any will -- and never any
:57:18. > :57:22.runaway teams. Ulster have done all right but Munster have not done
:57:22. > :57:26.that will, they have made a few mistakes, not holding on to the
:57:27. > :57:31.ball, and they are going for little kicks. Goal long in these
:57:31. > :57:37.conditions and put the team under pressure. -- if you have to go
:57:37. > :57:41.along. On paper, as we keep saying, they are a better side but it just
:57:41. > :57:48.goes to show up that you do not live rugby on a piece of paper.
:57:48. > :57:56.Early on, Ulster should have had an early penalty. Think great drive by
:57:56. > :58:06.Moya Stevenson. -- a great drive by Lewis Stevenson. That should have
:58:06. > :58:08.
:58:08. > :58:18.the winning goal losing of of games. And that kind of thing could prove
:58:18. > :58:23.
:58:23. > :58:32.And a point on offer, you must take them. That is three points down and
:58:32. > :58:42.again, under a bit of pressure. If you get that kick over, we will see
:58:42. > :58:56.
:58:56. > :59:04.a different Niall O'Connor, Unfortunately, and they couldn't
:59:04. > :59:10.get the support to him. Michael Allen has done very well. Both
:59:10. > :59:19.centres have done well. She is very strong and just riding tackles. Be
:59:19. > :59:26.seen to be drinking nicely in the centre. Luke Marshall is a strong
:59:26. > :59:30.guy. With three players on his back, he can stay strong. Luke Marshall
:59:30. > :59:37.doesn't give the ball up easily, but this first have has been
:59:37. > :59:47.dominated by mistakes on both sides. That is a bit of rustiness from
:59:47. > :59:52.
:59:52. > :59:57.Luke Marshall. -- Paul Marshall. is all fine lines. From what should
:59:57. > :00:05.have been a line-out on the 22 attacking, they just put themselves
:00:05. > :00:15.under pressure. This was a great scoring opportunity. Get the
:00:15. > :00:24.
:00:24. > :00:29.donkey's out at the back line! -- He is a young guy, it is a learning
:00:29. > :00:37.curves. Unless you are really comfortable in that first receiver
:00:37. > :00:42.position, run a support line. We manufactured a nice set up there
:00:42. > :00:48.and it was butchered by Adam Macklin, unfortunately. Munster
:00:48. > :00:58.took their opportunity when it came. The Ulster Defence was set up
:00:58. > :01:10.
:01:10. > :01:14.nicely. Luke Marshall got caught up on the inside. He possibly should
:01:14. > :01:24.be given it to Doug Howlett there. Possibly, but they think he was
:01:24. > :01:25.
:01:25. > :01:30.covered by Chris Cochrane. It ill started back from board -- from bad
:01:30. > :01:36.defence right at the fringes. Alain Rolland was always going to his
:01:36. > :01:46.pocket at this point and going for the try. Munster kept the pressure
:01:46. > :01:47.
:01:47. > :01:52.round, and I think it was a fair decision. Alain Rolland came round
:01:52. > :01:57.to this size -- it to decide at the scrum and once they drop to their
:01:57. > :02:01.knees, he had to give it. Time to bring you up to date but what has
:02:01. > :02:11.been happening in local football today. Let's have a look at the
:02:11. > :02:11.
:02:11. > :03:08.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:03:08. > :03:12.Well, some action from a few of deadlock against Dungannon Swifts.
:03:12. > :03:18.Liam Boyce was left unmarked in the box to head home his 20th goal of
:03:18. > :03:25.the season. Stephen Garrett was brought down on the edge of the
:03:25. > :03:35.penalty area. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty
:03:35. > :03:39.
:03:39. > :03:45.kick. It Cliftonville captain made no mistake from the spot. Glentoran
:03:45. > :03:53.bounced back from their defeat against Linfield against Donegal
:03:53. > :04:03.Celtic. Richard Clarke opened the scoring. Be doubled their lead
:04:03. > :04:23.
:04:23. > :04:33.shortly after. With 20 minutes left, restart, Glentoran extended their
:04:33. > :04:38.
:04:38. > :04:46.lead further. Donegal Celtic were handed a golden opportunity. But
:04:46. > :04:56.the spot kick hit the crossbar. Dings then went from bad to worse
:04:56. > :05:03.
:05:03. > :05:13.for Donegal Celtic as Kevin Keegan fouled Jim O'Hanlon. It ended 5-0.
:05:13. > :05:23.
:05:23. > :05:29.You can see all the goals on the Back to the rugby. Let's get the
:05:29. > :05:35.thoughts of Alan Quinlan. Were you impressed with how Ulster
:05:35. > :05:40.lived with Munster? Mark Anscombe will be pretty pleased after that
:05:40. > :05:47.first that. Conditions are horrendous. Ulster will be very
:05:47. > :05:53.disappointed to have conceded that penalty try. It was a good line
:05:54. > :06:00.break by Ian Keatley. Ulster were very impressive for the first 30
:06:00. > :06:04.minutes. They buried their game and had a lot of good possession. Paul
:06:04. > :06:11.Marshall was good, Niall O'Connor directed his players well around
:06:11. > :06:15.him. How d'you see things going in the second half? It is very
:06:15. > :06:19.difficult in the conditions to score a lot. There will be a lot of
:06:19. > :06:28.mistakes. Munster probably have a little bit more power and
:06:28. > :06:34.experience up front. Munster have to be more physically dominant and
:06:34. > :06:38.try to keep the pressure on Ulster physically. Ulster can take a lot
:06:38. > :06:44.of confidence. There are still in the game. They can give it a good
:06:44. > :06:49.go in the second half. Thanks for your time.
