Munster v Ulster Ulster Rugby Live

We have 11 changes because of the rotation system. Munster have eight

changes and they nearly got beat last week. To expect an Ulster when

will be a massive challenge. would you assess what they have

achieved so far this season? At the start of the season, if anybody had

said he would have 11, everybody would say, put a bet on that. But

they have been fantastic and it is fantastic to the front players and

all 30, the management and everybody. They have built a

momentum and developed. They have been upset through various

situations and it has galvanised the team better, but big question

today. League tables are healthy reading, nine points clear for

Ulster. If ever what -- if ever there was a game to put out a

weakened team, this is it. When you say a weakened team, it is

experienced in comparison to the team last week. But they are

looking for positions within the squad and right for League

challenging for number one. We can have fully absorb a loss here and

hopefully Ulster will pick up a bonus. A from the outside, we see

it as a weakened team, the squad see it as an opportunity and that

is the key ingredient. Theroux youngsters, fresh faces we have not

seen -- about off. They will be excited. 11 changes for all stuck

but for Munster, it does look stronger on paper -- for Ulster.

They are very strong in the front row. That is where the platforms.

For young boys like Paddy Butler who are good and upcoming. And they

have strength across their back line and you have to look at their

bench if they need to change things are. Strong on paper but to go down

there for an Ulster player is challenging. And if you look at the

quarter-finals last season, that can take a sting out of the team.

Now we can talk to David Humphreys and Adam Quinn man with Gavin

Andrews. -- David -- Adam Quins. Did the turkey tastes nice against

-- after that win last week? It did, but Christmas does not really

interfere too much now in sport with training. An important game

starting tonight and the Scarlets next week and the European Cup so

it is an important part of the season. Nothing is one but you can

raise plenty. 11 changes tonight and a lot of young boys income at a

significant test, isn't it? He a big test and a big opportunity for

a lot of players. A lot of this team provided the basis of the

squad that won the opening fixture so they have played a lot this year.

Another big opportunity for a number of them close to the Irish

squad and to lay down a marker is going into two European Cup games.

This man standing here knows all about it, a big test for the

forwards? The is no well harder to come and play an Thomond Park and a

lot of questions will be answered tonight about how their response to

the pressure and atmosphere. massive game for Ulster, has

significant is it for Munster? very important, a home win against

three-strong, at not so strong Ulster team so there is an

opportunity and there are 11 changes which can sometimes benefit

the opposing team. A lot of young Ulster players are trying to make

an impression. Munster are not consistent but it is a home game

and if they went, they are in their play-off position. I suppose

looking up at the Ulster team, in your eyebrows are raised?

looking at. But the Irish players, they cannot all play the two games

-- the Irish. Ulster put out their strongest team last week so they

were always going to make changes and this is difficult to play this

over Christmas. But it is an opportunity for young players and

Munster probably have a stronger team on paper, but a great

opportunity for younger guys to come and test their ability

mentally and physically. As they both said, a big opportunity for

some of the younger players. Like Luke Marshall who maybe younger put

is turning out to be one of the most experienced in the side.

has done a lot of work physically and is growing. He shows a lot of

strength and is very direct. He goes straight for it and that is a

bonus. He will step in and he holds time and gets it up. But he is

still growing, he is very young. He is just in the right place at the

right times. And he's put the ball and finishes off. -- he supports.

The most exciting player has been Craig Gilroy, the only national

player in the Ulster line-up. coming on from last season and this

season he has backed it up and is getting the rewards from last

season. He is the one to watch and everybody is talking about him, he

is exciting, a quick and makes the right decisions and goes after it.

The shoulder charge is something a lot of people forget about. For a

guy on his first full international to have that bus about 10, he has

the skills. -- bus about him. and for the action, we can join our

has been raining in Limerick for most of the day but that has abated

and the pitch is in very good condition. The contest we have,

Ulster, a bright new front row for with Niall O'Connor coming in.

Craig Gilroy is the only Munster side. They have serious

ambitions for silverware this season. Not quite a packed house

here at Thomond Park, but pretty close to it. Led by the remarkable

Doug Howlett. It is a big, strong, Ulster -- Munster pack. A

formidable Munster forward pack. Behind the scrum, international

half backs. Watch out for Casey Lyle last in the centre. -- Casey

Laulala. The referee is Alan Rowland's, have approaching an

half-century of appearances in the RaboDirect Pro12. So, big changes

for the Ulster side. Of Munster are fielding 11 internationals, Ulster

only two. Not forward immediately at the breakdown and that is a

the world. First scrum of the evening. Although the rain has

stopped, it has been raining very heavily in the last hour. I think

we will see a lot of knock-on balls, it is very greasy. The guys will be

referee gives a penalty, rather ominously in the first scrum

against Ulster. They had decided to take matters into their own hands.

They shouldn't be doing that. BJ Botha of putting a big squeeze on

Callum Black. In previous weeks we have seen how a dominant scrum has

led to the outcome of the game. Adam Macklin is in for his first

dark this season. He will be under the cosh early on. They have forced

the penalty and this is the perfect start for Munster. It all came from

a turnover. Ian Keatley, his 36 came for Munster. -- Game for

Munster. He was capped twice for Ireland in 2009 in the tour to

confident kick from a confident side. It is very important from an

Ulster pointed you that they don't allow you Munster to build too much

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interference there? It certainly looked like it. Lewis Stephenson

will be keen to make an impression. He is a very physical player.

Ulster on the front foot is very important early on. I think Paul

Marshall was unlucky their bets international caps. -- John Afoa

break down quickly. Free kick against Munster for an early

knocked forward. This will be a very important scrum for Ulster.

