Episode 11 Ulster Rugby Live

Last week, Ulster lost to Leinster after a poor performance in Dublin.

Tonight it is another big Irish Derby. Ulster have recalled some of

their big players for a match against league leaders Munster. In

the corresponding fixture last season, Ulster won by the narrowest

of margins. But the last time they met it was Munster who secured a

comfortable win. The old rivalry is renewed tonight. It is Ulster

against Munster live from Ravenhill. It is Mark Anscombe against fellow

Kiwi Rob Penney. Which of the New Zealanders will pick up the New Year

's Honours? It is a full house. Everybody looking for a ticket.

Ulster are looking to improve on a couple of disappointing performances

in succession, against a Munster side that has only lost once in the

PRO12 this season. Good evening, welcome to the programme. What

better way to kick off this new rugby year than a mouthwatering

Irish Derby. It is a blustery night at Ravenhill, but conditions not as

bad as first feared. Joining me is former Ireland coach Eddie

O'Sullivan and former Ulster captain Andy Ward. You can really feel the

atmosphere starting to build for this one already. How do you see

this game shaping up? I think the big talking point is the necessity

for Ulster to get a win after the disappointment of the RDS. They need

to keep touch with the top four and build towards the next round of the

Heineken cup. There is a lot at stake tonight. This is a must win

match for Ulster. Mark Anscombe gave his team a good rollicking last week

after a disappointing performance against Leinster. They simply cannot

play like that again tonight? I will be very surprised if we see them

turn in another performance like that one. I can well imagine the

words that were spoken. They will have been some colourful language.

He makes a point every time he speaks. The guys, it will be

interesting to see how they respond. It is a big, big night. Does this

Ulster side look a little stronger on paper? I think it does. The

talking point on the selections is that Munster have a lot of injuries

at the moment. Munster do not have an open side. You have got Tommy

O'Donnell playing at seven tonight against the Ulster seven in Chris

Henry, back from injury. That is going to be a huge battle. Ulster

had a huge advantage at seven. If the game opens up, Chris Henry could

have a big say. There is still a core of experience running through

this Munster side. Is it the kind of side that will put the ball of their

jumper this evening? No. They still throw it around a little bit more.

They are not the Stig at the jumper and drive it aside any more. They

like to throw it about. Laulala is fantastic. Some fantastic matchups

tonight. I am looking forward to it. Interesting battle in the second

row. You have got the two experienced Irish campaigners, Oak

Allegan and O'Connell. -- O'Callaghan. I think Tuohy will be

comfortable. He will be well able to pull his own with O'Callaghan and

O'Connell. Iain Henderson may find the going tough. He is more of a

back-up player. He is a lovely runner. If the game opens up he

could do a lot of damage. He may struggle in the tight. He is a great

athlete. It will be interesting to see if he gets the ball in his hands

as much as he does in the back row. It will be a grisly battle in the

front five. Do you expect us to do win, and the? Crewe yes, I do,

actually. We will have to wait and see. Thank you very much. We are

expecting a rip-roaring Irish Derby before a full house. Time to join

the commentary team, Ryan Constable and Jim Neely.

Good evening and a very happy New Year. Early this morning I was

worried this game would not happen. But the rain has gone away. The

pictures in very good condition. Just about perfect for running

rugby. 12 changes on the Munster side. Six changes upfront. Paul

O'Connell reunited with Donncha O'Callaghan. Watch out for the

danger man, Casey Laulala. This time last year it was Ulster

who were occupying the top spot, having lost only once. Hard to

believe that more than a year has elapsed since these sides last met

at the end of December in Stormont Park. It is a big night for Ulster.

They played Leinster last week. Then they have Montpelier and a trip to

Leicester Tigers in the Heineken cup. Determination on their faces.

And a packed Ravenhill. Close to 14,000 people here this evening. In

a couple of months, the stadium will be complete and the capacity will be

up to 18,000. Robbie Diack, captain of the Ulster side for the fourth

time this year. Coming back, Chris Henry and Iain Henderson. Tom Court

in the front row. John Afoa back after his recent seizure and in New

Zealand. -- recent break in New Zealand. Ruan Pienaar playing at

scrum-half and Jared Payne at full-back. Otherwise, it is the same

Ulster back division. A fair bit of talent on both replacement benches.

One of the best referees in the world in the last couple of decades.

His 62nd league game. He played more than 40 times for his native

Leinster. Paddy Jackson gets the game underway. This is were Munster

are good. -- where Munster are good. Seems to have been knocked forward

by Ulster. The referee playing advantage. Still advantage. That was

a good kick by Keatley. Clattering tackle by Andrew Conway on Craig

Gilroy. The ball has gone into touch. The first line-out of the

evening goes to Munster. Conditions conducive to playing open rugby.

Looking for the crossfield kick on this occasion. Excellent take by

Gilroy. The physical, attritional nature Munster bring to the contest

will be evident tonight. It is going to be the physical aspect that the

-- that decides. The breakdown will be hotly contested. Expect a lot of

passion. Ronan O'Mahony is back at number 14.

Plenty of white shirts have got around that ball.

Chris Henry's first game in an Ulster jersey for eight games. He

gets the early penalty. Henry looks fit and trim. A wee bit of nonsense.

That was unnecessary. I am not quite sure what happened. Early on in the

match they will test each other. Some confrontation in the back row.

That battle will be key. Whoever dominates that can play with the

Temple they want. We are already three minutes a man

we have had a situation. It will not be tolerated. Can you lead by

example, please? All manly and Robbie Diack being

spoken to. It was the two captains. Everybody decided to put in their

tuppence worth. A good drive by Chris Henry initially. Oh Manny came

in from an offside position. Chris Henry got involved. Nobody got hurt.

It is Ruan Pienaar with the kick. That is the start that Ulster would

have wanted. Ruan Pienaar has polished Munster. 406 league points

for Ruan Pienaar. Crucially in this game, Ulster have taken the lead. A

lot of respect being shown by both teams. Testing each other out early

on. Chris Henry has made a difference

already. Clever kick through Gilroy to chase.

Was he held? I think he was. The referee has got his hand out. Is he

going to give a penalty try macro? It may well be a yellow card. A

deliberate pull-back by monster. -- Munster. The referee is good to have

a look at a couple of decisions. Would it have been a try? And is it

the sin bin? The pace of Gilroy came into play. He looks to have got his

foot to it. Ivan Dineen did the blocking. Gilroy had the legs on

him. He was prevented from controlling the ball. I can hear the

referee. Can you have a look with white 14,

if there was a knock on? He played at around the corner, gave

him that space. No covering behind, he put that wonderfully placed

rubber through. We will see what results. The touch judge on the far

side had his flight out straightaway. They are asking if

that was in not by Andrew Trimble. It was not the case. Luke Marshall

got it away well. Jackson had to jump a little bit. Look at Jared

Payne. Gilroy should everybody a clean pair of heels. That was

definitely a piece of foul play. What will the outcome be?