:06:49. > :06:59.Ulster will start the second half with 14 men. Paul Marshall was sin-
:06:59. > :07:00.
:07:00. > :07:08.binned. The whistle has gone and he has had a dig at Donnacha
:07:08. > :07:17.O'Callaghan Underground. -- on the ground. That was frustration on the
:07:17. > :07:23.grounds. If Ulster can avoid conceding some points here when
:07:23. > :07:29.they are down to 14, they are pretty much in this game. They have
:07:29. > :07:34.to draw first blood. They need to settle themselves in. Mark Anscombe
:07:34. > :07:43.is probably telling them but it is a fine line, take the penalty try
:07:43. > :07:49.out a big game and there is nothing in this match. How much more
:07:49. > :07:56.pressure on Munster to get a winning results? Given the team
:07:56. > :08:03.that they have come on paper, they have a wealth of experience. Ulster
:08:03. > :08:10.have to be a bit more composed when they get into the Munster 22. The
:08:11. > :08:20.pressure is all on Munster to put in the performance. Ulster still
:08:21. > :08:29.
:08:29. > :08:38.himself in a position to score a try or two. This is a happy hunting
:08:38. > :08:48.ground for him. Munster will be happy with their 10-3 lead. Ronan
:08:48. > :08:58.O'Gara up was out warming up. He didn't miss a single kick at goal
:08:58. > :08:58.
:08:58. > :09:39.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:09:39. > :09:46.playing advantage. -- knocked forward. It will be an Ulster scrum.
:09:46. > :09:54.Niall O'Connor will have to get it in an Ulster will have to strike
:09:54. > :10:00.its. Ulster need to be careful in defence. Had that all gone to hand,
:10:00. > :10:10.Munster were through with a bit of an overlap. It is important for
:10:10. > :10:15.
:10:15. > :10:21.Ulster to start well. They just need to hold on to possession.
:10:21. > :10:31.was a slip on this side. Adam Macklin's studs not getting the
:10:31. > :10:31.
:10:31. > :10:38.purchase on the slippery surface. Adam Macklin, his first start of
:10:38. > :10:45.the season for Ulster. He only started one game last season,
:10:45. > :10:55.although he was a fairly regular member of the match-day squads.
:10:55. > :10:56.
:10:56. > :11:00.Wian du Preez is playing his 70th six game for Munster. The referee
:11:00. > :11:10.has asked them to do it again. Ulster very nearly stole that and
:11:10. > :11:15.
:11:15. > :11:25.got it away. Ulster have a second chance. The surface will take a
:11:25. > :11:28.
:11:28. > :11:34.stud. As a former international scrum-half, Alain Rolland saying to
:11:34. > :11:44.try and get it in a little bits more quickly. Great drive by
:11:44. > :11:44.
:11:44. > :13:14.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:13:14. > :13:19.Munster. Swept Ulster off the ball. mess in the Ulster midfield. You
:13:19. > :13:28.can't give this fellow a single sniff. If you do, she will punish
:13:28. > :13:37.you. It all came from pressure. Good vision by Simon Zebo. He is
:13:37. > :13:47.lethal around the ruck area. Lewis Stephenson just can't make it
:13:47. > :13:52.across. That is an area of communication. You just have to get
:13:52. > :13:58.a little bit closer together because somebody with the speed of
:13:58. > :14:08.Simon Zebo will make you look a little bit stupid. That all started
:14:08. > :14:19.
:14:19. > :14:25.from a scrum. Niall O'Connor was inside, and with the extra man of
:14:25. > :14:35.the fields no one was there to fill that gap. Marshall is now back on
:14:35. > :14:53.
:14:53. > :15:00.the field again. In his absence, smarting after that Heineken Cup
:15:00. > :15:07.quarter-final deceit -- defeat here last season. It will be a line-out
:15:07. > :15:12.for Ulster. Ulster, defensively, they tried to get tighter at
:15:12. > :15:16.defender. But do not worry about the outside channels when the ball
:15:16. > :15:21.is slippery and the ground is difficult to run fast on, they will
:15:21. > :15:25.not be able to move the ball to the wing easily, do not get any breaks
:15:25. > :15:33.in the defence on the inside, that is Webber problems will come.
:15:33. > :15:43.Zebo scored his 17th try for Munster. Rob Herring, his 11th game
:15:43. > :15:46.
:15:46. > :15:56.for Ulster. Got herself disrupted. That burning has got a Paul
:15:56. > :15:56.
:15:56. > :16:37.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:16:37. > :16:41.went off his feet. What will Munster do? I am sure they will go
:16:41. > :16:47.into the corner. You can clearly see, we sort a mistake at the base,
:16:47. > :16:51.he did not protect the ball and Luke Marshall is under pressure and
:16:51. > :16:56.cannot pick it up. That is where they are dangerous and the
:16:56. > :17:04.confidence is starting to rise. This is great play here. Important
:17:04. > :17:14.intercept all that would have been a try. Robbie Diack has a bumper
:17:14. > :17:15.
:17:15. > :17:19.but he seems to be all right again. -- bump. The first time on it wet
:17:19. > :17:29.Limerick date we have heard the strains of the field of bath and
:17:29. > :17:37.