Luke Marshall has been very good so under Mark Anscombe. The referee

just telling Damien Varley that he went early in the last scrum. BJ

Botha had three seasons with Ulster, It must have come off an Ulster

player, because the touch judge has given it to Munster. Good defence

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at the break down, they don't allow good kick by Niall O'Connor. Ulster

want to play territory. That was an interesting option there by Munster.

That was for Simon Zebo coming use it, and that is good work --

used it. The crowd are booing, I do not know why. Alain Rolland decided

against the Worsell -- the Wessel. That looked a bit forward, but play

was done, but that was excellent work to hold a player up. Chris

Henry got off the line early, I was very surprised Alain Rolland did

not blow earlier for being held up in the choked tackle, it is used so

effectively by Ulster this season. Ulster should have had a scrum so

worked -- so they will be happy to have possession now. Is stoppage

for injury. -- a stoppage. Alain Rolland has had a word with both

forwards about early engagement. The Munster management will be

happy with that start. Frankie Shane. And he can leave his car

bomb what anywhere he likes in Limerick! -- his car. I definitely

a free kick but having spoken to the front rows, it seems to be all

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Conor Murray is the culprit and Ulster have a penalty. Just saw

Michael Allen and his strength in contact and not afraid. Great

action by Luke Marshall, but Munster were offside. Good

enterprise and good play by Ulster. Ulster did well to reorganise

themselves. Mack we saw Adam D'Arcy as well, heading up blind-side, and

he will look to do the same and generate some attacking

and Mark Anscombe. 13 minutes played and a chance for Paddy

Jackson. -- Milo,. -- O'Connor. And he scuffed that badly, not good

contact, he rushed it a bit. Not the smooth rhythm we normally see

from hence. It was not the strike he was looking for. The ground will

be wet and the foot placement will be important and that sometimes

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The last time Luke Marshall was greatest pass. In two minds about

what to do to that, he tried to pick it up. But this is an

encouraging. Very good play. We saw Luke Marshall carry the ball in two

hands before that allowed him to make the decisions. He managed to

get through the hole. But disappointing Hallett finished, he

will be a difficult passing game for the scrum-half -- how it

finished. The rain will make the ball greasy and so the 10th May

have to stand closer to the line to make the pass as a bit easier --

the 10 may have to. We are getting very wet here! 3-0 to Munster a. A

bit of a squeeze by Ulster. I think the pass was inside the 22. Well

taken by Adam D'Arcy. That is not a bad kick. The tackle was by Luke

coming up to the end of the first quarter, with 16.5 minutes played

only three points between them. Jedward will be more than

reasonably happy with that first play, we sort a three-man play for

-- an Ulster. Conditions are not good but you have to take

opportunities, at that was a poor kick. I was thinking of sending you

to the car to get an umbrella, but we do not have won! For her -- are

an Ulster line-out. And ask the rain comes down, catching the ball

will be more and more difficult. Mack good defence for, but by

Michael Allen, - good defence, good play by Michael Allen. Ulster can

continue to make their way into this game and it will be happy

I think that caught all the forwards by surprise. I don't think

they realise that the kick from Luke Marshall went straight up in

the air. The ball in the air will be a tactic used all evening as

they will be a lot of mistakes made underneath it. The ball will be

greasy. Munster are inside Ulster's 22 for the first time this evening.

Damien Varley's throw was not straight. Ulster have opted for the

scrum. It will be a tough night for the hookers throwing in. The balls

will need to be wiped dry all evening if they want to get the

chance of a perfect throw-in. an Ulster scrum. They had been

under pressure from the outset in will be relieved so with that.

Roger Wilson controls the ball so well at the back. Nick Williams is

more explosive off the back, but Roger Wilson's control is excellent.

Roger Wilson has been outstanding. He has been in very good form for

Ulster this season. He was one of the stand-out players at

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entry. Damien Varley. Great work by to help out. Damien Varley went

straight in from an offside position. So, a chance for Niall

O'Connor having missed with a penalty five or six minutes ago, to

O'Connor! Nicely struck the outside half. We are on level terms. Lovely

kick by Niall O'Connor. Everybody knows he has got a very good

technique. He has got great timing. He will be glad to get Ulster off

the mark and get three points on discipline. The dough restarts will

be crucial. It will be difficult for the second row players to catch

the ball over their heads. Niall situations like that. Not only have

you considered position, you have given the ball back. Absolutely. I

think he went for too much on that. Neil McComb has been a much

billed by Denis Hurley. It has worked out to the advantage of

Ulster after all. This tactic will be used an awful lot. It is maybe

not pretty, but you can see it has given Ulster a great attacking

platform. It is a split airfield scrum. -- split field scrum. There

will be lots of speed here coming Marshall. Gathered by a Denis

Hurley. It hasn't worked out too badly for Ulster. There is no doubt

that Ulster was on the back foot there. Denis Hurley does not have a

left-foot and, so Ulster should For a prop forward, his hands are

normally excellent. That is a pity, they had a couple of men over. Adam

Macklin was unable to take that. Encouraging stuff from Ulster.

Paddy Butler, the 22-year-old, in the war as a little bit. Irish

Under 20 International. Was in the Junior World Cup squad a couple of

seasons ago. Peter O'Mahony is only word with Alain Rolland, pointing

out something about the way the Ulster scrum his scrummaging. Not

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that you would know, as Munster are holding on in the contact. A good

Ulster attack, just a shame that it petered out. The amount of rain

that has fallen will not help people like Craig Gilroy he is very

far. I think when they get into the 22 p should just keep it a little

bit tighter. That will keep the pressure on and it will start to

wear down the Munster defence. That will create opportunities for them.

