Scarlets v Ulster Ulster Rugby Live

Last week it all went horribly wrong against Leinster. The Ulster

midfield thoroughly shredded. He's not going to get him. Ulster were

criticised harshly for their performance. Outgunned and

outplayed. And Ulster failed to score in the first half. Ulster

caught napping. They are not doing the basics well enough. So how will

they respond tonight for the first game of this New Year? Ulster are in

Wales to take on the inform Scarlets who are unbeaten at home in the last

eight matches. It's a big game for both teams tonight as they push for

a place in the all-important play-offs, Ian Humphreys and Stephen

Ferris with us. Ulster have slipped to sixth in the table with a game in

hand, Scarlets tonights opposition asked for. Two other games tonight,

it's currently 5-3 to Treviso against the Dragons, Leinster

against Zebre kicks off later. You were among the critics last week

especially after the first half performance, some of the players

said they were hard by the comments but find them quite motivating, what

is your reaction? I hope they do find them motivating. Watching the

Ulster performance in the first half, so frustrating at times. For

me lacked a few things, they made mistakes but 17-0 down away from

home, 25% possession, it was hard to watch and be made a mistake they

were making. It's one of those things when you are standing at

half-time and the microphone is put in front of you, I am a passionate

man, played with a lot of passion for Ulster for many times over the

years and that's how I felt at the time and I hope the boys do take it

as inspiration. With the Irish international is back tonight are

you hoping to see a more passionate Ulster performance, do you expect

one? Bringing Rory Best will be a huge thing, Ian Henderson will bring

a lot of enthusiasm. Some of Ulster's best performances a car

whenever the backs are running at the back of the forwards and giving

options towards the softer line for the forward is to run. If there are

brick walls there are a few players who can make any game lines. They

look big performance tonight so I expect big carries from Henderson

and Treadwell to set the platform. Last week the first half was

particularly hard to take as an Ulster fan, do you expect response

tonight, better defending than this? Absolutely, we talked during the

week, slipping off tackles and making defensive mistakes is

unacceptable. This is good play from Leinster but at the same time, you

have to be more switched on and you could have been ready for it. It's a

huge game in Wales, fourth versus sixth and Ulster need to pull one

out of the bag because they are under pressure at the minute. Thank

you very much gentlemen. Andrew Trimble leading out Ulster as the

captain, how will they get on against the Scarlets, enjoy the

game. COMMENTATOR:, good evening, Andrew

Trimble the captain tonight. Ross Kane gets only his second start.

Luke Marshall, Jackson, best and Henderson all back. The return one

of 11 changes which ground out a 15-10 win against Cardiff Blues just

five days ago, eight wins in their last nine Pro12 matches. Rhys

Patchell is entered so Dan Jones who will be 21 tomorrow gets his first

start of the season at ten, the backline also includes Liam Williams

and Jonathan Davies whose brother James returns after suspension to

the back row. Ulster down to four fit props.

Warwick and Simpson the front row options. The man hoping to get his

head around the new tackle Lawes, pun intended, is the Romanian born

Italian Marius Mitrea. Carlo Damasco is the TMO. Ulster get is underway,

Rob Jones sitting beside me, good evening. Looking forward to this,

conditions are not great but again, Scarlets are traditionally very good

at home. And Ulster are always good opposition so let's hope it's a good

contest. Great winning record here, Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets. Ulster

will be hoping to start the match better in the first half than they

did in Dublin last weekend. A number of unforced changes but Paddy

Jackson is back, Stuart McCloskey in midfield. Heavy rain all day, still

going on at Parc y Scarlets. I think the weather and the number of

matches Scarlets are played in recent weeks has reduced the crowd

somewhat. It's over four years since Ulster have won here. They did beat

them earlier on this season at Kingspan Stadium. Well taken by Dan

Jones, the man filling in for Rhys Patchell this evening, watching the

expect from Jones? He's a young man who was given an opportunity at the

start of last year and was the number one choice down here. When

you consider that Stephen Jones is part of the coaching staff and is

keen to help develop him. He offers our lot in terms of attack and his

kicking ability. We will see a lot of that in the opening exchanges,

high balls directed at the back three. First touch at full-back for

Johnny McNicholl, new signing for the Scarlets. Heavy pitch, well

taken by Andrew Trimble. Trimble over the halfway line. The ball set

up for Marshall. Jackson getting it out, McCloskey. Louis Ludik at

full-back for Ulster this evening. Driven on by Chris Henry. Bright

start by Ulster. Marshall. That's another of the returning players,

Ian Henderson. Marshall looking for his man. Driven on by Ross Kane.