:17:37. > :17:40.and drive and it is looking-glass out -- it is looking now or like it
:17:40. > :17:49.when four Ulster. For they are looking at a bonus point now and
:17:49. > :17:54.the spirit of lifted, but their intensity has lifted and they will
:17:54. > :18:01.try to get the forwards over the line here. Ulster will have to be
:18:01. > :18:11.very solid in defence to hold them out. So 19 points to three, dew
:18:11. > :18:34.
:18:34. > :18:44.just tackling as hard as they can his former province and he is
:18:44. > :18:48.
:18:48. > :18:56.pretty close to it! That is the drive from but what. -- Butler.
:18:56. > :19:06.Thought the pressure coming from the men in red. Pick up and stride
:19:06. > :19:27.
:19:27. > :19:33.number three for Munster. And they are very much in control of this
:19:33. > :19:38.game. When they were down to 14 men, Ulster lost their shape and control.
:19:38. > :19:43.A difficult time for Ulster now and they will have to think about how
:19:43. > :19:49.to stop this onslaught. Good power just getting through the tackle.
:19:49. > :19:53.Ulster will be disappointed with that, a bit soft. They defended the
:19:53. > :19:58.line-out particularly well and looked like they had pushed Munster
:19:58. > :20:02.back, but their dominance in clearing out and creating a quick
:20:02. > :20:12.ball is shining through now and putting Ulster defence under a lot
:20:12. > :20:16.
:20:16. > :20:20.of pressure. Peter O'Mahony got the third try. 11 minutes played in the
:20:20. > :20:30.second half and Munster leading, and a couple of replacements coming
:20:30. > :20:31.
:20:31. > :20:41.on for Munster with Stephen Archer and Ronan O'Gara. James Downey is
:20:41. > :20:42.
:20:42. > :20:50.going off and so is BJ Botha. It goes from bad to worse for Ulster
:20:50. > :20:54.and they have got themselves in front of the kicker and the ball is
:20:54. > :21:01.back with Munster. Things are not looking wonderful for Ulster and
:21:01. > :21:06.that substitution shows their intention. They are increasing
:21:06. > :21:09.their attacking opportunities to have a second fly half to try to
:21:09. > :21:14.get into the wider channels and create a few more passing
:21:14. > :21:19.opportunities to create a few gaps. Ronan O'Gara has a massive amount
:21:19. > :21:26.of experience and he will look to direct. When you look at the bench
:21:26. > :21:30.a look at what Munster has, that is the worry for Ulster. Are 11
:21:30. > :21:36.international players in the starting 15 and four more on the
:21:36. > :21:46.bench -- 11. A scary prospect. Nearly 12 minutes of the second
:21:46. > :22:17.
:22:17. > :22:25.half played. Munster now running perfect. -- and that was perfect by
:22:25. > :22:32.him. The top scorer of all time for them and he still has that touch.
:22:32. > :22:37.35 years old. But it does hand possession back. They have been
:22:37. > :22:42.defending a lot so far in this game and they have not been able to slow
:22:42. > :22:47.down the Munster ball, but he did pretty well in that first 30
:22:47. > :22:51.minutes. They need to slow that dancer Munster cannot generate that
:22:52. > :22:59.quick ball for their back players. -- slow that down. A player is
:22:59. > :23:04.injured but they have to go on. Paul Marshall is saying somebody is
:23:04. > :23:10.offside on the narrow side. This is better from Ulster. The injured
:23:10. > :23:15.player is fit again. The ball is taken in by Ulster and not released
:23:15. > :23:22.and Munster get the scrum. Disappointing for Ulster, a good
:23:22. > :23:25.initial drive but a lack of communication. Callum Black broke
:23:25. > :23:31.off and so did Mike McComish, and the others did not see what was
:23:31. > :23:39.happening so they got isolated. Munster were able to hold them up
:23:39. > :23:46.and forced the turnover. Peter O'Mahony. Capped nine times by
:23:46. > :23:51.Ireland and was outstanding in the autumn series. Happy playing at six
:23:51. > :24:00.or seven. Played in all three Tests against New Zealand where Simon
:24:00. > :24:06.Zebo won his first cap at. A penalty try in the first half. This
:24:06. > :24:11.is Simon Zebo, a huge gap appeared. No Paul Marshall so everybody had
:24:11. > :24:20.to move inside so there was no cover and he ran between two
:24:20. > :24:27.forwards. This is their third try. Peter O'Mahony will get a try. And
:24:27. > :24:30.he seems to be all right. Going back to Simon Zebo's try, it is
:24:30. > :24:35.important from a defensive perspective back to see who you are
:24:35. > :24:38.against. The back players try to get into position when they are
:24:38. > :24:44.running against forwards, particularly tight five where they
:24:44. > :24:54.can get a soft shoulder. They need to get a bit tighter when that
:24:54. > :24:59.happens. John Hayes, Paul O'Connell or King happy. -- looking happy. I
:24:59. > :25:08.wonder if he will be playing rugby again in the near future, we hope
:25:08. > :25:14.so. Does he have ambitions of another Lions tour? Played nearly
:25:14. > :25:20.40 minutes of the second half and it is 24-3 to Munster and they are
:25:20. > :25:26.in possession. And this is their strength, but control. -- good
:25:26. > :25:31.control. Good tackle by Luke Marshall who has had a terrific
:25:31. > :25:36.game, and Ulster get a penalty. Ronan O'Gara coming in the side.