Point Felix Jones. Up went Andrew Trimble. Where did the go? Well, it

did not do anything. It was still in the air. Chris Henry did nothing

wrong. I don't think Andrew Trimble not did forward. What do you think,

Ryan? It looks to have gone backwards. If you look at where

Trimble lands and where the ball is in relation to him. The knock on is

not clear and obvious. This is the more serious infringement. There is

the clever chip through. A little bit of blocking from Laulala. He

would have checked a little bit. Did he reversed back into Dineen? It may

be a penalty but I'd don't think -- but I don't think... Does not look

as though anybody has grabbed a jumper. -- it does not look. There

was no real crucial contact with the hands by Ivan Dineen. They are

having one more look at it. Gilroy had the legs of Dineen. Was there

sufficient contact to award a penalty? The referee seems to think

there was. Will it be a yellow card? There was contact, so I would go

with your original penalty decision. No more than that.

My question is, if there was interference and it is a penalty,

would a try have been scored if not for the interference?

It is not certain. We will just go for the penalty.

No penalty try, no sin bin. Ulster have the penalty. A controversial

decision. I think that is probably a fair result. A measured response.

They have looked at all the angles and come up with the appropriate

sanction. It was a fair piece of enterprise by Ulster holing a

delicious cake by Ruan Pienaar. -- following a delicious cake.

The penalty has been given. The referee is playing advantage. Payne!

What a kick by Jackson. What a finish by Payne! What a try by

Ulster! When you have the penalty advantage, you need to try something

special. No point in going through the phases. Go for a speculative

option and Gopher high reward. Perfectly placed kick. The penalty

was coming anyway but Ulster went with it will stop there's that

beautiful kick by Jackson. That has to be a dry and indeed it is. -- a

try excellent position from the kick. It

gave Jarod penne clean run through an side of the ball, perfectly

executed. Ulster felt they were denied a try, but no mistake about

that one. His ninth try in this competition

since it came from his native New Zealand. What a signing this boy has

been. You can say exactly the same about Li Na, he adds the extra

points. -- about Rune Pienaar. This crowd are certainly engaged in this

match. They will be absolutely delighted with this lead, in full

song as we speak. Paul O'Connell in the middle of

that, getting a bit of attention from the men in white. That's good

work from Ulster from the restart. What a man he has been for Munster,

he and his fellow second row partner.

I'll still have two replace some good forwards.

The referee, not taking any nonsense. He is just saying that it

is a penalty to Munster, which should allow them to come back. Tom

Court, not happy at all. The scrum, adults to concede a

penalty and possibly three points. An opportunity for them to get out

on the scoreboard. Last couple of games, the ever

improving JJ Hanrahan has been wearing the number ten. He is

carrying a bit of a late injury. Well struck and he has pushed it

wide. It sounded all right, looked OK, and he just pulled it to the

left-hand post. That is a let off for Ulster. Would have been a cheap

three points to concede. That is good defence by Ulster in

the middle of the park. Dineen was the scorer of a late try

here couple of seasons ago. Munster are keeping the ball very nicely and

they are switching direction into the Ulster half yet again. They

haven't made any progress but they have still got possession.

The referee, having a good look. Still there for Munster.

Gilroy with the covering tackle and Ulster win the penalty. Some well

marshalled Ulster defending. Excellent defending, but noticeable

the change evolving in Munster's play in the last couple of years.

They are playing with a lot more width, a lot more tempo and really

trying to crack this Ulster defence about Ulster up to it on this

occasion. Paddy Jackson unfortunately has gone full length

rather than accuracy. That means it will come all the way back. That

wasn't elementary error that Paddy Jackson will be cross with himself

about. -- was an elementary error. It has resulted in Ulster now being

inside their own half. Those are the sorts of opportunities it you really

have to take. Munster, marginally the heavier.

That was a good tackle by Dan Tuohy. Munster, playing some enterprising

rugby. Knocked forward. I O'Callaghan, looking out on the

wing. When you are six foot six, it is ever got to go down and scoop up

all of your toes. It is Munster who have been playing multiple phases.

They are playing some enterprising stuff, as you say, using that word.

That will take its toll defensively on teams if they are forced to go

through that workload, it's energy sapping stuff.

Another few months and that will be them at the back. Fingers crossed,

everyone is hoping for a home quarterfinal in the Heineken cup but

two more games will tell the tale if that is going to be the case.

Rob Herring has done such a good job to get us into the injured Rory

Best, who I don't think is too far away from making a return to the

Ulster team and the Irish colours, one hopes, but the Six Nations. --

for the Six Nations. Ulster would settle for this as a

final score, I am sure. He should have held on -- given

that, he held onto long. Casey Laulala always causes problems.

It was a bit of an overlap, and Darren Cave will be cross with

himself. Impeccably timed tackle, with the ball was out, it looked

out, he will feel he had every right to leave their defensive line but

the man in the middle makes the decisions.

Damien Varley, back in the Ulster side. Well taken. That was a good

steel by Ulster. Trimble, really in minds. -- two

minds. But a lot of enterprise being shown from Ulster, a lot of it being

shown by the man wearing number 15. I think it was the balance of the

ball, then 12 year I think it is who manages to get his hands on, then

Ulster using the wits, as the space evaporates, the bounce just wouldn't

sit right for Trimble, unfortunately.

The ball was knocked forward by Andrew Conway. That has brought the

penalty and brought the chance for Ruan Pienaar to have a crack. Seems

to be some wind, as we look at this fun, sitting up, the temptation is

too much. You feel if the wind corporate,

shouldn't have any issue with that stunts. -- with that distance.

A full-blown penalty for something that is sometimes unavoidable is a

bit tough, but I don't make the laws.

He has got underneath that, it needs to come in... What a kick! Ulster

perhaps lucky enough to have conceded three points, that is

almost like a six pointer. Ulster haven't had the position, maybe a

bit surprised by that 13-0 scoreline given that Munster have had multiple

phases inside their half. holding on in the tackle. Ulster get

the penalty. Ulster's defence and work in the breakdown is what is

giving them the advantage in this game. This was a good piece of

Ulster defending. O'Mahony came right over but the man in possession

held right onto it. Already Chris Henry is having an influence on this

game. This time Ulster give away the

penalty. There may well have been an issue with Conway lying over the

ball. Ulster not having time in possession. It feels like this game

is being played between the halfway line and Munster's 22. Ian Keatley,

formerly of Connaught. He played over 70 games for them.

The referee is going to give a free kick against Ulster. Munster are on

a roll. That free kick has turned into a penalty. A chance for Kiki to

get some points. REFEREE: there were some men in the

line-out. I was playing an advantage.

The referee adjudicated that the Ulster players came in from the

side. It is good to see Chris Henry back. He missed seven games with a

nasty injury. Capped nine times for Ireland. Most recently in the autumn

against Samoa. Having missed one from an easier

position, here is Keighley again. -- Ian Keatley. And he has gone the

other side this time. So Ian Keatley, who just needs 12 points to

reach 400 in the league, has missed a second pretty straightforward

attempt. That will continue to frustrate Munster given their

domination of possession and territory. Nothing to show for it on

the scoreboard. Once again, Munster in possession.