Last time Craig Gilroy was here he scored a hat-trick for the Irish

coming from Munster. At this level, if you fall off the tackle you're

in serious trouble. Munster have the five-metre scrum. That came

from one or two defenders shooting out of the liner. The passing from

Munster was clinical. Ulster have to be careful. If they are going to

go off to try and block those passes, they have to go up in twos

and threes. Denis Hurley had Doug Howlett outside him, but he opted

to go back inside. Good covering by Ulster. Michael Allen got himself

in the middle of all that. Adam Macklin seems to be fine. This will

be a big scrum. That was a good scramble defence, but they were put

under that pressure because one or two of the Ulster defenders shot

out of the line. Luke Marshall didn't know whether to shoot out or

staying and he just lost his footing, which allowed Ian Keatley

to go straight through. This is the most important scrum of the game so

inside. Peter O'Mahony looking at the touch drudge and decide on was

to say, Ulster were collapsing that! -- touch judge. That is so

close they are. Doug Howlett is standing directly beside Ian

will ask them to do it again. It started off quite well for Ulster,

then the pressure got to them. No penalty incurred. Ulster will take

a lot of confidence from that. Munster got a bit of momentum going.

They will probably look to do exactly the same again. Robbie

Diack Hass to stay down on the flank to give Callum Black a little

bit of extra support. Tom Court is just warming up. They must be

referee has given a penalty against Ulster for the front rows coming up,

and Munster will probably go for the five points or seven points,

rather than three for the penalty. I do not think Doug Howlett was

consulted about that. They decided to go for the scrum again. Ulster

just have to keep that initial head on a. Those last two scrums, they

held Munster without any difficulty for the opening seconds and have to

continue that and not allow Ulster to gain that momentum. The referee

is playing on and he has given scrum, I am sure Alain Rolland

would go underneath the Ulster posts. Third and last chance maybe

for Ulster to relieve the pressure, and the pressure is enormous. Alain

Rolland is telling everybody he is coming over to the Ulster loose-

head side, BJ Botha against Callum given a penalty try! It was

inevitably -- inevitable. That gives Munster the lead once again

the. And although Munster players have run in. You felt -- she felt

that was coming but it came from Ulster missing tackles in the

middle of the park. The writing was on the wall, after the second or

third penalty, you knew it was a matter of time before the penalty

try was awarded. We knew there would be an area of concern for

Ulster, it is a relatively inexperienced front row against a

seasoned and Harden front row for Munster. Faith -- hardened. They

have pushed well. Ulster will be disappointed, it just shows

territory is going to be crucial in this game. If they allow Munster to

get into their 22, they will be under pressure. Six minutes until

half-time. Munster now leading by 10 points to three points. Paddy

Butler seems to be fine again at. - - again. That is a belter! And

Wilson, magnificent under the high ball! And Munster have won the

scrummage. That is playing right into their hands, Ulster did not

get enough people behind Wilson. And Paul Marshall has been binned

a! That was about urgency. And Wilson was under a lot of pressure.

Simon Zebo bed down on him and got the ball away -- came down up.

There was not enough Agency from the also forwards to get around him

and support that ball -- enough urgency that allowed the forwards.

Mike McComish is injured and the referee has been asked about the

sin-binning, the referee said it was about the use of the foot. I

suspect took on a cat O'Callaghan did not even feel that. -- Donnacha.

He is taking on water, I think he will be all right. That was an

excellent pitch, but Wilson that under pressure. It was at that

stage that the players needed to move as quickly as possible. It was

always going to be difficult against three or four forwards, so

again, Munster have got the territory, will put pressure on

Ulster now they are down to 10 men. For the will be looking to force

another scrummage perhaps. -- they will be. If Ulster catch this and

forced the scrummage, there could be another try before the interval.

When it goes to the front, they have to drive it forward and they

are doing just that. They will have to play it, Damian Varley looking

to pick up and drive. But defence that. The new -- and we saw the new

Munster there and not the old team. The old team would have used the

forward pack to dominate. The weather conditions are not good.

The manager wants to play an expansive game, Rob Penney. This

game -- the side is capable of doing that. With conditions like

this, they have to keep it a bit everything stops, is that clear?

Alain Rolland is saying to both captains, he is talking about

discipline and he said too many players are in each other's faces.

Still another chance for more points for Munster. Another Munster

line-out, same-again, packed again and looking for the drive, and they

Mike McComish has to get away and he does. The referee has called,

music. -- used it. Good defence again by Ulster. Ulster's tackling

now is desperate. And Ulster get the penalty. And that is very good

defence by Ulster, difficult conditions. James Downey was

penalised and he does not understand why. More remakes a

mistake and look how quickly Ulster react some -- Murray. Before so a

penalty and that relieves the pressure. -- that was a penalty.

Lewis Stevenson next six games in a row with a knee ligament problem --

he missed it. He will be important for Ulster but the Heineken Cup

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That is 40 minutes and then maybe time for the kick to touch. The 40

is up and Ulster will be happy about that. Apart from conceding

the penalty trike when they were down to 14 men, not a bad first

half for Ulster. I do not think Mark Anscombe will be too

disappointed with that. He will be very happy, only 10-3 down against

the strong Munster side. At macro - - Ulster competed well but they

will be talking about the scrum at half time. If they tighten that

area up a bit and if Marshall comes back on the pitch, still a good

It has been a tight at Derby on a miserable night in Limerick thigh.

Few scoring opportunities so-far, but again it with plenty of

mistakes on both sides. Ulster competitive for the first half hour

but Munster powered in France with that penalty try, and more problems

for Ulster before half-time it with a sin-bin for Paul Marshall.