:25:36. > :25:42.Are wonderful defence by Luke Marshall, Munster trying to open it
:25:42. > :25:47.up -- it's wonderful. Ronan O'Gara has to come in from the side
:25:47. > :25:53.because they do not have any support. Thick decent strike by
:25:54. > :25:58.Niall O'Connor. -- a decent. He has had a very good season. Luke
:25:58. > :26:08.Marshall had injury problems a year ago but has really come back into
:26:08. > :26:08.
:26:08. > :26:17.it, as has Billy Holland, former Ireland international. -- son of a
:26:17. > :26:27.former Ireland international. They are annoyed Rob Herring is taking
:26:27. > :26:30.
:26:30. > :26:36.so long to drive the ball -- to dry. The momentum was lost, a bit flat.
:26:36. > :26:43.Luke Marshall coming in the side, so Ulster, having gained the
:26:43. > :26:46.advantage, have given it back. Roger Wilson got flat so he had to
:26:47. > :26:51.stop on the pass and Luke Marshall overshot the place so it put them
:26:51. > :26:55.under pressure. There is little mistakes, getting it fractionally
:26:55. > :27:01.wrong, but defensive side will come through and put fact -- and put
:27:01. > :27:07.pressure on you. Lovely spiral kick by Ronan O'Gara, he is still one of
:27:07. > :27:14.the few men back does that and does it particularly well. He makes it
:27:14. > :27:18.sing some times. Book will Munster do? Take a forward out? I do not
:27:19. > :27:28.think so, they will drive. Robbie Diack lining up to see what will
:27:29. > :27:29.
:27:29. > :28:23.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:28:23. > :28:28.Park faithful he ate and that turns to a groan of despair as the
:28:28. > :28:34.penalty is given away on the ground by Stephen got to. Just got it bit
:28:34. > :28:38.isolated. Herring did well to force the penalty. More determination to
:28:39. > :28:43.get off the line, and Ulster will have to do that if they are not
:28:43. > :28:52.going to allow Munster to gain territory. They need to generate
:28:52. > :28:59.that quick ball and get up in their faces. Ulster are going to bring on
:28:59. > :29:07.three forward replacements. Tom Court, Man of the Match at last
:29:07. > :29:17.week. Herring is going off, so his Callum Black. Tom Court is playing
:29:17. > :29:42.
:29:42. > :29:52.for loose-head position. Straight a Alain Rolland do? He is telling
:29:52. > :30:06.
:30:06. > :30:16.Gough Paddy Butler for coming in back in this! That was a nice show
:30:16. > :30:16.
:30:16. > :31:24.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:31:24. > :31:32.telling off. Niall O'Connor is going for the corner! Another
:31:32. > :31:41.change and the Ulster side, Stuart Olding is coming on. This will be
:31:41. > :31:51.his third Ulster cap. Niall O'Connor has gone off. Could throw
:31:51. > :32:26.
:32:26. > :32:33.by Niall Annett. Clever variation going to have a word with somebody.
:32:33. > :32:42.No, he is not. He is happy to let them get on with it. 20 minutes
:32:42. > :32:52.remaining. The period over have time when Ulster only had 14 men
:32:52. > :33:06.
:33:06. > :33:12.sides. Up next for Ulster is a game against the Scarlets, then back to
:33:12. > :33:19.back Heineken Cup games, Glasgow at home the dent the trip to it
:33:19. > :33:23.Castres. Ulster may well have to win both of those games. There are
:33:23. > :33:33.still in pole position in this particular competition, the
:33:33. > :33:33.
:33:33. > :34:22.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:34:22. > :34:28.RaboDirect Pro12. Munster are courts. -- Tom Court. Good strike
:34:28. > :34:36.by Ronan O'Gara. Here comes a man who has been around it seems
:34:36. > :34:46.forever. Now 35 years at the age. 215 games for Munster, 67 for
:34:46. > :35:25.
:35:25. > :35:32.over done. Will it go completely dead? Yes, ladies. Has the referee
:35:32. > :35:38.given the 22? That is interesting. I thought they would go back for
:35:38. > :35:48.the scrummage. And it should be back for the scrummage. The Ulster
:35:48. > :36:21.
:36:21. > :36:31.doctored the ball down his feet or try and Munster get the bonus point.
:36:31. > :37:00.
:37:00. > :37:06.firm there. A lovely deft that will kick by Ronan O'Gara. Had that ball
:37:06. > :37:16.bounced forwards, it into Simon Zebo, that could have been troubled
:37:16. > :37:21.
:37:21. > :37:29.for Ulster. -- trouble. Good covering by Lewis Stephenson. Adam
:37:29. > :37:39.D'Arcy just taking it down over the line. Ricky Lutton has come on for
:37:39. > :37:39.
:37:39. > :38:42.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:38:42. > :38:50.that the brain has disappeared. -- was calling for it, but Paddy
:38:51. > :38:56.Butler read the situation very well. What a break by Ali Birch. He has
:38:56. > :39:06.been left out in the cold slightly. He showed a great bit of speed and
:39:06. > :39:06.
:39:06. > :40:02.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:40:02. > :40:12.some nifty footwork to make a 50 thought about it and changed his
:40:12. > :40:12.
:40:12. > :40:22.mind. Another good probing kick by Paul Marshall -- by Luke Marshall.
:40:22. > :40:23.
:40:23. > :40:26.We see Peter Stringer coming on. Everybody knows him well. A lot of
:40:26. > :40:31.the substitutions have not made any difference to the Ulster
:40:31. > :40:38.penetration, and if anything they are adding a bit of speed. The
:40:38. > :40:48.weather has dried up slightly which is making the handling slightly
:40:48. > :40:48.