Donncha O'Callaghan, Ireland's most capped -- second most capped forward

of all time. Tuohy has put a lot of work into night so far. Munster give

away the penalty. Great work again by Ulster in terms of defence. Luke

Marshall, excellent work standing over the ball. The back row

dominating in that area. Stepped on the inside. Chris Henry was there to

cover him and Luke Marshall gets a brilliant position over the ball.

Strong, hands on the ball, has rights to it. Paddy Jackson, not

taking any chances, finds touch. Just gone halfway. More than halfway

through this first half. Ulster leading. It would've been different

had Ian Keatley scored a couple of kickable penalties.

Payne got clattered as he ducked down. I hope he is all right.

Some wonderful sleight of hand by Ulster. Tom Court dropped it. The

referee played advantage. There is none. What a pity. Excellent crisp

passing and wonderful running lines by Ulster. Playing in the wider

channels. Wonderful in creating the space, off-loading in the tackle.

The first time Ulster I've really got into flow. -- have really got

into flow. Not an umbrella in sight, I am

delighted to say on this crisp January night at Ravenhill.

Dave Kilcoyne is under a fair bit of pressure here. The page is soft but

not cutting up in Annie way shape or form. -- any. 26 minutes gone. 13-02

Ulster. 13-0, two Ulster. No-nonsense approach to the scrum by

Alain Rolland. Munster giving ground a little bit.

REFEREE: if there is not legitimate pressure, it is good to be a free

kick. He is saying that Munster giving

ground as opposed to Ulster putting pressure on. They have had troubles

with this aspect of the game. The referee trying to stamp his

authority on proceedings. The man who refereed the Rugby World Cup

final in 2007. He is going to retire at the end of this season. Free kick

against Munster. The referee saying that Munster were at fault. Cathal

Sheridan is told by the referee that he should have got that ball. Damien

Varley protesting his innocence and Munster's innocence. Sparky looking

as fit as always. What a wonderful site that is. -- site.

Ulster have got Jared Payne and Andrew Trimble and the near side. --

on the near side. Pienaar does get it in. Munster try to wheel.

Lovely dummy by Pienaar. Ivan Dineen eventually got to him. Good Munster

defending. Great defence by Damien Varley.

Ulster going right off their feet and giving away a penalty when the

line was at the mercy of the Ulster men. Roger Wilson was the man who

came off his feet and flopped down. That was a pity because Ulster

looked to be well in control of this. They are making some great

ground around the fringes, from Pienaar on the location. Tuohy takes

this one into contact. Manages to get driven backwards. Roger Wilson

not showing much regard for his own safety. Correctly picked up on that

infringement. The pressure relief again. -- relieved. They have made a

fair old trip from the south-west of the island. They have travelled

further than this, I can tell you. Cathal Sheridan has got a bit of a

bang. And Donncha O'Callaghan, the indestructible, it seems, who has

signed another two-year deal at the age of 34. Ulster were close to a

try but they did finally conjure one of. Look at this. Paddy Jackson put

this on the proverbial sixpence and Jared Payne finished. Donncha

O'Callaghan has gone off the field. Dave Foley has come on. That is a

bit of a blow. Ian Keatley has not found touch. Gilroy was a bit

surprised to get that. That was nearly gathered. A fine piece of

acceleration by Iain Henderson. Just an example of how quick he really

is. Yes, real athlete. Pushed into service in the second row. Showing

the pace on the outside. The ball was out. He could not quite control

it. Foley took that very nicely. A polished footballer.

It is an Ulster line-out. Under ten minutes remaining and the scoreboard

has not moved on from the 17th minute. Mark Anscombe in the middle

of that. That was just about perfect from

cave but that was not perfect from Trimble. Forward pass. A scrum to

monster. Jared Payne is so enthusiastic and sometimes he gets

there before the ball. Yes, that was a tight call. Once again, the

referee's call. The players have to abide by it. Ulster playing with the

wind behind their back, a luxury that Munster will have in the second

half. Ulster will have to carry a lot more ball in the second half as

they adapt their tactics. In terms of territorial advantage, Munster

must be 75 or 80%. Carl Sheridan is getting an awful lot of strapping to

his right leg I think. The ambition has certainly been there from both

teams. Both of them are implying that second man, trying to create

with, get those one-on-one is where the fleetfooted backs can try and

create some line breaks and finish them off but it has been very good

defence from both teams so far. Sheridan gets it in, well done by

him. Trimble gets away! He put his foot

on the gas! He has got Marshall with him! Marshall for the corner!

Covering by Munster. Oh, they have spilled the ball. That

was very unfortunate for Ulster. No need for that at all. The referee

had played the advantage. Still a chance for Ulster before the

interval for a second try. Jackson, just held up. The men

outside him. He tries, gets there! The flag is up. The touch judge has

his flag up, I think there is going to be a line-out. They did

everything but score there. Created some incredible opportunities, but

what an exciting passage of play. End to end stuff, Ulster exploiting

the wits. -- with. Just that desperation in defence has kept

Munster in this. Paddy Jackson should have given this. Trimble came

in on the angle, a little inside pass and he was in. I think he got

the outside but just in touch, John Afoa. Good call by Dudley Phillips.

Some immense strength shown by John Afoa, just as he repositioned his

feet, the last push to the line, it just touched the line.

When in doubt, close to your line, throw it to the mountain. The crowd,

behind Ulster. That is illegal. Robbie Dayak, told he can't do that.

Ulster, making it very hard for themselves. Creating a lot of silly

offences. Paul O'Connell putting in his

tuppence. He is reminded he is not the captain. He will talk to the

captain, but not to him. It's Ulster who are created and the

opportunities. Multiple visits into the Ulster 22, creating try scoring

opportunities, but just the last panel flash -- final push for the

line... I think Duncan Williams is coming on, Sheridan is coming.

Ulster have had chances to do this to bed. They were fortunate that

they were the ones key emerging points earlier on. In the last ten

minutes, it has been all Ulster, creating the opportunities, just not

finishing them off and showing on the scoreboard dominance they have

had. Carl Sheridan has gone off with a leg injury.

It's looking a bit more promising for Munster.

A bit of obstruction. Can he finished? Trimble, he gets it out

again! It is a try for Jared Payne! One of the tries of the season. A

true team try. Excellent work. It was the recognition to get the ball

to the player coming at speeds that would allow them to create the

opportunity that Jared Payne took, it's the pass from Paddy Jackson

that sets him loose. He then tries to assess his options in who is

supporting. Trimble does the right in by coming back inside and then

it's the support flooding through and Darren Cave, coming from left,

plenty of players willing to finish that one. Ruan Pienaar, delighted

with that. Trying 14 in this league condition and Ulster have another

player injured, it looks like Damien Varley is going to leave the field

is because an trait on the conversion from Ruan Pienaar. -- as

we concentrate on the conversion. That was struck, not nicely, but

dutifully! From the tightest of angles! The 74 times capped South

African has landed a second conversion and Ulster are now

plenty-0 up. Important that they had something to shout from that period

of dominance. Desperate defence has denied, they have been able to

unlock that and are in a commanding position heading into half-time.