Munster lead but Ulster still in the games. As I said, it has been

riddled with mistakes and penalties. It has, the weather conditions have

not helped. That, culminating with the fact a lot of players are

playing their first game for a long time. Paul Marshall has not had

much pain time recently and these are fundamental mistakes. It has

culminated in being seven points down. It feels like a game of fine

margins and you need to take opportunities to win it. Very much

so, these games are always that way, and never any will -- and never any

runaway teams. Ulster have done all right but Munster have not done

that will, they have made a few mistakes, not holding on to the

ball, and they are going for little kicks. Goal long in these

conditions and put the team under pressure. -- if you have to go

along. On paper, as we keep saying, they are a better side but it just

goes to show up that you do not live rugby on a piece of paper.

Early on, Ulster should have had an early penalty. Think great drive by

Moya Stevenson. -- a great drive by Lewis Stevenson. That should have

the winning goal losing of of games. And that kind of thing could prove

And a point on offer, you must take them. That is three points down and

again, under a bit of pressure. If you get that kick over, we will see

a different Niall O'Connor, Unfortunately, and they couldn't

get the support to him. Michael Allen has done very well. Both

centres have done well. She is very strong and just riding tackles. Be

seen to be drinking nicely in the centre. Luke Marshall is a strong

guy. With three players on his back, he can stay strong. Luke Marshall

doesn't give the ball up easily, but this first have has been

dominated by mistakes on both sides. That is a bit of rustiness from

Luke Marshall. -- Paul Marshall. is all fine lines. From what should

have been a line-out on the 22 attacking, they just put themselves

under pressure. This was a great scoring opportunity. Get the

donkey's out at the back line! -- He is a young guy, it is a learning

curves. Unless you are really comfortable in that first receiver

position, run a support line. We manufactured a nice set up there

and it was butchered by Adam Macklin, unfortunately. Munster

took their opportunity when it came. The Ulster Defence was set up

nicely. Luke Marshall got caught up on the inside. He possibly should

be given it to Doug Howlett there. Possibly, but they think he was

covered by Chris Cochrane. It ill started back from board -- from bad

defence right at the fringes. Alain Rolland was always going to his

pocket at this point and going for the try. Munster kept the pressure

round, and I think it was a fair decision. Alain Rolland came round

to this size -- it to decide at the scrum and once they drop to their

knees, he had to give it. Time to bring you up to date but what has

been happening in local football today. Let's have a look at the

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Well, some action from a few of deadlock against Dungannon Swifts.

Liam Boyce was left unmarked in the box to head home his 20th goal of

the season. Stephen Garrett was brought down on the edge of the

penalty area. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty

kick. It Cliftonville captain made no mistake from the spot. Glentoran

bounced back from their defeat against Linfield against Donegal

Celtic. Richard Clarke opened the scoring. Be doubled their lead

shortly after. With 20 minutes left, restart, Glentoran extended their

lead further. Donegal Celtic were handed a golden opportunity. But

the spot kick hit the crossbar. Dings then went from bad to worse

for Donegal Celtic as Kevin Keegan fouled Jim O'Hanlon. It ended 5-0.

You can see all the goals on the Back to the rugby. Let's get the

thoughts of Alan Quinlan. Were you impressed with how Ulster

lived with Munster? Mark Anscombe will be pretty pleased after that

first that. Conditions are horrendous. Ulster will be very

disappointed to have conceded that penalty try. It was a good line

break by Ian Keatley. Ulster were very impressive for the first 30

minutes. They buried their game and had a lot of good possession. Paul

Marshall was good, Niall O'Connor directed his players well around

him. How d'you see things going in the second half? It is very

difficult in the conditions to score a lot. There will be a lot of

mistakes. Munster probably have a little bit more power and

experience up front. Munster have to be more physically dominant and

try to keep the pressure on Ulster physically. Ulster can take a lot

of confidence. There are still in the game. They can give it a good

go in the second half. Thanks for your time.

Ulster will start the second half with 14 men. Paul Marshall was sin-

binned. The whistle has gone and he has had a dig at Donnacha

O'Callaghan Underground. -- on the ground. That was frustration on the

grounds. If Ulster can avoid conceding some points here when

they are down to 14, they are pretty much in this game. They have

to draw first blood. They need to settle themselves in. Mark Anscombe

is probably telling them but it is a fine line, take the penalty try

out a big game and there is nothing in this match. How much more

pressure on Munster to get a winning results? Given the team

that they have come on paper, they have a wealth of experience. Ulster

have to be a bit more composed when they get into the Munster 22. The

pressure is all on Munster to put in the performance. Ulster still

himself in a position to score a try or two. This is a happy hunting

ground for him. Munster will be happy with their 10-3 lead. Ronan

O'Gara up was out warming up. He didn't miss a single kick at goal

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playing advantage. -- knocked forward. It will be an Ulster scrum.

Niall O'Connor will have to get it in an Ulster will have to strike

its. Ulster need to be careful in defence. Had that all gone to hand,

Munster were through with a bit of an overlap. It is important for

Ulster to start well. They just need to hold on to possession.

was a slip on this side. Adam Macklin's studs not getting the

purchase on the slippery surface. Adam Macklin, his first start of

the season for Ulster. He only started one game last season,

although he was a fairly regular member of the match-day squads.