:40:48. > :41:53.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 70 seconds
:41:53. > :41:58.many times is that been said over Robbie Diack. It was a bad pass
:41:58. > :42:07.originally. Probably the only option was to put it in behind, but
:42:07. > :42:17.probably the wrong person to try to do it. We saw another very strong
:42:17. > :42:37.
:42:37. > :42:47.run by Luke Marshall. He has looked forward. It looks like Craig Gilroy
:42:47. > :42:57.
:42:57. > :43:05.has got himself hurt. Tommy O'Donnell is going off. At the look
:43:05. > :43:15.may be like a trailing leg just colt Craig Gilroy. It might have
:43:15. > :43:27.
:43:27. > :43:37.Andrew has come on the field. looks more precautionary than
:43:37. > :43:40.
:43:40. > :43:50.anything. With Tommy bow out for the foreseeable future, the last
:43:50. > :44:17.
:44:17. > :44:25.thing arrogant one to do is lose Stuart Olding. I think Mark
:44:25. > :44:31.Anscombe will be pleased with some of the young guys who have come on.
:44:31. > :44:41.Some of that substitutions have really put her hand up. Niall
:44:41. > :44:51.
:44:51. > :45:01.Taken in by Ulster and they could not play it, a good defensive work
:45:01. > :45:12.
:45:12. > :45:22.have played together for Ireland on a few occasions and they are not
:45:22. > :45:23.
:45:23. > :45:28.exchanging pleasant words! Sensible refereeing decisions. Any chance of
:45:28. > :45:38.Ulster putting the pressure on the scrum? The last scrum looked good
:45:38. > :45:53.
:45:53. > :46:03.and they will look to do the same his leg, just trying to hold on to
:46:03. > :46:07.
:46:07. > :46:12.it. The referee has called for some medical assistance for Roger Wilson.
:46:12. > :46:20.Ulster will be happy with this last 15 minutes. Munster stretching away
:46:20. > :46:25.to 24 points, it looked worrying for Ulster. It looked like Munster
:46:25. > :46:33.had the potential for scoring a number of more tries but the Ulster
:46:33. > :46:38.de France have held firm and have added intensity to the game. -- the
:46:38. > :46:42.Ulster squad. A couple of them have obviously said, we have to get up
:46:42. > :46:48.in their faces and put Munster under more pressure. If we allowed
:46:48. > :46:56.them an easy ball, we will be defending for the last 30 minutes.
:46:56. > :47:01.The referee said to have Donncha O'Callaghan, do not Stoke the fire.
:47:01. > :47:11.In other words, do not strike to stir things up. Roger Wilson looks
:47:11. > :47:32.
:47:32. > :47:42.ball. Felix Jones has slipped on the field. The crowd are asking for
:47:42. > :48:01.
:48:02. > :48:06.a penalty but it has not been given. mobile props for Ireland. Thief
:48:06. > :48:13.thief 5th off -- straight out of the Rowland -- Ronan O'Gara book!
:48:13. > :48:22.That is what he has done for years, probing the corners of those kicks.
:48:22. > :48:27.But the back three under pressure. It puts him in a strong position.
:48:27. > :48:33.Ulster will look to secure this ball and tried to get out of their
:48:33. > :48:43.22 and put pressure on this Munster team. They will not want to lose a
:48:43. > :48:44.
:48:44. > :48:53.try at this stage of the game. referee says, hang on in minutes.
:48:53. > :48:57.The referee is saying, do not delay the throw. He did not do a dummy.
:48:57. > :49:07.Munster are asked to stay on the ground before the ball goes in.
:49:07. > :49:10.
:49:10. > :49:18.Munster are still looking for that elusive bonus point. Good work by
:49:19. > :49:25.Ronan O'Gara. And Luke Marshall has been outstanding. We ball in hand
:49:25. > :49:33.and defend. -- with the ball. He will not mind me calling him a
:49:33. > :49:39.veteran, he has been around a long time and still looks lively.
:49:39. > :49:47.goal do not want to concede penalties around the halfway line -
:49:47. > :49:52.- Ulster. Munster in another good attacking position. Again, will we
:49:52. > :49:58.see Luke Marshall's strength in defence. He has had Casey Laulala
:49:58. > :50:02.in his pocket all day and has tackled some of the bigger forwards.
:50:02. > :50:11.One slip in their early half, but other than that, a faultless
:50:11. > :50:19.display. Donncha O'Callaghan having a word with his friend, Peter
:50:19. > :50:26.Stringer. Have be something up their sleeves? -- have based
:50:26. > :50:34.something. A bit too long. Munster have claimed it. Penalty against
:50:34. > :50:44.Munster. Hanging on in the tackle. Munster have not scored for half-
:50:44. > :50:51.
:50:51. > :51:01.wanted to take that! You did not drop many when you were playing so
:51:01. > :51:24.
:51:24. > :51:30.you would not want to drop this not roll away at the tackle. I do
:51:30. > :51:33.not think but -- I do not think Ulster will get a losing bonus
:51:33. > :51:39.point but there will be a lot of pride coming away from this fixture,
:51:39. > :51:42.even though they have been beaten. That happened when they were down
:51:42. > :51:47.to 14 men. And it is a good experience for some of these
:51:47. > :51:56.younger players. For the likes of Luke Marshall and Michael Allen to
:51:56. > :52:03.get game time. Chris Cochrane has looked very productive with the few
:52:03. > :52:08.opportunities he has got. That was knocked forward by Munster. They
:52:08. > :52:14.are very anxious to regain possession and get back up into the
:52:14. > :52:18.Ulster half and get that 4th try and the bonus point. That would
:52:18. > :52:24.certainly increase their chances are getting into the final four in
:52:24. > :52:28.this competition. -- their chances are getting. Rob Penney and on his
:52:28. > :52:38.right Anthony Foley, who has been assisting with the Irish national
:52:38. > :52:42.