Immediately the penalty is given away.

He knows there is no excuse for giving away the penalty.

A chance for Munster to get something by half-time. Ulster would

like to make this first half a complete shutout, Munster have other

ideas. There is a man who has made such a difference since he arrived

from New Zealand. Unfortunately for Munster, they have

had to make three replacements, all because of injuries.

The Ulster defence is going to be tested now. Munster are not going to

lie down. They will not want to leave Ravenhill with their tails

between their legs. He should have given that! You might

not need to. First tackle was missed, Ulster have conceded a try

to Munster, which will give the men from Munster an awful lot of heart

for the second half. 20-0 at half-time, Ulster were totally in

control. This just gives them away in with the wind behind. There were

a number of phases. It is a clinical finish by that man Ivan Dineen.

Ulster's line speed has been incredibly good throughout this

game, you can tell a lot from where they are emotionally, they are up

for the physical contact them about help sought by Munster on this

occasion. Has he landed a crucial blow? We

shall see. He really needs to nail this

conversion. He has not brought the bridge to Ravenhill. What a first

half it has been. Ulster proper Bishop have put Munster to bed,

chances were missed. What a good first half it has been.

Back came Munster, a couple of cracking tries, couple of

conversions and a couple of penalties by Ruan Pienaar. They will

settle for that. Munster Cambridge to play, it was Ulster's defence

that denied them. -- came ready to play. Then it was a period of

dominance from Ulster, they went through phases, created

opportunities. By no means done and dusted but not a bad scoreline.

We hope, like the sell-out crowd here, you have been enjoying a

lively, competitive Irish Derby. It has been stop start at times, a

little feisty as well but it's the home team who are on top. A superb

score by Jared Payne. Ian Keatley is having an off night with the boot

but Ruan Pienaar certainly isn't. John Afoa almost scored before

half-time. Cave did get the touchdown but the Ulster defence was

breached and it is game on in the second half.

Give us your assessment of health things panned out there. I think

Ulster will be a bit miffed going in with just a 13 point lead, they

seemed to land the killer blow at the end of the half, then they lost

concentration and made a mistake. They have thrown Munster a lifeline.

First 40 minutes, you could see Ulster were dominating. When they

had possession, they were going forward, they fluffed a few chances

but they seemed to be getting there. They will be upset at having given

away that soft try. When asked to be upset that they probably could have

scored even more points in the first of? -- will Ulster be upset? I think

there are definite tries that they should have scored. Those

opportunities you have to take. But they are creating them, that's a far

cry from where they were last week. Much better than last week. They

will be happy with the performance but not the scoreline, given the

opportunities they have created. Let's have a look at their opening

try. Could have been a naughty try. -- penalty try. There was a little

bit of crossing over, the ball laws are made a dodgy bounce. -- also

made a dodgy bounce. It is a lovely way to kick by Jared Payne again. We

have seen these given. In hindsight, they did take their time over it and

there was a lot of deliberation. I think it was a fair call. Tommy

O'Donnell has just lost his head here, he gives away a needless

penalty. Ulster knew ahead a freebie, it was a beautiful kick by

Paddy Jackson. Weighted perfectly. What do you expect when this guy

gets near the ball, something good happens. Ulster will be disappointed

with this opportunity. This would have put the pressure straight back

on to Munster full stop had they got the line-out inside the 22, just

built a show yet again. Ulster playing much better but things did

not quote click for them apart from that score, until Darren Cave. Info

that try. Yes, this comes from a tackle and a turnover. Payne reads

the situation perfectly. Seize the gap. Throws a beautiful pass to

Andrew Trimble. A quick off-load. The line break comes from Payne.

Again, Jared Payne pulling the strings for Ulster. At this stage

you felt, this was what Ulster deserved. When they kicked the

conversion, you said, this is what they deserved. Unfortunately, they

lost concentration and gave Munster a lifeline at the end of the half.

If they keep playing like this they will win and win comfortably. But at

the same time, they should not be giving Munster opportunities to come

back because Munster will wake up. A great performance against the league

leaders? Yes. For me, the telling point is the pressure that Ulster

putting on defensively. They have been very well organised. This is

another opportunity that Ulster should have scored from. If Trimble

comes off his left foot, they are under the sticks. With Trimble's

pace and power, he should have gone himself. Absolutely. That is perhaps

a definite seven points. Jared Payne again pulling the strings. Great

hands. Henderson carries well. He has had a big game. His workrate has

been excellent. Ulster on the front foot causing all sorts of problems

for Munster. Afoa might have scored. Another chance. You began to wonder

if they would not get the return. They did. They are good for their 20

points. No question about it. Keatley has missed eight points. It

could be a much different game? Yes, he has missed two penalties and a

conversion, normally his stock in trade. There have never a lot of

penalties in the game. Here is the try coming to have time. Ruan

Pienaar, for some reason, comes out of his line completely. Now Keatley

is through and it is all over. At the end of the day, you have to get

body and ball. It is a basic defensive error to come out of your

line. I think that will irritate Ulster at half-time.

Time now to hear from two interested Ulster spectators this evening, who

both of the year is coming up in 2014.

Former open champion Darren Clarke. A big rugby fan? Yes, played it all

the time at school. Obviously I had to give it up for my golf. Huge fan,

especially when Ulster doing as well as they are. You were close to the

Ulster set up at some stage? I was getting there. But my golfing god a

bit too serious, too early. Last time you are here Ulster won well?