Callum Black stopped in his tracks by Rob Evans and Kruger is in there

as well. Ulster seen a lot of the ball, nice kick through by Marshall.

Easily taken, slightly overcooked by Jones, and both sides in the opening

moments getting used to the conditions, dreadful weather. Good

defensive work by Scarlets, very comfortable getting numbers out wide

to insure there was no space and good ball retention and I suppose by

Ulster. It's a case in the first five, ten, 15 minutes, these are not

great conditions, a lot of pressure on those receiving the ball but

defensively Scarlets looking sound. Well taken by Henderson but charged

down, opportunity for Dan Jones in the opening minutes, is it another

bad start for Ulster, Jones for the line and he has got there! The man

who celebrates his birthday tomorrow might just have got his fingers on

the ball in the fourth minute at the Parc y Scarlets. Looked like he got

there first but Paddy Jackson did do well to work his way back after the

disappointment of having it charged down. Decent ball control on a wet

and slippery surface. It's down to the TMO. Not as conclusive... Looks

very much as if Paddy Jackson might have got back, you can see the ball

not quite over the line. No control. Jackson might just have saved

Ulster. Saved himself. Was not a great kick. Good anticipation by Dan

Jones but I don't think he has any control of the ball over the line.

To me Paddy Jackson has got there. The TMO has any number of angles to

look at. The question is if you're not going to give the try, whether

it is Paddy Jackson taking the ball over the line. Big decision for the

Italian team of officials. Let me get this straight, you say the

grounding is not clear, but it is a red knock-on a scrum? Correct. I

think Paddy Jackson got there, put pressure on Dan Jones to ensure that

he did not get any control over the line. I don't think it was a

knock-on but Paddy Jackson probably took the ball over the try line.

Should have been a scrum five, pressure still an Ulster. But

nevertheless they have managed to hold onto what looked like a certain

try. Not what you want in the opening moments if you are Ulster

here in the lashing rain. First test in terms of scrum time, slippery

surface. First test of the night for this

readership Ulster front row of Callum Black, Rory Best and Ross

Kane. The charge down by Dan Jones. Fair play to Jackson. Did well to

get back just before they stop the try. When you put in that little

dink over the top you have all your back three up as well so you don't

have any cover behind. The Ulster pack slightly heavier Perak man. --

per man. That's a decent kick by Jackson.

Relieved the pressure. Scarlets will be disappointed that Dan Jones did

not get to the line. Then a scrum and the chance to bid Ulster under

pressure five years out and they have not taken advantage.

They have two forgive the odd mistake in this weather. Gareth

Davies could not hold onto it and when you are on the back foot and

her pressure from Ulster coming through mistakes will happen. Good

pressure by Ulster, managing to lift themselves, get themselves back from

the early disappointment. Solid Ulster scrummage and again the

win the decision. Huge encouragement for Ross Kane. Rob Evans, a man less

than happy. Rob Evans working his way back to full fitness, trying to

push for a place in the Six Nations, did very well for Wales last year. A

number of the Scarlets hoping to impress, the coach will be in charge

was sitting yards away from us. Good early signs. There is Rob Powley. --

Robin what can Sean Reidy do? Good ball

from Marshall. Driven on by Treadwell. Chris Henry. No good

quick ball from Ulster. Taken on by that man, Ross Kane. Marshall.

Anderson. Ulster retaining the ball. In by Treadwell.

Number eight first man in. Sean Reidy penalised by the Italian

referee. Going to ground immediately, trying to protect the

ball from Scarlets pressure. Scarlets look reasonably comfortable

in defence. Good ball retention, you can just see because of the

conditions that both sides, Ulster dominating possession early on,

looking to keep it tight and get their big runners, the back row,

Henderson and others, just to try to make those hard yards. What has been

the secret? Back in the autumn when Scarlets lost at Kingspan Stadium it

was three defeats in a row, how do you explain the recent revival? They

have managed to play good rugby. You look at the back line, Jonathan

Davies carrying the ball, Scott Williams and Liam Williams, a lot of

talent, Gareth Davies offers a threat. It's about the ability to

get the ball and keep the ball and they've managed to do that. Bright

stuff from Scarlets, that's Jonathan Davies, needs no introduction to

Ireland rugby fans. The ball is still there for Scarlets scrum half

Gareth Davies. Two tries in a thrilling 32-32 draw a couple of

years ago here in bright sunshine. That could be a first opportunity

for points. Rory Best receiving the telling off. You said first

opportunity for points to Dan Jones. Dan Jones has not seen much

opportunity to start for Scarlets this year. Has triggered off the

bench quite a bit with Rhys Patchell playing consistently well so this

will be a pressure kick for the young man. Seven appearances as a

replacement this season. This his first start, Dan Jones.