:52:42. > :52:51.side. Both sides with seven replacements on show. Penalty
:52:51. > :52:58.against the Munster front row this time. The Man of the Match his
:52:58. > :53:05.Tommy O'Donnell. Are Luke Marshall might have run him close. And
:53:05. > :53:12.Ulster have opted for a scrummage. They have obviously decided they
:53:12. > :53:16.are with a bullet -- they are able to withhold the pressure now. With
:53:16. > :53:24.the introduction of Tom Court, they are stabilised and they have a
:53:24. > :53:34.decent attacking platform. Another young man whose chances
:53:34. > :53:39.
:53:39. > :53:47.have been limited again this season, Ricky Lutton. Remember the Cup
:53:47. > :53:52.sides in 2003 and 2007? A double Heineken Cup winning -- and win.
:53:52. > :53:59.The referee has come to have another look at them. The clock is
:53:59. > :54:08.back on, a Lee about 15 seconds of normal time to go. -- only. And
:54:08. > :54:18.this time, it is a penalty. Le Ulster go for another scrum? -- we
:54:18. > :54:27.
:54:27. > :54:32.will. And Wilson has led splendidly Birch is going to score for Ulster!
:54:32. > :54:40.What a flourish, what a finish, what a way to end the game! And
:54:40. > :54:45.Ulster have come back into the game and hostilities have broken out.
:54:45. > :54:52.Ali Birch will be pleased about his first try for Ulster, he has looked
:54:52. > :54:58.hungry and aggressive. For a bit of an unsavoury end to a match that
:54:58. > :55:08.has certainly had its moments, but what a good finish! Well done, what
:55:08. > :55:11.
:55:11. > :55:16.a pass! Wonderful play, Michael Heaney saw the gap. He gets Simon
:55:16. > :55:21.Zebo out of play and the pass is timed to perfection. And Ali Birch
:55:21. > :55:30.has been outstanding. A few of the substitutions have made a real
:55:30. > :55:35.impact for Ulster. I think Mark Anscombe will be more than pleased,
:55:35. > :55:42.despite a play either side of the interval when Ulster conceded three
:55:42. > :55:47.converted tries, and not bad at play for an inexperienced Ulster
:55:47. > :55:57.side and so many have shown they can stand up and play at this level.
:55:57. > :56:06.This will be the last act of this game for Ulster 42,012, it is on to
:56:06. > :56:13.a 2013 and two the Scarlets at Ravenhill. What a good strike! What
:56:13. > :56:21.a nice finish! That brings down the curtain on another calendar year of
:56:22. > :56:27.rugby. Ulster end the year with a loss here at Thomond Park. But a
:56:27. > :56:31.lot of positives will have come out of this. Excellent finish. The last
:56:31. > :56:37.25 minutes were outstanding and Ulster dominated a lot of play and
:56:37. > :56:43.a lot of substitutes made an impact. If you said before the game 24-10,
:56:43. > :56:51.Munster did not get a bonus point, that is a good return. For it was
:56:51. > :56:58.10-3 at the interval -- it was. Ulster finished with a flourish.
:56:58. > :57:08.Also's unbeaten league record has gone -- Ulster's. But it is on to
:57:08. > :57:12.
:57:12. > :57:18.next year's. -- next year. Ulster Munster have the Christmas bragging
:57:18. > :57:22.rights over Ulster after if festive win in Limerick. They set a
:57:22. > :57:32.platform for victory in the first half with a penalty try before half
:57:32. > :57:35.
:57:35. > :57:40.they lost Paul Marshall, the home side took advantage and Simon Zebo
:57:40. > :57:45.raced in for a score under posts. Peter O'Mahony sealed the victory
:57:45. > :57:52.for Munster. Credit to Ulster, he certainly did not give up and
:57:52. > :58:02.scored an excellent try right on the final whistle. Ali Birch scored,
:58:02. > :58:07.
:58:07. > :58:12.at no bonus point win for Munster Enjoyed that second half, the old
:58:12. > :58:16.Munster, what they have had a bonus point victory? Can minute after
:58:16. > :58:23.half-time having got that two scores, the old team would have
:58:23. > :58:27.kept it tight and just drilled an Ulster pack. But fair play to
:58:27. > :58:31.Ulster, before hard and the substitution has added something
:58:31. > :58:35.different to the game -- they fought. A good fighting spirit but
:58:35. > :58:41.they will be disappointed with the result and individuals with their
:58:41. > :58:45.performance. At periods before and after half-time did the damage -
:58:45. > :58:51.those periods. Ulster needed to come out and scored to get back
:58:51. > :58:57.into the game. But it went the other way and it inspired Munster
:58:57. > :59:03.to kick on for the next 10, 15 minutes. But Ulster really finished
:59:03. > :59:08.the strongest side. Positive so for Ulster? The partnership of Luke
:59:08. > :59:12.Marshall and Michael Allen, they defended exceptionally well and
:59:13. > :59:19.whether -- whenever they had opportunities, they attacked well.