Wian du Preez is playing his 70th six game for Munster. The referee

has asked them to do it again. Ulster very nearly stole that and

got it away. Ulster have a second chance. The surface will take a

stud. As a former international scrum-half, Alain Rolland saying to

try and get it in a little bits more quickly. Great drive by

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Munster. Swept Ulster off the ball. mess in the Ulster midfield. You

can't give this fellow a single sniff. If you do, she will punish

you. It all came from pressure. Good vision by Simon Zebo. He is

lethal around the ruck area. Lewis Stephenson just can't make it

across. That is an area of communication. You just have to get

a little bit closer together because somebody with the speed of

Simon Zebo will make you look a little bit stupid. That all started

from a scrum. Niall O'Connor was inside, and with the extra man of

the fields no one was there to fill that gap. Marshall is now back on

the field again. In his absence, smarting after that Heineken Cup

quarter-final deceit -- defeat here last season. It will be a line-out

for Ulster. Ulster, defensively, they tried to get tighter at

defender. But do not worry about the outside channels when the ball

is slippery and the ground is difficult to run fast on, they will

not be able to move the ball to the wing easily, do not get any breaks

in the defence on the inside, that is Webber problems will come.

Zebo scored his 17th try for Munster. Rob Herring, his 11th game

for Ulster. Got herself disrupted. That burning has got a Paul

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went off his feet. What will Munster do? I am sure they will go

into the corner. You can clearly see, we sort a mistake at the base,

he did not protect the ball and Luke Marshall is under pressure and

cannot pick it up. That is where they are dangerous and the

confidence is starting to rise. This is great play here. Important

intercept all that would have been a try. Robbie Diack has a bumper

but he seems to be all right again. -- bump. The first time on it wet

Limerick date we have heard the strains of the field of bath and

and drive and it is looking-glass out -- it is looking now or like it

when four Ulster. For they are looking at a bonus point now and

the spirit of lifted, but their intensity has lifted and they will

try to get the forwards over the line here. Ulster will have to be

very solid in defence to hold them out. So 19 points to three, dew

just tackling as hard as they can his former province and he is

pretty close to it! That is the drive from but what. -- Butler.

Thought the pressure coming from the men in red. Pick up and stride

number three for Munster. And they are very much in control of this

game. When they were down to 14 men, Ulster lost their shape and control.

A difficult time for Ulster now and they will have to think about how

to stop this onslaught. Good power just getting through the tackle.

Ulster will be disappointed with that, a bit soft. They defended the

line-out particularly well and looked like they had pushed Munster

back, but their dominance in clearing out and creating a quick

ball is shining through now and putting Ulster defence under a lot

of pressure. Peter O'Mahony got the third try. 11 minutes played in the

second half and Munster leading, and a couple of replacements coming

on for Munster with Stephen Archer and Ronan O'Gara. James Downey is

going off and so is BJ Botha. It goes from bad to worse for Ulster

and they have got themselves in front of the kicker and the ball is

back with Munster. Things are not looking wonderful for Ulster and

that substitution shows their intention. They are increasing

their attacking opportunities to have a second fly half to try to

get into the wider channels and create a few more passing

opportunities to create a few gaps. Ronan O'Gara has a massive amount

of experience and he will look to direct. When you look at the bench

a look at what Munster has, that is the worry for Ulster. Are 11

international players in the starting 15 and four more on the

bench -- 11. A scary prospect. Nearly 12 minutes of the second

half played. Munster now running perfect. -- and that was perfect by

him. The top scorer of all time for them and he still has that touch.

35 years old. But it does hand possession back. They have been

defending a lot so far in this game and they have not been able to slow

down the Munster ball, but he did pretty well in that first 30

minutes. They need to slow that dancer Munster cannot generate that

quick ball for their back players. -- slow that down. A player is

injured but they have to go on. Paul Marshall is saying somebody is

offside on the narrow side. This is better from Ulster. The injured

player is fit again. The ball is taken in by Ulster and not released

and Munster get the scrum. Disappointing for Ulster, a good

initial drive but a lack of communication. Callum Black broke

off and so did Mike McComish, and the others did not see what was

happening so they got isolated. Munster were able to hold them up

and forced the turnover. Peter O'Mahony. Capped nine times by

Ireland and was outstanding in the autumn series. Happy playing at six

or seven. Played in all three Tests against New Zealand where Simon

Zebo won his first cap at. A penalty try in the first half. This

is Simon Zebo, a huge gap appeared. No Paul Marshall so everybody had

to move inside so there was no cover and he ran between two

forwards. This is their third try. Peter O'Mahony will get a try. And

he seems to be all right. Going back to Simon Zebo's try, it is

important from a defensive perspective back to see who you are

against. The back players try to get into position when they are

running against forwards, particularly tight five where they

can get a soft shoulder. They need to get a bit tighter when that

happens. John Hayes, Paul O'Connell or King happy. -- looking happy. I

wonder if he will be playing rugby again in the near future, we hope

so. Does he have ambitions of another Lions tour? Played nearly

40 minutes of the second half and it is 24-3 to Munster and they are

in possession. And this is their strength, but control. -- good

control. Good tackle by Luke Marshall who has had a terrific

game, and Ulster get a penalty. Ronan O'Gara coming in the side.

Are wonderful defence by Luke Marshall, Munster trying to open it

up -- it's wonderful. Ronan O'Gara has to come in from the side

because they do not have any support. Thick decent strike by

Niall O'Connor. -- a decent. He has had a very good season. Luke

Marshall had injury problems a year ago but has really come back into

it, as has Billy Holland, former Ireland international. -- son of a

former Ireland international. They are annoyed Rob Herring is taking

so long to drive the ball -- to dry. The momentum was lost, a bit flat.