No problem at all. In the 11th minute Scarlets go 3-0 up. I think

it's going to be down to a battle of the boot between the teams.

Sean Reidy a distinctive figure with his luminous books. Callum Black.

Jackson keeps it low. The ball did go backwards. And reciprocated into

the Ulster 22. Marshall the last man back.

Decent kick under the circumstances and the weather is not getting any

easier. Billy Connolly has said many things Rob Jones but his comment

that there is no such thing as bad weather, just wrong clothing, on a

night like this a few people might take convincing. Good play by Dan

Jones, struck the ball particularly well. It's a case of winning the

territorial battle. If you can slowly but surely through your

kicking ability game that was 20, 30 yards which they have managed to do

and keep possession. Ken Owens turned 30 this week, on Tuesday,

seems to have been around forever. He came through the Academy system,

very much been here since a 16-year-old, made his way into the

first team. Advantage Scarlets after the knock-on. Let's see if they can

do anything with it. Advantage is over. Taken on by Jake Ball. One of

the men looking to impress the Welsh coach this evening. All the play

taking place inside the Ulster have suddenly. Jonathan Davies makes

himself available. Man mountain. Ulster penalised. Not releasing the

man. Les Kiss and his fellow coaches behind us, I think you have to

release the player and I think that is what the referee was saying.

Taken in by Ken Owens. Hadleigh Parkes on Jonathan Davies. A

crunching tackle by Ian Henderson. Second row, back row. The

athleticism. Lions places to be played for in 2017 as well. The Six

Nations will be so important to every one of those players

representing their country, so much at stake and ultimately it's the

shop window for Lions selection as much as one Gatlin might have taken

note of performances up till now, it's going to be the next two or

three months that will shape the squad to fly out to New Zealand. A

month away from the start of the Six Nations, just two months before the

title decider between Ireland and Wales! Lets hope, let's keep our

fingers crossed! Wales were quite disappointing in terms of how they

played overall in the autumn. Second opportunity in the space of three

minutes for Dan Jones. He has got his kicking boots. Ulster drop

further behind. Hurdle en route to go. -- there is a

long way to go. Don't think Jackson quite hit that

ball right. That's great refereeing because I

think most people would have gone with Gareth Davies decision there.

It's a tricky ball bloodwork supermoon. High tackle and it could

be a card. New regulations coming in three days ago. Accidental can still

be a card. You have to understand the game. I think, it's high, around

the neck. And again, your arms are sliding up... The ball carrier.

Again, I think it's ridiculous, we are seeing far too many yellow

cards... There will only be more! It is getting worse but it's a physical

game. Anyone playing in the forwards tackling the likes of me will find

themselves in trouble because it's difficult. Jackson's first attempt

at goal. He's got the accuracy and the

distance! Two out of two for Dan Jones, one out of 14 Paddy Jackson.

On an evening like this it could be a kicking contest. It comes down to

the discipline between the two sides. Not an awful lot that's going

to happen in terms of creative rugby so you have to be disciplined.

Johnny McNicholl, a man who played on the wing the other day against

Cardiff Blues. Can I send my best wishes and I am

sure your best wishes to Jim Neilly who has a dose of the lurgy and here

I am in his place misidentifying the players. Hopefully you will recover

soon. I hope this Ulster performance makes you feel better. In an hour

and a half, we shall see. Ball is still in play, Scarlets have kept it

from going out. Davies. Going to keep it tight with the big men,

Kruger. Davies has got it but it's a scrappy possession for the Scarlets.

Davies put it up in the air. Stockdale underneath it. Everybody

looks at the Italian referee. Scrum our line-out? Scrum. Scrum.

Lost it as he got up, under pressure from Liam Williams. Did not go to

deck, tried to regather but the ball went forward and into touch. Good

pressure by Ulster at the breakdown. Just to ensure that it's all about

pressure. Justice slip, understandable in

conditions. -- just a slip. Ulster have come away with it.

Turnover ball for Ulster. Marshall. Jackson chasing. McNicholl Boswell

eventually, there is nobody there. -- does well eventually. That was a

great scrum. Just look at the pressure from Callum Black. Does he

touch the whitewash? Just a fraction. McNicholl thought he had

kept away from it. Great scrum, great pick-up, great drive and great

vision from Marshall. Again it's the ability to put the ball where it

matters and put Scarlets under pressure. Treadwell takes it.