:59:19. > :59:26.Roger Wilson performed manfully. Free but when Stewart holding came
:59:26. > :59:31.on, at they would gain changes -- a cash lump -- Stuart Olding. Is that
:59:31. > :59:38.because Munster took their foot off the pedal? Combination a, but those
:59:38. > :59:47.guys came on and the through excitement into the game. You want
:59:47. > :59:51.your bench to come in and have an impact. Every one of those guys,
:59:51. > :59:58.the line-out was good, but Ali Birch is a fantastic player and he
:59:58. > :00:08.gives you a bit more pace. So I thought for what he did, he did it
:00:08. > :00:13.
:00:13. > :00:18.Ali Birch is like a hind around the park. He has an exceptional turn of
:00:18. > :00:28.speed. We said it had time that Ulster didn't need to concede early
:00:28. > :00:32.
:00:32. > :00:38.when they were reduced to 14 men, Lewis Stephenson is too tight here
:00:38. > :00:46.and the communication is a very bad. Roger Wilson got himself very
:00:46. > :00:53.detached from Lewis Stephenson. Simon Zebo spotted that. He has
:00:53. > :00:57.been the form player throughout the international series. Lewis
:00:57. > :01:07.Stephenson, coming back after an eight-week lay-off, just didn't
:01:07. > :01:09.
:01:09. > :01:16.have that sharpness. That is a gift for a guy of Simon Zebo's calibre.
:01:16. > :01:24.Down to 14 men, you either move towards the ruck or find out, but
:01:24. > :01:30.you shouldn't do that, you should fill from the Inside Out. Munster
:01:30. > :01:37.were very strong at this point. They manufactured the strike. This
:01:37. > :01:47.was Munster of old. Luke Marshall had a fantastic game but he was
:01:47. > :01:53.effectively tackling two guys here. Peter O'Mahony on the ball there.
:01:53. > :02:00.When you have two guys that size coming in. That is Mick Galway and
:02:00. > :02:05.Anthony Foley hobbled. Was it a case tonight but Munster simply to
:02:05. > :02:11.their opportunities when they Euros and showed a bit more composure?
:02:11. > :02:18.They didn't really create too much. That is the only tried they created.
:02:18. > :02:22.The other one was handed to them and the other was a penalty try.
:02:22. > :02:32.From a team perspective, as the Munster team, I don't think they
:02:32. > :02:37.
:02:37. > :02:41.created a lot. They were streetwise. Anybody that knows the game, knows
:02:41. > :02:49.how Donnacha O'Callaghan is going to operate on the park. He is going
:02:49. > :02:53.to try to wind people up, he is going to be in the referee's here.
:02:53. > :02:57.Ulster as a very young, inexperienced team were probably
:02:57. > :03:03.slightly naive about certain situations. We were sitting
:03:03. > :03:10.screaming, to what ever you need to do, wipe them out, be a bit cute!
:03:10. > :03:14.The Ulster players will come away from this more mature. The set
:03:14. > :03:24.piece is always key to a game and tonight Munster had dominance up
:03:24. > :03:30.
:03:30. > :03:40.front. Very much so. We talked about the experience of the pack.
:03:40. > :03:41.
:03:41. > :03:47.Once again, which showed a bit of naivety here. I think putting Tom
:03:47. > :03:57.Court in their give them a bit more solidity. It was always going to be
:03:57. > :03:59.
:03:59. > :04:05.a typical day up front. The scrum set the tone for the whole match.
:04:05. > :04:12.The tone was set two minutes into the game that the first scrum.
:04:12. > :04:18.Credit to Ulster, they battled away and got a deserved score. The tried
:04:18. > :04:22.they got at the last was the try of the match. A little bit of
:04:22. > :04:26.individual skin, the fancy passes, but that is what we have got used
:04:26. > :04:30.to watching Ulster played this season. It was a product that it
:04:30. > :04:35.took the substitutes to come on to do that. What do you think Mark
:04:35. > :04:40.Anscombe learnt from this game tonight? If he collected the change
:04:40. > :04:48.is the complete team and brings in the younger boys, the don't work
:04:48. > :04:54.well as a unit. They have got to get that experience. He will have
:04:54. > :05:02.looked at certain combinations. Paul Marshall and Niall O'Connell
:05:02. > :05:12.just did not work well as a unit. Michael Heaney and Stuart Holden
:05:12. > :05:14.
:05:14. > :05:20.seem to have a bit of a buzz about them. We were on the back foot
:05:20. > :05:30.after the first couple of scrums. We will get the experienced players
:05:30. > :05:34.come back. We don't want to put out a complete new team here. They need
:05:34. > :05:38.the calming influence that an experienced player brings to things.
:05:38. > :05:43.If you put 15 guys in you don't have the experience, they don't
:05:43. > :05:49.really learn anything from that. Well, let's hear from the Ulster
:05:49. > :05:56.coach, Mark Anscombe. Stephen has just asked the question, what have
:05:56. > :06:00.you learned from tonight's performance? We learnt that we were
:06:01. > :06:07.up against a very good team. If you don't look after the ball, you will
:06:07. > :06:14.not build pressure or create opportunities. Our set-piece was
:06:15. > :06:19.close early on. We were turning it over when we had good opportunities.
:06:19. > :06:24.You can't build pressure or score points. Are the 10 minutes on
:06:24. > :06:31.either side of half-time, due were really in it. I just side -- said
:06:31. > :06:35.to disguise that. There was a period on either side of the hat
:06:35. > :06:41.with a score the points. I think they showed a lot of character and
:06:41. > :06:47.onion there. It was great that they decided to take the scrum at the
:06:47. > :06:53.end and scored a try. It was a reward for their hard efforts.