Luke Marshall coming in the side, so Ulster, having gained the

advantage, have given it back. Roger Wilson got flat so he had to

stop on the pass and Luke Marshall overshot the place so it put them

under pressure. There is little mistakes, getting it fractionally

wrong, but defensive side will come through and put fact -- and put

pressure on you. Lovely spiral kick by Ronan O'Gara, he is still one of

the few men back does that and does it particularly well. He makes it

sing some times. Book will Munster do? Take a forward out? I do not

think so, they will drive. Robbie Diack lining up to see what will

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Park faithful he ate and that turns to a groan of despair as the

penalty is given away on the ground by Stephen got to. Just got it bit

isolated. Herring did well to force the penalty. More determination to

get off the line, and Ulster will have to do that if they are not

going to allow Munster to gain territory. They need to generate

that quick ball and get up in their faces. Ulster are going to bring on

three forward replacements. Tom Court, Man of the Match at last

week. Herring is going off, so his Callum Black. Tom Court is playing

for loose-head position. Straight a Alain Rolland do? He is telling

Gough Paddy Butler for coming in back in this! That was a nice show

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telling off. Niall O'Connor is going for the corner! Another

change and the Ulster side, Stuart Olding is coming on. This will be

his third Ulster cap. Niall O'Connor has gone off. Could throw

by Niall Annett. Clever variation going to have a word with somebody.

No, he is not. He is happy to let them get on with it. 20 minutes

remaining. The period over have time when Ulster only had 14 men

sides. Up next for Ulster is a game against the Scarlets, then back to

back Heineken Cup games, Glasgow at home the dent the trip to it

Castres. Ulster may well have to win both of those games. There are

still in pole position in this particular competition, the

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RaboDirect Pro12. Munster are courts. -- Tom Court. Good strike

by Ronan O'Gara. Here comes a man who has been around it seems

forever. Now 35 years at the age. 215 games for Munster, 67 for

over done. Will it go completely dead? Yes, ladies. Has the referee

given the 22? That is interesting. I thought they would go back for

the scrummage. And it should be back for the scrummage. The Ulster

doctored the ball down his feet or try and Munster get the bonus point.

firm there. A lovely deft that will kick by Ronan O'Gara. Had that ball

bounced forwards, it into Simon Zebo, that could have been troubled

for Ulster. -- trouble. Good covering by Lewis Stephenson. Adam

D'Arcy just taking it down over the line. Ricky Lutton has come on for

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that the brain has disappeared. -- was calling for it, but Paddy

Butler read the situation very well. What a break by Ali Birch. He has

been left out in the cold slightly. He showed a great bit of speed and

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some nifty footwork to make a 50 thought about it and changed his

mind. Another good probing kick by Paul Marshall -- by Luke Marshall.

We see Peter Stringer coming on. Everybody knows him well. A lot of

the substitutions have not made any difference to the Ulster

penetration, and if anything they are adding a bit of speed. The

weather has dried up slightly which is making the handling slightly

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many times is that been said over Robbie Diack. It was a bad pass

originally. Probably the only option was to put it in behind, but

probably the wrong person to try to do it. We saw another very strong

run by Luke Marshall. He has looked forward. It looks like Craig Gilroy

has got himself hurt. Tommy O'Donnell is going off. At the look

may be like a trailing leg just colt Craig Gilroy. It might have

Andrew has come on the field. looks more precautionary than

anything. With Tommy bow out for the foreseeable future, the last

thing arrogant one to do is lose Stuart Olding. I think Mark

Anscombe will be pleased with some of the young guys who have come on.

Some of that substitutions have really put her hand up. Niall

Taken in by Ulster and they could not play it, a good defensive work

have played together for Ireland on a few occasions and they are not

exchanging pleasant words! Sensible refereeing decisions. Any chance of

Ulster putting the pressure on the scrum? The last scrum looked good

and they will look to do the same his leg, just trying to hold on to

it. The referee has called for some medical assistance for Roger Wilson.

Ulster will be happy with this last 15 minutes. Munster stretching away

to 24 points, it looked worrying for Ulster. It looked like Munster

had the potential for scoring a number of more tries but the Ulster

de France have held firm and have added intensity to the game. -- the

Ulster squad. A couple of them have obviously said, we have to get up

in their faces and put Munster under more pressure. If we allowed

them an easy ball, we will be defending for the last 30 minutes.

The referee said to have Donncha O'Callaghan, do not Stoke the fire.

In other words, do not strike to stir things up. Roger Wilson looks

ball. Felix Jones has slipped on the field. The crowd are asking for

a penalty but it has not been given. mobile props for Ireland. Thief

thief 5th off -- straight out of the Rowland -- Ronan O'Gara book!

That is what he has done for years, probing the corners of those kicks.

But the back three under pressure. It puts him in a strong position.

Ulster will look to secure this ball and tried to get out of their

22 and put pressure on this Munster team. They will not want to lose a

try at this stage of the game. referee says, hang on in minutes.

The referee is saying, do not delay the throw. He did not do a dummy.

Munster are asked to stay on the ground before the ball goes in.

Munster are still looking for that elusive bonus point. Good work by

Ronan O'Gara. And Luke Marshall has been outstanding. We ball in hand

and defend. -- with the ball. He will not mind me calling him a

veteran, he has been around a long time and still looks lively.

goal do not want to concede penalties around the halfway line -

- Ulster. Munster in another good attacking position. Again, will we

see Luke Marshall's strength in defence. He has had Casey Laulala

in his pocket all day and has tackled some of the bigger forwards.