A rare foray in the opening 20 minutes. Paul Marshall told to use

it, McCloskey, feeds it and there is the drive for Stockdale! -- try for

Stockdale! The opening try of the match! Beautifully worked. You have

got the pressure, Scarlets on the back foot and then you have to use

your big men to get the halls. There is no one bigger than McCloskey and

when you have Stockdale, of similar stature alongside him it's almost

impossible to stop them. In these conditions perfect execution of a

game plan, keeping the ball close and tightened using the big men to

bang the holes in midfield. The first real expedition of Ulster into

the 22 and Jacob Stockdale goes over for his third try of the season.

When you have McCloskey, if you can hit the weaker outside shoulders of

defenders you know full well that he's going to gain three, four, five

metres. Scott that will increase Ulster's

lead the four points. Suddenly, it is looking brighter for the

visitors. If we are looking back, this is a great kick I Marshall. Was

he offside? Probably, he was. That is history now. An added spring in

the step for Ulster now. It slips out of his grasp. Good chasing by

the try scorer. That is great rugby in these conditions. Getting on the

front foot, you execute the cake perfectly. Then it is all about

pressure in that five metre channel. Great work. I discussion between

Callum Black and Rory Best. Again, Kieran Treadwell takes it for

Ulster. Good driving for the men in white, or slightly dirty white. Rory

Best has the ball, can he work it back on the Ulster side? Not quite

the distance Marshall was hoping for. Jacob Stockdale was there, as

was Liam Williams. Sean Reidy not retreating. We spoke about the

execution of the two kicks by Marshall earlier, but on that

occasion, it is always difficult to work your way backwards. That is a

great kick by Dan Jones. Fantastic, what a strike! A brilliant attacking

position now for the Scarlets. That is a great kick. Very hard to do.

You want to go for that five metre channel but when you are 50 metres

away, it is a difficult one in conditions like this. What a great

position for the Scarlets to head back. The Scarlets droplet, Bill. It

just is there was little mistakes that could be the winning or losing

but this match. Marshall get away. Here they come with Johnny

McNicholl, the Kiwi. The bees in front of him. Ken Owens, the

captain. Well taken by Davies. That was Hadleigh Parkes. A quiet,

unassuming staff of the Scarlets in recent weeks. Suddenly it is looking

ominous. Taken on by Lewis Rawlins. Jones. That is Stephane Evans, none

of the match in the win against the Cardiff Blues five days ago. On by

John Barclay. A wonderful Scottish international. Suddenly the Scarlets

have been stung into reacting to that Ulster try. Good tackle by

Clive Ross. Driven on by Rob Evans. The narrow side is on the Scarlets.

Liam Williams is looking for support. He has had from Hadleigh

Parkes. Williams thought about picking it up. Davies was there as

well. There was a challenge from Rory Best but the Scarlets have

possession inside the Ulster 22. Taken by Jake Ball. Suddenly, the

thread is on. Turning the screw. Ulster are doing well too disrupted.

Stuart McCluskey trying to hack through. Knocked on is the referee's

decision. Good defensive work again. Just looking at Liam Williams. He

draws in defenders and the lines and the timing of Liam Williams's rumba,

as always, perfect. He gets the off-load to Hadleigh Parkes who

again has shown his consistency in the midfield for the Scarlets. They

managed to regroup and get back their defensive line and defensive

system to keep the Scarlets ad. From what we have seen in the opening 27

minutes, it will have to be a battling performance by Ulster in

these terrible conditions. It is, but so far, so good for the

Ulsterman. They have scored the only try. They have played a sensible

game of rugby. When it comes to the kicking game, both sides are

cancelling each other out. Perhaps the Scarlets just about have the

edge perhaps but this is going to be and tuck, I think, for the whole

game. You won't see anything fancy, it will be a case of blood and guts.

It is the side he makes the least mistakes that will come out on top.

Now, a free kick to the Scarlets. They are going to have the scrum

again. The scrum will probably give them more of a platform to attack.

The options are out left and right. Johnny McNicholl has looked solid

since he arrived from New Zealand. The Scarlets have options on each

side. The referee calls for a break. I know the ground is slippery but

let us not use it as an excuse. Let us all do better. We agree?