Yes, they are playing much better tonight. So far, so good. The year

coming up? Yellow Macri yes, off to Durban tomorrow for a week, then Abu

Dhabi, then Qatar. Home for a week, then Los Angeles for a week. Here,

there and everywhere. More time in America this year. I have to find

some form and get back to winning ways. Chris, Monte Carlo coming up

soon and a massive year-to-year? Yes, it is a big opportunity for the

Citroen world rally. Nice to get a full and proper crack at it. It

kicks off in a week and a half in Monte Carlo, one of the trickiest

rallies to start with. Looking forward to the season. How much are

you enjoying denied? Like Darren, I played at the Royal School in

Dungannon and played until the medallion year. I remember watching

Darren play when I was in Nipper! I am here trying to get some tips. New

Year's resolutions? Shankly side up. You obviously do not need to lose

any more weight? Try to find more luck on the greens. Stephen Watson

is a wonderful presenter but he does have the world's worst collection of

ties, so I managed to add to his collection. I believe he is wearing

the one I bought him. I am wearing it this evening. Let's hope that

Darren Clarke wins another major this evening. Great to see these

kind of sportsmen coming to Ravenhill? It is brilliant. The

atmosphere is brilliant. It is rocking out there tonight. With the

stadium coming together, it is gone to kick on from here. Kicking has

been a big part of the first-half. Ruan Pienaar has had an outstanding

half with the boot? Very much so. It is becoming a bit of a normal thing

for Ruan Pienaar. He knows where the goalposts are, that's for sure. He

has got used to the way the wind swirls around. This was a fantastic

kick. It was almost still rising as it was going through the post. It

has made a big difference to this game, Eddie? Pienaar's accuracy and

Keatley's lack of accuracy... There is a wind factor. Ulster playing

into the wind in the second half. If Keatley finds his range, he could

reel them in gradually. It will be a factor. A strong wind in the second

half. What do Ulster do now? They did not really have to kick for a

territory in the first-half. I don't think they will change the way they

play. The defence is doing a very good job. Munster have to chase this

game. Ulster have to keep knocking them over and keep the mistakes

down, keep the penalty count them. Fair to say we probably have not

seen the best of Munster? To be fair, Ulster have not given them too

many opportunities. Munster have tried to go around Ulster and

failed, they have tried to go through them and failed. Munster

have not found a solution to break down the Ulster defence. Except for

that one moment. Discipline will be important with the wind. If Keatley

finds his range... They have not found a way yet to break Ulster down

from a fair bit of set piece possession. I think they have to

rethink what they are going to do. They have the wind at their backs,

which will help them. But when they get field position, they have to be

better at using it. Munster will probably try to go back to the old

Munster away and play immense amounts of pressure. To be fair to

Ulster, they have turned a fair bit of ball over? They have. They have

forced a lot of the breakdown. It has been the centres a lot of the

time. Munster are very lateral. Ulster about the opportunities. You

cannot fault Ulster at the moment in terms of the defence or their

attack. They need more accuracy in attack. It will be a tough second

half. Munster will put the ball behind them or, carry more infield

position. Ulster still have to resolve their indiscipline at the

breakdown. I think it is a very intriguing battle. It is not over

yet. It try before half-time throws it back in the mix. Ulster have to

come out here and play rugby. They cannot sit back. They have to keep

playing, keep attacking. Thank you both. Ulster and Munster

looking for a big winter night ahead of these crucial European games

coming up next week. It is Ulster who have the advantage at the

moment. The second half is just about to start and it is time to

return to Ryan Constable and Jim Neely. I love Darren Clarke's code.

-- coat. Back to this crucial game, the number one site in the PRO12

this season trailing. Ian Keatley restarts. Andrew Trimble weights. He

has had a pretty good game. That was an example of how strong

the wind is. He struck it nicely but did not make that much in the way of

ground. The wind, if anything, has picked up a little bit. It will be

more in monster's favour. -- Munster's favour. Ulster will have

to carry a lot more ball, make good decisions at the breakdown. Munster

will probably look to drive. Duncan Williams is one of the three Munster

replacements, and all because of injury. There are resources looking

a bit sparse on the bench. -- their resources.

I did not think the ball was on the ground there. I thought the player

was on his feet, and therefore you are not required to release the

tackler. The penalty has been given. With the wind behind them, you never

know what will happen for Munster. It was on the ground, I do beg the

referee's pardon. A genuine penalty. Having missed two penalties and a

conversion attempt in the first-half, which could have put an

entirely different aspect on this game, Ian Keatley from a fair old

distance and has got this chance to get the first points of the second

half and close the gap. Ruan Pienaar landed one from well inside his own

half midway through the first-half. If you see what I mean. Two minutes

gone. This is a kick that Ian Keatley really needs to make.

Oh, he has missed that one as well. It is not Ian Keatley's night. Four

attempts and all of them have gone awry. Not by much. A crucial kick at

the start of the second half to get that momentum going, to carry it on

from the try they scored in the first-half. A real let off. A

warning about discipline required. Knocked forward by Munster. It is an

Ulster put in. Williams has got a bang. Enterprising by Munster. They

are playing a totally different style of rugby than the one we saw

four years. Certainly early on the it was paying dividends. Yes, they

had a successful style which served them well. As the game moved on,

they had to adapt. They are going through that process. They are not

the finished article. It takes awhile to bed those things in.

Recruitment has to revolve around the style of play they are trying

implement. They are certainly making some huge strides towards becoming a

site that looks comfortable with the ball in hand. -- side.

That line is the Munster ten metre line.

The referee will want Ruan Pienaar to put it in but not while it's

moving around. A peculiar anomaly, you are not allowed to put the ball

in until the referee says, and that lets the opposition who can know

exactly what's happening so we can have a strike at it.

All we are worried about is getting the ball out with a stable platform

to allow us to time our runs for the pre-rehearsed moves.

Tom Court, penalised for the second time. I don't think that Ian Keatley

will go for the Ulster posts from here but he will certainly look to

put Munster in a good attacking position. And Ulster's penalty count

is climbing all the time, he has found a very good touch. That's ten

penalties against Ulster, that is not acceptable. Always looking to

keep it in the single figures, particularly at home. They will need

to adjust, with the wind against them. They are in their own 22 now.

Another penalty against Ulster, John Afoa pulling them down this time.

That is well taken, he is going to come back to come back with a

penalty. So all Jared Payne's splendid efforts mean nothing

whatsoever. They had the penalty advantage, put it up in the air,

create a lottery, probably went too far with the wind behind it, unable

to really compete for it. In the meantime, Ian Keatley has kicked the

ball into the corner and Munster, going for the line-out. If Munster

do what they have done for so many years, they will catch and they will

drive and if they get a penalty or a try, at this stage of the second

half, who knows? Ulster can't afford to collapse

again. The initial surge has been held up but here come Munster again,

they are not too far away. They have got the try! And Munster, back in

this game. Try either side of half-time and I think it's Dave

Kilcoyne, he has done it yet again. His second league try, and what a

crucial one that is. All of a sudden, it's not looking so rosy for

Ulster. Only themselves to blame stop if they want an illustration of

why they need to keep their concentration, they won't get a

better one. Ulster's inside backs came in to try

and stem the tide. Munster with the wind at their backs, embracing this

new style, but using their core values to get that crucial score.

Ian Keatley now with this conversion, his fifth attempt.

Had he been accurate all the way through, Munster would have been in

the leader this stage. He has nailed it! And how crucial is that going to

be? After four unsuccessful attempts, he has landed one and it's

looking so much rosier for Munster. And it's all dentists Ilia Ulster

areas. -- down to silly Ulster errors.

Ulster simply must respond. Eight points between them, just over eight

minutes played in the second half. That's going to be an Ulster scrum.

That's a positive thing, the first positive thing in this second half.

Body height just not low enough, maybe a bit rusty from time-out.

They managed to get a crucial feed to this scrum. A couple of options

available, depending on what happens. Ulster's scrum has been at

all dominant. And they have a couple of nasty packs to deal with in the

coming weeks. Montpelier and Leicester Tigers soon.

He tried the little flick on, probably the right idea in the

circumstances, but he put a little bit too much on it. Better from

Ulster. Once again playing with that width. Again Trimble, coming off the

line, ensuring Ulster maintain possession stop then they play with

the whips are going to try and exploit the wider channels. -- they

play with that width. O'Mahony is coming off and Johnny

Murphy is coming on. That's a fourth replacement for Munster.