One slip in their early half, but other than that, a faultless

display. Donncha O'Callaghan having a word with his friend, Peter

Stringer. Have be something up their sleeves? -- have based

something. A bit too long. Munster have claimed it. Penalty against

Munster. Hanging on in the tackle. Munster have not scored for half-

wanted to take that! You did not drop many when you were playing so

you would not want to drop this not roll away at the tackle. I do

not think but -- I do not think Ulster will get a losing bonus

point but there will be a lot of pride coming away from this fixture,

even though they have been beaten. That happened when they were down

to 14 men. And it is a good experience for some of these

younger players. For the likes of Luke Marshall and Michael Allen to

get game time. Chris Cochrane has looked very productive with the few

opportunities he has got. That was knocked forward by Munster. They

are very anxious to regain possession and get back up into the

Ulster half and get that 4th try and the bonus point. That would

certainly increase their chances are getting into the final four in

this competition. -- their chances are getting. Rob Penney and on his

right Anthony Foley, who has been assisting with the Irish national

side. Both sides with seven replacements on show. Penalty

against the Munster front row this time. The Man of the Match his

Tommy O'Donnell. Are Luke Marshall might have run him close. And

Ulster have opted for a scrummage. They have obviously decided they

are with a bullet -- they are able to withhold the pressure now. With

the introduction of Tom Court, they are stabilised and they have a

decent attacking platform. Another young man whose chances

have been limited again this season, Ricky Lutton. Remember the Cup

sides in 2003 and 2007? A double Heineken Cup winning -- and win.

The referee has come to have another look at them. The clock is

back on, a Lee about 15 seconds of normal time to go. -- only. And

this time, it is a penalty. Le Ulster go for another scrum? -- we

will. And Wilson has led splendidly Birch is going to score for Ulster!

What a flourish, what a finish, what a way to end the game! And

Ulster have come back into the game and hostilities have broken out.

Ali Birch will be pleased about his first try for Ulster, he has looked

hungry and aggressive. For a bit of an unsavoury end to a match that

has certainly had its moments, but what a good finish! Well done, what

a pass! Wonderful play, Michael Heaney saw the gap. He gets Simon

Zebo out of play and the pass is timed to perfection. And Ali Birch

has been outstanding. A few of the substitutions have made a real

impact for Ulster. I think Mark Anscombe will be more than pleased,

despite a play either side of the interval when Ulster conceded three

converted tries, and not bad at play for an inexperienced Ulster

side and so many have shown they can stand up and play at this level.

This will be the last act of this game for Ulster 42,012, it is on to

a 2013 and two the Scarlets at Ravenhill. What a good strike! What

a nice finish! That brings down the curtain on another calendar year of

rugby. Ulster end the year with a loss here at Thomond Park. But a

lot of positives will have come out of this. Excellent finish. The last

25 minutes were outstanding and Ulster dominated a lot of play and

a lot of substitutes made an impact. If you said before the game 24-10,

Munster did not get a bonus point, that is a good return. For it was

10-3 at the interval -- it was. Ulster finished with a flourish.

Also's unbeaten league record has gone -- Ulster's. But it is on to

next year's. -- next year. Ulster Munster have the Christmas bragging

rights over Ulster after if festive win in Limerick. They set a

platform for victory in the first half with a penalty try before half

they lost Paul Marshall, the home side took advantage and Simon Zebo

raced in for a score under posts. Peter O'Mahony sealed the victory

for Munster. Credit to Ulster, he certainly did not give up and

scored an excellent try right on the final whistle. Ali Birch scored,

at no bonus point win for Munster Enjoyed that second half, the old

Munster, what they have had a bonus point victory? Can minute after

half-time having got that two scores, the old team would have

kept it tight and just drilled an Ulster pack. But fair play to

Ulster, before hard and the substitution has added something

different to the game -- they fought. A good fighting spirit but

they will be disappointed with the result and individuals with their

performance. At periods before and after half-time did the damage -

those periods. Ulster needed to come out and scored to get back

into the game. But it went the other way and it inspired Munster

to kick on for the next 10, 15 minutes. But Ulster really finished

the strongest side. Positive so for Ulster? The partnership of Luke

Marshall and Michael Allen, they defended exceptionally well and

whether -- whenever they had opportunities, they attacked well.

Roger Wilson performed manfully. Free but when Stewart holding came

on, at they would gain changes -- a cash lump -- Stuart Olding. Is that

because Munster took their foot off the pedal? Combination a, but those

guys came on and the through excitement into the game. You want

your bench to come in and have an impact. Every one of those guys,

the line-out was good, but Ali Birch is a fantastic player and he

gives you a bit more pace. So I thought for what he did, he did it

Ali Birch is like a hind around the park. He has an exceptional turn of

speed. We said it had time that Ulster didn't need to concede early

when they were reduced to 14 men, Lewis Stephenson is too tight here

and the communication is a very bad. Roger Wilson got himself very

detached from Lewis Stephenson. Simon Zebo spotted that. He has

been the form player throughout the international series. Lewis

Stephenson, coming back after an eight-week lay-off, just didn't

have that sharpness. That is a gift for a guy of Simon Zebo's calibre.

Down to 14 men, you either move towards the ruck or find out, but

you shouldn't do that, you should fill from the Inside Out. Munster

were very strong at this point. They manufactured the strike. This

was Munster of old. Luke Marshall had a fantastic game but he was

effectively tackling two guys here. Peter O'Mahony on the ball there.

When you have two guys that size coming in. That is Mick Galway and

Anthony Foley hobbled. Was it a case tonight but Munster simply to

their opportunities when they Euros and showed a bit more composure?

They didn't really create too much. That is the only tried they created.

The other one was handed to them and the other was a penalty try.