Stay on the left, please. That's a little insight, that is exactly what

goes on before the ball is put into the scrum. In fairness, so far he

has done well. He has refereed the whole contest well. Some tough

decisions to make and he has made the right ones. Conditions are not

an excuse, says the referee. A solid Scarlet scrummage. They go down the

left-hand side. The ball the Davies, the scrum-half. Driven on by Tom

Price. It is Jake Ball. The Scarlets just whittling away at that distance

between themselves and the line. Just prevented from leaving the

hands. Rob Evans. Liam Williams coming at pace. A fantastic tackle

the Kieran Treadwell for Ulster. The ball was there for the asking and on

by Evans against the Scarlets. Halfway inside the Ulster 22. Davies

let it slip but it did go backwards. Dan Jones runs into trouble, little

else he could have done. Ulster are doing well to frustrate the

Scarlets. That is great line speed. That is Jonathan Davies. That was

excellent defensive work. It is all about the line speed. They are

coming up and putting the pressure on the first and second receiver and

also at the breakdown, Henderson is very effective on a secondary rock,

coming through and putting pressure on Gareth Davies. Pressure on nine

is going to mean pressure on everyone alongside him. It hasn't

been a spectacle but it has been a good contest the data. -- to date.

Those are the latest scorers in the other two games being played this

evening. Earlier kick-off times. A healthy lead, as you might expect,

for Leinster. That game also kicked off at 7:30 five. It begin tomorrow

of interest to both of these sides, Glasgow against the Cardiff Blues.

Second-place Ospreys have a lunchtime kick-off at home against,

the. They have been spotted in Wales, they have arrived! A day trip

for them, Billy. The last ten minutes of the first

half. Still, the rain falls. Still Ulster denying the Scarlets a Smith

of the try line. Marshall is told to use it. He finds touch. King on the

left but of Jacob Stockdale. Good pressure from Gareth Davies. He did

not gain the yardage he was expecting or helping.

Is there an injury in midfield? There is. The concern is that it is

a front row problem. With all the problems Ulster have had, in the

front row in particular, I think there are four props out injured,

the last thing you want to lose is a problem. He looks fine. Ross Kane is

fit to continue. There are certainly hasn't been a letup in the weather.

It is still heavy, heavy drizzle. It was forecast, the Ulster party

arrived yesterday with the knowledge that there was a 90% chance of

certain brain this evening. It's pretty much has been all day 100%!

There was a period when it relented but it has set in the the night.

That is on the John Barclay. Oh, a logon has been called by the

referee. Advantage to Ulster. Henry. He keeps the ball alive. Jackson to

relieve this siege a little bit. That is a testing ball. Well dealt

with, that is into Liam Williams. No way through and Williams throws a

loose pass. That is good play by Ken Barnes. Ken Owens is offside. That

was a logon. Advantage for Ross Kane. Marshall, a is back for

Williams. I think it is going to be a head injury assessment here for

Lewis Rawlins. He took a bump. He is down. Trying to tackle Callum Black.

Look for the big hit. The immovable object! He is Allen, isn't he? You

said that, not me! Lewis Rawlins certainly felt the effect of that.

You got to react in games, haven't you? In fairness to Ken Owens, not

just reacting but you are in the play and the ability as well to

catch. And to take the ball forward. The Scarlets almost put themselves

into so much trouble. Steffan Evans managed to get the ball out. He

managed to keep himself in play before the Scarlets again made the

error. He fielded the pretty ball pretty well for a hooker!

Absolutely. He has always been a decent footballer, in fairness to

him. Will Boyde has been filling in for the suspended Jason Davies. He

doesn't look great going off. He looks a bit shaky. I didn't know if

you can see it on your TV screens but the rain, it is the heaviest it

has been in the first half so far. Ulster with their noses in front.

Taken on by Chris Henry. Marshall, Jackson. Marshall again. Rory Best

with his distinctive headgear. That is well caught by Callum Black.

Ulster are setting up the phases. The Ulster coaching staff want the

ball in the bottom corner. That is good wrestling driving forward by

Ulster. Marshall. Jackson. Over the top of Jones and he has been called.

He has been told to release by the referee. Jones keeps possession but

the Scarlets. They do have it. But Ulster finished inside the Scarlets

22. Possession wise, Ulster, when they've got it, the use it very

well. They use their egg men. It is Paddy Jackson who is calling the

shots. He is starting to tactically put the ball where it needs to be.

Gareth Davies limping there? A couple of bumps there. Morissette in

the Ulster performance. Eventually worked back by Henry. Jackson. The

shirt nearly taken of his back. Best. Marshall. Henry. Jackson.

Stuart McCluskey put it up. This is good from Ulster. Taken on by Louis

Ludik. Luke Marshall setting up the ball for Paul Marshall. That is a

prop forward pass but it didn't go forward. Ulster have the advantage.

Marshall. Henderson. Ulster retaining possession. The

referee accidentally getting in the way. Ulster will have the put-in the

scrummage. They are really stretching the Scarlets. There is a

lot of tired bodies already on the Scarlets side. They've had a busy

Christmas period, as Ulster have had, but they look a little jaded.

They have had to work hard defensively. It is quite a schedule.