The ball was flicked forward, it was not forward into touch. The side

that didn't commit the offence seemed to have chosen the scrummage.

No real pressure on the Munster scrum.

That's a great drive by Munster. Referee is going to give a penalty

against Munster. -- Ulster. That is 12 they have competed in this game.

Something is not going right in their scrummage.

It's not really been allowed to settle. If you look at Ulster's

defensive bench, they have Nick Williams, I am sure he would relish

the opportunity to play against some of his former team-mates the Munster

jersey. Matter of time before Ulster release of their subs. Ulster can

afford to be a bit more strategic and tactical, but expect to see some

replacement soon. Ulster have stolen that, and it's

with Marshall. Well taken by Jared Payne.

It's just not going right, Ulster just snatching at things. That was a

good turnover, but they didn't really maximise it. Lagat Paul

O'Connell, what a leader he has been down the years. -- look at Paul

O'Connell. Excellent work by Chris Henry, a big hit by Casey Laulala.

They have got percent in the nostrils now, they know they are in

this game. Certainly making the most their

scores either of half-time to get some momentum back in this game.

Munster have scored 12 without reply.

The Ulster fans disagree. Arms folded.

Dave Kilcoyne being told he has to be a little bit higher so the

scrum-half can put the ball in. Ulster get a good squeeze on. And

upcoming Munster front row, that's the first really dominant scrum that

Ulster have reduced this evening, or either side has produced this

evening, Ulster will get the penalty. I don't take it is capable

but it is worthwhile trying to get a bit of ground from. Ruan Pienaar

will have a go at this, trusting in the range he's capable of producing.

Ulster now with an opportunity to address the slant in scoring that

has gone against them. The wind has dropped considerably. It was very

much favouring Munster at the start of the second half. But it has died

down a little bit. He has got underneath that. Too much

hype. -- height. The referee has got to hand out for

a knock forward by Munster and he has given a penalty against them.

Taken quickly by Ruan Pienaar. Ulster give away another penalty,

holding on in the tackle. Dear, oh dear. Penalty number 13 for the home

side. Paul O'Connell again high-fiving everyone. Another chance

that Ulster should have settled themselves downfall. Put it into the

corner. The referee is picking up a lot of infringements. The sake of

the spectacle, go to the pocket, dish out some cards. The continual

penalties are not allowing the game to flow. Increase the sanction and

try and clean up the areas of the game can get some flow.

Still there for the men in red, looking much more purposeful.

He and Tom Court will not be locking horns. Ulster have done a good job

at holding them off. It was charged down by Munster, a

rare error by Jared Payne. In Good strong run by Cave. Ulster

fans incensed by the obstruction. Pienaar gave it away. He just needed

a man a little bit closer to him. That was very good defence by

Munster. All the pressure relieved. Good pressure it was but Munster up

to it. Plenty of passion out there. Desperation and defence. Ulster

finding some overlaps. Unable to get their support players there to bring

that move on. Pienaar tried to flick it inside. Desperation for Munster.

The referee still playing advantage to Ulster.

O'Mahony. REFEREE: 13 getting in the way.

Penalty against your players. Laulala is bound for Paris at the

end of the season. He was one of the two players who got himself in an

offside position. The referee telling Peter O'Mahony that the next

time he will go to his pocket. This gives Ulster an opportunity to

increase the lead. Nothing in Ruan Pienaar's kicking

form today that would suggest he will miss this. The referee is

asking his touch judge if he has the number of the other person who

offended for Munster. Pienaar with four successful kicks in the

first-half. Nick Williams is warming up out of camera shot.

That is a good one. A little bit of insurance for Ulster, which means

that Munster are going to have to score a couple of tries and convert

them to win this game. But it is by no means done and dusted. In more

than decent kick. Great reaction from the home fans.

Lewis Stevenson has, on the field. -- come. It will be a Munster scrum.

Ulster playing with ball in hand. Looking for the kicking opportunity.

It is Munster that need to respond. An 11 point margin. Lewis Stevenson

on for Iain Henderson, who has made a pretty decent return to rugby

after a long gap through injury. And Nick Williams, who has missed the

last half-dozen games as well, has come on for Roger Wilson. Chris

Henry, back from an injury in November, some engine on him. The

dominant personality for Ulster at the breakdown.

There is Sean Doyle, Ulster's replacement at open side. Ulster

would like another score just to make sure before they start making

any more replacements. Callum Black has made an impression since he has

come on. Now he faces BJ Botha. The touch judge on this side was the

man who called that. He has blown his

in the middle of that. Mark Anscombe will be incandescence about the

penalty count. -- incandescent. Now Munster have a chance to draw

something back yet again. A good kick by Keatley. That was the take.

That was O'Mahony. A little mazy run. Keatley was being

well shepherded. Good protection of the ball from the

masters of this particular technique. Ulster have got to be

careful. They have got the try again! Try number three for

Munster. And they still have the knack of coming back. What a forward

drive by the Munster men. This game is not over by any means. As soon as

that penalty was awarded, you knew what was coming. Munster got set.

Ulster not that effective in retreating. Red jerseys replacing

red jerseys moved out of the way. Excellent structure, clinical

finish. Just what was required at this juncture of the game for them.

I have a pretty decent feeling it may have been James Cronin.

Keatley has found the kicking boots in the second half. There is not

much in in the second half. There is not

is only one in the second half. There is not

If Munster get the try, they will not only have won the game, they

will have a bonus point. Ulster aware of the threat that Munster

pose. Chris Henry has left the field.

There is no point in barging over two or three players if you do not

have the ball. That is one of the major failings in Nick Williams's

game. Ulster needed to keep that ball in hand. Tommy O'Donnell got

away. 11 minutes remaining. James Cronin was the man who did

indeed score the try. If Ulster give away a penalty here

it could be catastrophic. The touch judge is having a word on

this site. I think it is going to be a penalty against Munster.

It is going upstairs to Brian MacNeice. To see who the infringing

Munster players -- player was. This may be a yellow card. Yes, judging

by what Alain Rolland said. If they can find the perpetrator, he will be

going to the bin. The ball was on the ground. There was nothing wrong

with that. The weight is being taken by Peter O'Mahony on his feet. It is

hands in the ruck. Ulster will get the penalty. They really need this.

They need these points. A little retreat from Alain Rolland. He is

still giving the penalty. But it is not a yellow card offence. Oldsters

saying to him, you said you were going to give them the yellow card

but you have changed your mind. It was not a yellow card offence. Peter

O'Mahony, the was not a yellow card offence. Peter

something. At the moment, even if Ruan Pienaar kicks this. --, Munster

still within reach of a bonus point. A nice leisurely swing that talented

right foot and Ulster go a converted try ahead. There is still time for

Munster. Ulster most about make any more silly errors. -- Ulster must

not make any more silly errors. A couple of more Munster

replacements have come on. Ulster again committing a very fundamental

error in giving away possession when they had the ball. As soon as your

body height is not where it needs to be on the drive is not there, the

supporters not there, all of the Irish provinces, adept at isolating

the play. John Ryan has come on to play

loose-head prop, for Kilcoyne. Time is ticking away, eight minutes

remaining. A converted try between them. Ulster may well have been out

of sight by half-time but they blew a number of chances and Munster have

taken what few chances have come their way.