From a team perspective, as the Munster team, I don't think they

created a lot. They were streetwise. Anybody that knows the game, knows

how Donnacha O'Callaghan is going to operate on the park. He is going

to try to wind people up, he is going to be in the referee's here.

Ulster as a very young, inexperienced team were probably

slightly naive about certain situations. We were sitting

screaming, to what ever you need to do, wipe them out, be a bit cute!

The Ulster players will come away from this more mature. The set

piece is always key to a game and tonight Munster had dominance up

front. Very much so. We talked about the experience of the pack.

Once again, which showed a bit of naivety here. I think putting Tom

Court in their give them a bit more solidity. It was always going to be

a typical day up front. The scrum set the tone for the whole match.

The tone was set two minutes into the game that the first scrum.

Credit to Ulster, they battled away and got a deserved score. The tried

they got at the last was the try of the match. A little bit of

individual skin, the fancy passes, but that is what we have got used

to watching Ulster played this season. It was a product that it

took the substitutes to come on to do that. What do you think Mark

Anscombe learnt from this game tonight? If he collected the change

is the complete team and brings in the younger boys, the don't work

well as a unit. They have got to get that experience. He will have

looked at certain combinations. Paul Marshall and Niall O'Connell

just did not work well as a unit. Michael Heaney and Stuart Holden

seem to have a bit of a buzz about them. We were on the back foot

after the first couple of scrums. We will get the experienced players

come back. We don't want to put out a complete new team here. They need

the calming influence that an experienced player brings to things.

If you put 15 guys in you don't have the experience, they don't

really learn anything from that. Well, let's hear from the Ulster

coach, Mark Anscombe. Stephen has just asked the question, what have

you learned from tonight's performance? We learnt that we were

up against a very good team. If you don't look after the ball, you will

not build pressure or create opportunities. Our set-piece was

close early on. We were turning it over when we had good opportunities.

You can't build pressure or score points. Are the 10 minutes on

either side of half-time, due were really in it. I just side -- said

to disguise that. There was a period on either side of the hat

with a score the points. I think they showed a lot of character and

onion there. It was great that they decided to take the scrum at the

end and scored a try. It was a reward for their hard efforts.

lot of changes towards the end, it was like her brave and steam.

Everyone who came off the bench really added. Ali Birch had a great

game. Michael Heaney did a great job. Ricky Lutton. They all added

something. Stuart Olding, I think he will be a fine prospect. They

will be better for it. As long as they all learnt something from this,

then we are developing and growing the group. In the context of the

league, highly important was it to Major didn't get a bonus point?

all adds up. When we weren't looking like we were going to win

it, it was important that we didn't allow them that. It keeps the

buffer there. We will need that buffer. Some of the big names

rested today, but they will have a crucial few weeks coming up. Yes,

we have. We have a big game against the Scarlets at home next week and

then to really important Heineken Cup games. Thank you for your time.

Stopping Munster getting the bonus point there tonight was crucial,

wasn't it? Massive. Come the end of the season, that could be crucial.

He mentioned a lot of the young players impressing him tonight. But

some of the move up the pecking order? Given the context of that

team they were playing against, to come up against a team with that

caliper of player and to put the performance that they put in, they

must have gone up the pecking order. If Ulster players don't hold on to

the ball, we can create pressure and we can't score. It is a simple

game. Let's hear from Roger Wilson. Would you pleased with the way the

boys dug in and hung on in the last 20 minutes? Yeah, I am proud of the

lads. They kept going to the last minutes. They showed a lot of

character. It is a fairly inexperienced squad to be brought

down here. For the majority of the game, bar maybe 15 minutes, we were

up there with them. It is only a 15 minute period when we slipped off

tackles. Halfway through the second hat there was a potential will be

could have drifted out of the game but we stuck to it. Was it a big

night for a youth with so many inexperienced players daft to try

to galvanise them? Not really. Sometimes with a lot of young

players coming through, the exuberance of the whole thing.

There are so excited and keen to get out there, it was a fairly

simple job. They stuck at it. They gave it their all. A lot of heads

down on the wane, what was said? said that we were a match for them

for 70 minutes. There was just that 10 minute period when we lost the

intensity. That was the key. They got the upper hand in the forwards

and the second half. If anything, it is the learning curve. You have

to realise that you have to play for 80 minutes. Roger, thank you.

As we take a look at the Ali Birch try, will Mark Anscombe be happy

enough to have sacrificed that match tonight? Absolutely. These

guys have shown that given a chance, on a big stage against a big outfit,

they can cope. The Raven scheme is under great measure. Thomond Park

es. Look at this bit of skill, the confidence. Young Michael Heaney

just asking questions of seasoned internationals. They want to, can

show that they have the ability to do this. Let's look ahead to what

can only be a very exciting 2013. A lot of big names -- big games

coming up. We have a dress rehearsal next week against the

Scarlets. A digger will see a lot more senior campaigners coming into

that. We want that we are left, get the buzz back in the squad. They

didn't play particularly well against Leinster. The Scarlets,

hammering against Cardiff just after Boxing Day. That brings us

into the Heineken Cup, two games. I must win against Glasgow and the

possible must win against Castres. A big couple of months. Thank you

both very much indeed. We have more like it before you six days' time.

Ulster start the new year with the top-of-the-table tussle against the

Scarlets. We have live coverage from Ravenhill. On BBC One we have

a special programme on Ulster rugby's most famous supporter. We

reflect on the magical golfing year for Rory Mackle Roy. If you ask

anyone, they would tell you that I was a dreamer and I thought big.

Deep down I always believed that I would get there one day. That was

on Thursday 3rd January at 10:35pm. So, Ulster Tennis 2012 on a losing