It is. It has been a tough old time. All physical games. It is important

that the Scarlets donned a Ulster to take control just before half-time.

There are hanging all in there, the Scarlets at the moment, because

Ulster certainly look better side. There seems to be more energy in

their attacks. They are using the big men so effectively. It has been

no less easy for Ulster with those in the pro derby matches. Ulster

switch the angle of attack. Jackson floated to Jacob Stockdale. The fans

suggesting that it was forward. On the Henderson. Marshall to Marshall.

Again, Luke Marshall. Acting as at half. Ulster have the ball in

mid-half. Louis le Duc. The more they retain the ball, the more they

stay in the Scarlets have. Can they turn it into points the last human

lives of this first-half? The 12 days for Ulster. Jackson goes

for the corner. And it just falls short. You can almost hear it

squelch from here! Now, can Ulster counter attacks from deep? Captain

Andrew Trimble, head down. Still they retain possession. Ulster have

the advantage. The home fans are not happy. That was Clive Ross trying to

keep it alive. Ulster have the penalty. Again, in conditions like

this, if you keep the ball long enough, ultimately the referee will

find fault in the defence of work of the Scarlets and certainly of the

breakdown. On this occasion, the Stuart McCluskey is bubbly the

reason for the penalty. Very impressive from Ulster and their

ability not to make errors in these preconditions has been a real big

part of their performance in this first-half. They have made very few

errors, they have kept the ball in the contact area and under pressure

and as a result, they probably deserve going into half-time in the

lead. An important cake for Paddy Jackson. All that hard work, can he

turn it into three points? That will make the difference at half time.

Another birthday boy, he was 25 yesterday. Is this going to be an

additional little birthday present for Paddy Jackson and Ulster? Yes,

it is! So, Paddy Jackson kicks the penalty that sends Ulster into a

half-time lead of seven points. The scoring was opened by Dan Jones.

Pulled back by Jackson to 6-3 and the only try scored by Jacob

Stockdale in the 22nd minute. That means at half time, it is the

Scarlets, six, and Ulster, the team. -- 13. Paddy Jackson saved a certain

score. Dan Jones kept the scoreboard ticking over the Scarlets but it has

been more like it for Ulster. More composed this week and Jacob

Stockdale, the try between the sides. We've been watching that

first half. After the first half last week, you said Ulster had no

heart or passion, what you think of that? Amazing what a week can do.

They have been brilliant. I have to be positive this week. In saying

that, they have been very good, they have been retaining possession very

well and making the Scarlets make mistakes. Their scrum has been

impressive. Iain Henderson has put himself about and made big hits on

the Scarlets on a complete turnabout from last week. We were talking

about Ulster getting off to a good start and it was merely a horrific

start with that kick over the top but Paddy Jackson worked his socks

off to get us back and that is what we want to see. It is not a night

where you can throw the ball around with ease, a dirty old night and the

Ulster forwards have really dug in to play and keep possession well?

Ahab. One criticism in the past has been a slow ruck well but they have

been Kieran Treadwell. The train Marshall and Paddy Jackson, they

have kicked really well. They have put the Scarlets under pressure. The

forwards have been carrying well. In this weather, you don't want to play

the ball at the back because when you see the Marshall trying to shut

them down. They have been presenting the ball nicely for Paddy Jackson. A

very well taken score, greeted by the forwards. They just locked down

the ball well. I didn't think it was going to go anywhere at first but

they did in there. It is just all about retaining possession. What big

man to put up the middle, Stuart. He gets over the gain line and gets his

hands-free and Ciaran -- Jacob Stockdale was there. Ulster deserve

it. That is the ideal way to use Stuart Stuart McCloskey. He targets

in between the first and second defender so you see they don't look

in very well and he makes a soft shoulder and Jacob finished it

nicely. In this weather, it is very hard for defenders to change their

angles so Stuart McCluskey making that hard on him. After coming into

this game, by their own admission, struggling. Almost at the start of

the game, how big a turnaround was at the Paddy Jackson saved that

score? It could be very big come the end of the game. Heads might have

dropped a little bit if this try had been awarded but look at the pace of

Paddy Jackson getting in there. He slides and to me, Paddy Jackson baby

brings that over the line. But they get the decision and thankfully,

frankly, Ulster don't go five points down early on. That is effort and

commitment to make up for your own mistake, I suppose? Dan Jones took a

gamble. He knew that Paddy Jackson would probably kick but he went,

knowing there was protection inside and outside and he got the rewards.