Still no way through the Ulster defence.

All the pressure coming from the league leaders, as you would expect.

He was left with very little in the way of options, Jarrod pain. Very

clever play by Munster, going through the phases, allowing the

opportunity to put the tech will kick into established the field

position, forcing Ulster into the corner. Johnny Murphy, with the

cleverly placed kick. Off goes Rob Herring, who has ever

had a pretty impressive game. Has the referee got the hand-out for

a penalty against Ulster? Dear, oh dear. How can Ulster do that in such

a position. Munster will drive and if they don't drive all the way,

they will get the penalty and kick into the corner. He is going to his

touch judge, let's hear what against Ulster. Five white. Five!

Dan Tuohy penalised, and Munster will kick into the corner and both

of the crash over and both of the crash overhand drive. They will look

at the very least to draw this game. What a second-half it has been by

Munster. The minute before the interval they were 20 points down.

They battled their way back. That may not have the personnel of a

couple of years ago but this ability to win games at the death is still

therefore Ulster. Paul O'Connell says, make a

decision. He can't see. There is no way the camera is good

to tell me anything different. He says there is no way the TV cameras

can show him any more, and Munster are denied a fourth try. And they

have got themselves a scrum forced to watch an end to this game. One of

the Ulster players, managing to get in there. They still need to

withstand this final four minutes. A crucial scrum to come. What Ulster

can't afford to do is give away a penalty here.

They couldn't be closer, under the laws of the game. Munster, a

converted try behind. Is that going to be the most crucial

set piece of the evening? What a concerted effort by the

Ulster team, particularly by the front row. Very particularly bright

Callum Black. Look at black, down he went and then

he straightened. Ulster squeezed it forward. What a good scrum that was.

Trimble, in raptures behind it. It's not over. Three minutes to go.

When in doubt, throw to the front of the line-out and make secure. That's

what they have done. The referee will tell them to use it.

It is nabbed by Ruan Pienaar! O Connell wanted himself and he gets

it. Penalty against Munster. Might even

have Penalty against Munster. Might even

atone for his knock-on. He didn't release it. Then the ultimate

indignity to follow, with the yellow card. Well, at the not the end he

would have wished for. He has a couple of those in his career but

nothing major. One of Irish rugby's greatest

players find themselves in the bin. Beautiful kick by Ruan Pienaar!

There is time for Munster to restart this game but the next time the ball

goes dead, it's going to be all over. Replacement being made, John

Afoa is going. Declan Fitzpatrick is coming on.

A well-placed kick. Gathered in by Munster.

That should be full-time. The referee says it is. And right at the

death, Ruan Pienaar has done what he has been doing since he arrived here

at Ravenhill. And how lucky Ulster are to have him the next few

seasons. His last penalty clinched the Ulster victory, and equally

important, Ulster made them sweat. A crucial victory to get some momentum

into the PRO12, to have the win under their belts,

into the PRO12, to have the win a number of penalties rob the game

of any flow in the second half that this was about the result for

Ulster. They have achieved that. They can move up the PRO12 table,

must importantly, they can take some confidence into these important

pictures that are about to come. Fixtures.

20 points to nil up after 35 minutes, Ulster 20 to five up after

half-time. They take them back, but the three second-half penalties by

ruling pain are absolutely crucial. Ulster have won this game against

the current league leaders. A cracking Irish Derby. Wasn't

perfect by any means but it was certainly exciting and entertaining.

Ulster had the upper hand in the first half, with two cracking tries.

They allowed Munster back into the game just before half-time. 20-5 was

the half-time score, and then Munster rumbled on again. Two more

second-half tries. Ulster were sweating for a while. But it was

Ruan Pienaar, the man of the match, 19 points he has scored. He has

sealed an excellent Ulster win. Gentleman, a great game of rugby. No

doubt, the best game of the Christmas season so far. Really

enjoyed it, it was fantastic. It had everything, a bit of robustness, a

bit of passion and some good tries. But relieved Ulster at the end of

the day. They threw Munster a lifeline and they nearly took it.

Ulster will be delighted that lifeline and they nearly took it.

commitment they show to hang on and see the game out has

commitment they show to hang on and thing. Without a

commitment they show to hang on and doubt. We talked about it at

half-time, one mistake, we would be 50 metres behind, and that is

exactly what happened. They kicked it into the corner, and all of a

sudden it was game on. Credit to Ulster, they had to keep weighing

and they did keep playing, right at the last. Ruan Pienaar turned down a

heck of a lot of money to move to a French club. He signed an extension

to his contract to stay with Ulster. The fans are delighted about that.

Congratulations, you are the man of the match. How special is that

result for Ulster? First, I want to give glory to God who has helped us

this season. We spoke about getting some intensity back in our play, I

thought we lacked some of that in the last couple of weeks. We were

disappointed with the way we played. We knew we had to give it our all

and every guy stepped up and take my hat off to them. The last two

performances, how tough is it been? We were disappointed with the way we

play. We hardly could keep the ball, we struggled to put phases together.

I think we got a bit of that magic back again. We have two bigwigs

bigwigs coming up, it is a big way to step forward. What is the

difference? I thought our breakdown was bad, we lacked intensity. But

every guy stepped up. Hats off to the forwards. They really worked

hard this week. We knew that Munster would be a tough pack. Interesting

that you have the kicking duties ahead of Paddy Jackson. Are you

comfortable? It was nice to get kicking again. It is something I

enjoy. Jacko has been kicking again. It is something I

How important is this? For sure. Montpelier are a strong team. We

have something to play for after getting a victory over there. A big

couple of weeks. Hopefully we can progress on from this. What does

this do for your PRO12 hopes? Yes, we managed to not give them a bonus

point, which is nice. We slipped up last week. Good to get a win against

Munster. Always tough playing against them.

Congratulations. Deserve it man of the match this evening. The Ulster

fact that -- player is milking the applause. I think everybody realises

how important to note's game was. Coming into the home straight, I

think everybody was sweating on Ulster's behalf. They did play a get

out of jail card towards the end of the game. They were under the cosh

for much of the second half. A wind changes the perspective on

everything. Tonight's win was very important. Mark Anscombe was very

unhappy after last week. I would imagine he is happier now.