:06:53. > :06:57.lot of changes towards the end, it was like her brave and steam.
:06:57. > :07:05.Everyone who came off the bench really added. Ali Birch had a great
:07:05. > :07:10.game. Michael Heaney did a great job. Ricky Lutton. They all added
:07:10. > :07:15.something. Stuart Olding, I think he will be a fine prospect. They
:07:15. > :07:20.will be better for it. As long as they all learnt something from this,
:07:20. > :07:24.then we are developing and growing the group. In the context of the
:07:24. > :07:30.league, highly important was it to Major didn't get a bonus point?
:07:30. > :07:37.all adds up. When we weren't looking like we were going to win
:07:37. > :07:42.it, it was important that we didn't allow them that. It keeps the
:07:42. > :07:47.buffer there. We will need that buffer. Some of the big names
:07:47. > :07:53.rested today, but they will have a crucial few weeks coming up. Yes,
:07:53. > :08:01.we have. We have a big game against the Scarlets at home next week and
:08:01. > :08:04.then to really important Heineken Cup games. Thank you for your time.
:08:04. > :08:14.Stopping Munster getting the bonus point there tonight was crucial,
:08:14. > :08:16.
:08:16. > :08:20.wasn't it? Massive. Come the end of the season, that could be crucial.
:08:20. > :08:25.He mentioned a lot of the young players impressing him tonight. But
:08:25. > :08:33.some of the move up the pecking order? Given the context of that
:08:33. > :08:36.team they were playing against, to come up against a team with that
:08:36. > :08:43.caliper of player and to put the performance that they put in, they
:08:43. > :08:48.must have gone up the pecking order. If Ulster players don't hold on to
:08:48. > :08:57.the ball, we can create pressure and we can't score. It is a simple
:08:57. > :09:03.game. Let's hear from Roger Wilson. Would you pleased with the way the
:09:03. > :09:08.boys dug in and hung on in the last 20 minutes? Yeah, I am proud of the
:09:08. > :09:12.lads. They kept going to the last minutes. They showed a lot of
:09:12. > :09:18.character. It is a fairly inexperienced squad to be brought
:09:18. > :09:25.down here. For the majority of the game, bar maybe 15 minutes, we were
:09:25. > :09:30.up there with them. It is only a 15 minute period when we slipped off
:09:30. > :09:37.tackles. Halfway through the second hat there was a potential will be
:09:37. > :09:39.could have drifted out of the game but we stuck to it. Was it a big
:09:39. > :09:45.night for a youth with so many inexperienced players daft to try
:09:45. > :09:49.to galvanise them? Not really. Sometimes with a lot of young
:09:49. > :09:54.players coming through, the exuberance of the whole thing.
:09:54. > :10:04.There are so excited and keen to get out there, it was a fairly
:10:04. > :10:10.
:10:10. > :10:19.simple job. They stuck at it. They gave it their all. A lot of heads
:10:19. > :10:25.down on the wane, what was said? said that we were a match for them
:10:25. > :10:30.for 70 minutes. There was just that 10 minute period when we lost the
:10:30. > :10:38.intensity. That was the key. They got the upper hand in the forwards
:10:38. > :10:47.and the second half. If anything, it is the learning curve. You have
:10:47. > :10:53.to realise that you have to play for 80 minutes. Roger, thank you.
:10:53. > :11:00.As we take a look at the Ali Birch try, will Mark Anscombe be happy
:11:00. > :11:05.enough to have sacrificed that match tonight? Absolutely. These
:11:05. > :11:15.guys have shown that given a chance, on a big stage against a big outfit,
:11:15. > :11:15.
:11:15. > :11:24.they can cope. The Raven scheme is under great measure. Thomond Park
:11:24. > :11:30.es. Look at this bit of skill, the confidence. Young Michael Heaney
:11:30. > :11:34.just asking questions of seasoned internationals. They want to, can
:11:34. > :11:40.show that they have the ability to do this. Let's look ahead to what
:11:40. > :11:48.can only be a very exciting 2013. A lot of big names -- big games
:11:48. > :11:53.coming up. We have a dress rehearsal next week against the
:11:53. > :12:00.Scarlets. A digger will see a lot more senior campaigners coming into
:12:00. > :12:06.that. We want that we are left, get the buzz back in the squad. They
:12:06. > :12:12.didn't play particularly well against Leinster. The Scarlets,
:12:12. > :12:18.hammering against Cardiff just after Boxing Day. That brings us
:12:18. > :12:26.into the Heineken Cup, two games. I must win against Glasgow and the
:12:26. > :12:34.possible must win against Castres. A big couple of months. Thank you
:12:34. > :12:37.both very much indeed. We have more like it before you six days' time.
:12:37. > :12:44.Ulster start the new year with the top-of-the-table tussle against the
:12:44. > :12:51.Scarlets. We have live coverage from Ravenhill. On BBC One we have
:12:51. > :12:56.a special programme on Ulster rugby's most famous supporter. We
:12:56. > :13:04.reflect on the magical golfing year for Rory Mackle Roy. If you ask
:13:04. > :13:11.anyone, they would tell you that I was a dreamer and I thought big.
:13:12. > :13:18.Deep down I always believed that I would get there one day. That was
:13:18. > :13:23.on Thursday 3rd January at 10:35pm. So, Ulster Tennis 2012 on a losing