That is the leadership Paddy Jackson brings. Many players would have

given up but you saw how hard he worked to get back. You would never

have made it back! Last week against Leinster, Ulster 's defence was poor

but tonight, a massive improvement. What have you made of the effort? It

doesn't matter how many phases the Scarlets go through, they are

counter looking every run. They are making the ball really difficult for

Davies at nine. Somebody misses at tackle their, they are coming in and

making up for each other's errors and his great to see. You see the

counter rocks. That is Rose Kane who has been out for a couple of weeks

with an injury. It is just the fighter they are showing in every

aspect of play. Not just here and there, it is every asset and

Hezbollah to watch impaired last week. Iain Henderson and Rory Best

in the middle of everything good that they are doing. They are

staying square and defending as a group, not individuals. In this

weather, it is difficult for the Scarlets to put on any fancy plays.

When they try and go wide, Luke Marshall is just reading the play

nicely and tackling in the line and there is the pressure. It is

allowing the others to counter rocks. Despite giving more penalties

away than they wanted to, Ulster deservedly in front? They are and

you got to give credit where it is Joe. Ulster have played well and

they deserved readers here at half-time. Last week, they didn't

play so well and I think they deserved some of the comments made

after that game but they have played some superb stuff here. Just

retaining possession in this weather is a difficult and they are doing it

well, making the Scarlets give away the odd penalty. They have maybe

conceded too many at times. But maybe talked about, the discipline,

that they decide it. A wet and windy game, it is hard to play rugby. But

Rory and Calum luck but they did have a crack at the ball but from

that, if they gave away a few penalties after that so Andrew

Trimble and Rory said, we need to step up the discipline. On a night

like the night, it is whoever will concede the least penalties. In the

autumn, Paddy Jackson had 13 from 13. He keeps the scoreboard going. I

think they will come through the second half. If you are to win on a

night like that, you're set piece has to function well and Ulster 's

has so far? It has, it has been great. The scrum in particular has

been brilliant, ringing in Callum Black and Ross Kane and when you

stick Rory Best in the middle, there is no scrummage in world rugby for

me. It is the workrate of every body else behind having, not just the

front row. It is the work rate of Henderson. Ross staying down, is all

the loves working together and that is a massive change from what we saw

last week. Time for the half-time feature,

Ulster rugby are keen that their younger players look after

themselves off the pitch as well as on it and a new innovation has been

set up between Belfast Metropolitan College and the rugby association to

do just that. The Ulster Academy players are used to getting the game

faces on but not like this. A six-week cooking course culminated

in a Masterchef style competition, the climax of a column of a journey

of discovery. Food makes up a massive part of their lives and

particularly for the academy boys a lot of them have just moved out of

home, on their own for the first time. The amount of food they have

to eat on a training day is massive and it can become really boring and

a bit mundane. A big part of it was to try to upscale them with their

creativity and make them more excited and it seems to have worked.

Before kick off our final briefing from mentors and head chef Gavin.

Congratulations, well done, you are at the very end, the final cook-off.

We have a larder table down there this evening and you are working off

it. The kitchen was a hive of activity as the players were peered

of land given two hours to prepare two dishes for the celebrity dashes,

they aim to produce healthy and nutritious balanced food with style.

We are making a sticky chicken pasta with creme fraiche and some salmon

and couscous. Hopefully the dish will impress the judges. Nutrition

is a huge part of rugby nowadays, the meals we are given and get told

to produce are at the top standard. My cooking skills over the years

have not been the best so I hope to have something plated up better than

I could do and from the looks of it it's looking pretty impressive. It's

going well actually, tasting nice, nice little kick to it. With the

hard work done the final dishes were presented to the hungry judges. And

there was plenty of variety to tickle the taste buds. Beef

Wellington, salad, mustered and honey sauce. And mushroom and onion

gravy. What do you think? That's good steak. Absolutely beautiful and

no soggy bottom. With the plate is clear and bellies full it was time

to tot up the scores and reveal the kings of the kitchen. And the winner

is... Aaron and Ali, congratulations guys. It was one of my mum 's

recipes so I was well prepped. Mummies boys then? Good sons. We

will take that, well done boys. A couple of players look out for in

future, back to tonight 's game, plenty of food for thought, sorry,

for the second half. What do Ulster need to do to close the game? And

more of the same, they cannot come out and kick over the top and get

charged down. Stick it up the jumper, make Scarlets make mistakes

and work off the back of that. The kicking game, that could come into

play also. Play the pitch, keep the discipline, keep hold of the ball

when you need to and hopefully ran out winners. Important Ulster to get

off to a good start, obviously. It is, the start of the second half

they have conceded tries in big games recently so they will want to

get out there, take a clean receipt of the Scarlet kick-off and try to

get out of 22, put Scarlets under pressure and try to build. They need

to play as they are, do not try to force their hand and they have

enough. It is good to see you happier at half-time this week. I

was a passionate man on the pitch and I am the same off the pitch.