Mark, smiling again? I thought I was always smiling! Great effort. The

first half particularly we played really good football. We let

ourselves down giving themselves the try at half-time. That gave them

some hope. They used the driving Kell Brook there's very well. --

driving maul. The guys showed some character. That is the attitude you

need going into Europe. Was intensity the difference? Yes, I

think a few others as well. Right across the park. The defence was

spot on. across the park. The defence was

out there today. A across the park. The defence was

to see again. That is the way it goes. It is good to see some of the

guys back who have not played rugby for a while. The try you conceded on

the stroke of half-time, did that change the game? It gave them

heart. We loosened up. We took our foot off it a bit. We scored some

points. We will have to do some work on it for next week. What does this

do for your PRO12 hopes? Does not allow them to get 14 points in front

of us, for a start. It keeps us in the race. We deprived them of a

bonus point. We are contesting. We only halfway through it. There is a

lot of rugby to go. We are happy we are there. Robbie Diack, always nice

when the colt? Yes, we had a tough week against Leinster last week. A

tough training week. We had to get on top of our game this week. The

intensity was high. The attitudes of the guys was great tonight. We

needed a good performance going into next week as well. We can take a lot

of momentum and confidence from this game. We look forward to next week.

Was there a bit of soul-searching within the squad in recent weeks?

Yes. Last week was disappointing against Leinster. There was a bit of

soul-searching. We trained hard this week. We worked on a set piece, we

worked on our defence. It paid off tonight. Munster were not going to

stop playing. We were not going to stop attacking as well. We can take

a lot of confidence from this game. To win that scrum in the last few

moments, how key was that? Massively key. We worked on those kind of

situations. We knew it was going to be a huge battle. Nice to do one

over on BJ Botha? Exactly. Congratulations.

Andy, just how big a win was that for Ulster? Is it a season changing

wind? -- win. For sure. They knew what was at stake. They needed to

get the momentum back into their season. I don't think it is a season

defining game but certainly when they have not been playing

particularly well in recent weeks, it is a defining moment to get back

on track and do it against a team clear at the top of the table. They

have been playing very well. To put up a good performance against a good

solid, strong side is a crucial thing. I don't think it was a

defining moment. But certainly it gives them a lift. An important

victory. Ruan Pienaar, man of the match this evening? Yes, I think of

the 80 minutes. There were a couple of other contenders. Jared Payne was

good as well. What Pienaar goes here is he gives Ulster's tempo and he

builds their game plan. It is not just his place kicking. It is his

management of the game. The whole team functions around him. It is the

timing of the pass, when he threatens the fringes, when he

releases the ball early. He puts Paddy Jackson in a comfort zone to

play. Jackson is a different player when he has got Pienaar beside him.

The thing about him is, he always has time on the ball. He keeps the

opposition guessing. You just don't know what he is going to do. His

decision-making is great. If you watching when he is playing his

game, he is always scanning. He is or was a couple of faces ahead of

what is happening. His goal-kicking was obviously superb. As a former

Irish international coach, would you prefer to see one of your two best

Irish international coach, would you Does not help Paddy Jackson. If

Paddy Jackson is going to wear the number ten kick -- shirt for

Ireland, these are the games you need to see him kicking, under

pressure, big crowd, a lot of pressure on the team. When he does

not get the opportunity... George Schmidt is in the dark over that. It

does create? In his mind. -- a doubt in his mind. We will not complain

tonight, I have to say! Rob, Ravenhill always difficult

place to come. He came back well? Yes, we did some good things. I

thought it was always going to be a 15 point wind. At half-time we were

not too disconsolate. We knew that if we could apply some pressure, we

might be able to resurrect our opportunities. Unfortunately, there

were a couple of little incidents when we were not able to go over on

that final maul. They came back. As good side still. Is there another

jump in level of intensity to Well, certainly Heineken cup level. Yes,

there is a bit. We had a few guys out there getting the first

opportunity at this level. Against a desperate Ulster side tonight, at a

place with the intensity of Ravenhill, we did not cope as well

as we could have in certain areas. It is probably fair to say that if

Keatley had have kicked his penalties, it would have been a

different game? That was a game changer. Pienaar missed one kick

from long distance into the wind. Keatley missed 11 points. You

thought that would have knocked the stuffing out of Munster but it

didn't. Those 11 points hurt Munster. Had he been knocking those

through, the game would have been closer and the pressure would build.

In the end, it is arguable that closer and the pressure would build.

were the difference. 11 points off the floor is a big

away from home when they end up losing by ten points. One minute

before half-time until the end of the game, Munster scored three

tries. They used the maul Mac -- mould to great effect? Certainly.

All they needed to do was catch and drive. This is them at their very

best. The patients was very good. Ulster were doing their utmost to

spoil it. Every time a red short gaming, one seemed to be there. --

red short. They have done this for years. This is Munster at their

best. Psychologically, once Ulster conceded two tries from the maul,

the fear of a third was palpable. Somehow, Ulster held them up. There

was a scrum five and Ulster got the penalty, which was the changing of

the game. It was close. Ulster did struggle against the maul. That is a

factor. If Montpelier what's this game, they will certainly go for the

maul against Ulster next week. Defensively, Ulster did

exceptionally well for most of that game. But the way they defended the

maul... It was not the tightest maul I have seen Munster perform. When

the car can try went in, it was a worrying time? It was not a

brilliant maul. But the other area as well is the penalty count against

Ulster. That was creeping up to 15 penalties. Munster had a lot of

penalties as well. I was surprised. Alain

somebody in the bin a lot sooner. There is no real cohesive pattern

here, they are hanging on by their fingernails. Very much, that was

fantastic, Munster perspective, that was cracking clay. They deserved

that, they knew what they were doing in the second half, stiff breeze,

keep Haitian, we will do what we do best and the came away with a couple

of tries. And you thought someone should be in the bin earlier? A lot

of penalties. Ulster team the Munster had 12, that is one above

the average. -- Ulster had 15. I thought he would have had a couple

of guys off the field, it dragged on and on until the end, when Paul

O'Connell got a yellow card for dissent. That was the one thing that

was disappointing, the number of penalties. It is a bit of a concern

for Ulster, if they give up 15 penalties, it's very hard. Tonight

they did a lot of good things but their penalty count, they into

suffering will be worrying going into the next round. And they will

want to scrummage likely did in the last scrummage. This is what you

train for. He go down and talk about scrums in the dying moments and this

is when it leads to the scrum, a good bit of defence from Ulster

here. The last ditch stuff at this point. You would've thought Munster

was glorious try. How it was held was beyond me. Kids decision here,

no one could conclusively see what happened so we brought it. -- good

decision here. Ulster had the upper hand in the scrum all night, they

had the edge on Munster. I think John Afoa was the key guy here. He

understands when it's the right time to

it came down to tonight, and that vital scrum at the end got Ulster

out of jail. But they have caused Munster problems. Do you fancy these

teams to do damage in Europe, come out of their group comfortably now?

I think for Ulster, I think it will unfortunately come down to how they

play away. I think they have a chance of getting a result but they

have to go and try and win. That will be tricky. From Munster's point

of view, they messed up the start of the pool but have control of it

again now. At this point I would fancy them to close its. It's an

easier path for Munster to the quarterfinal than it is for Ulster.

They have two back this up, take it to another level, and do the work

improve on the work they have of this match, and they have given

themselves every opportunity. Big games coming up for Ulster and

Munster, you will be able to get live commentary of both of those

games on radio stuff. Tonight, Ulster have kicked off the

new rugby year in the best possible way about beating the league

leaders.