Proud Ulsterman and it's good to see the boys playing well. What pleased

you most about the first half? The intensity, Rory Best and Iain

Henderson bring it every week and you see them fitting into the pack,

know what they bring. The massive hit from Ian Henderson 15 minutes in

set the tone. We want to see more of that. Do you fancy them to close it

out? Yes, I think they will. Thank you very much gentlemen. The teams

back out for the second half, Ulster leading, let's see how the second

half unfolds. COMMENTATOR: As you can see the weather has improved

dramatically... It hasn't. Change at scrum-half for Scarlets, Gareth

Davies limping so he has been replaced by Aled Davies making his

100th appearance. 24-year-old who might be a senior international of

the future. He has been in great form the last couple of years,

missed out to Gareth Davies, certainly this year but when he on

form he played exceptionally well. The attempted kick have charged

down. A few fresh jerseys in the Ulster team. As the boys in the

studio were saying, can Ulster in sure discipline wins them this

match? The ball well one back by Henderson, one of the senior players

who has been leading by example. Back to Jackson. That's a chase back

for Evans, McNicholl missed it. Evans has time to clear right

footed. Decent clearance under the circumstances. Good kick by Steff

Evans, again, Paddy Jackson putting the ball downfield into the key

areas, the Scarlets 22. Trying to keep them under pressure, the ball

swirling around as well. It is wet and miserable. As long as they keep

the urgency that they did in the first half and keep Scarlets in this

part of the field then Ulster look good for a win. Stephen Ferris

seeing at half-time that discipline is the watchword for Ulster. I think

the discipline was outstanding, not just discipline in terms of giving

away penalties but also discipline in holding onto possession. Very few

mistakes and it was very impressive. Ulster starting the second half of

the way they ended the first. Marshall. McCloskey.

Slightly grubbier Jersey they are from the back row.

Best. Marshall. Jackson. It's a high one for Trimble to chase, Steff

Evans underneath it. Makes the clean catch. Good discipline with the

ball, not making many yards but holding onto possession and again it

went slightly too far from Jackson. Allow Scarlets to clear their lines

but gives the ball back to Ulster to again build opportunities to move

themselves downfield. Swirling wind as Rob Jones was saying. The rain

moving all around the night sky. The ball boy with the towel a key figure

for Rory Best. All sorts of movement and Henderson takes it cleanly.

Up it goes again for Trimble to chase. That was a good kick. Evans

again underneath it, Trimble contesting for it, it's back for

Marshall and break might be on, Sean Reidy staying on his feet. Can

Ulster get bodies to the ball? Marshall finds Trimble, the captain.

Just slips out of the grasp. Chance for Jake Ball. Big bearded

figure, to drive the Scarlets up towards their own 22 metre line. No

advantage, going back for the knock-on. Great work by Trimble.

Drove hard. Into the defence. I think the question here was was it a

knock-on by Trimble? Some angry home support, probably dead just lose

that. I think he lost the ball. If we did not see it.

They look sharp in attack, a lot of energy and dynamism in the ball

carrying from each of the forwards, they have all played their part.

Aled Davies will put the ball in. Davies gets it to Jonathan Davies.

Louis Ludik is there. Counterattacking. Brought down by a

combination of Steff Evans and Jonathan Davies. Marshall urging

Clive Ross to get round the other side. Sean Reidy. Sold the dummy.

And again the high ball for Trimble to chase, and obvious tactic in the

second half. Slightly overcooked, Dan Jones with plenty of time to

catch it. A couple have gone a bit too far. By first Jackson and that

one by Marshall. But it is where you want to keep the Scarlets. Pinning

them down inside their own half, trying to pin them down inside their

own 22. That has gone a bit across the park, taken by McNicholl. It's

been sliced. Stockdale will know that he had plans of where he was

going before he had the ball in his hands. You talk about keeping your

eyes on the ball and that was a great example of what not to do.

Look at the ball initially but probably aware there was space, room

for him to run in front and he took his eyes off the ball, and not a

great kick by McNicholl. He looked sharp early in the game but a few

mistakes have crept in. Try to perhaps force a few passes and a few

mistakes defensively as well. A study in concentration, the Welsh

coach. Scarlets get the ball away, Jonathan Davies keeping it low.

Straight out. Luke Marshall. Thinking about the quick take.

Jumping Davies holds his head in his hands. Disappointing for Scarlets.

Making far too many mistakes. Cannot afford them in a game of such small

margins. Giving away possession like that. Too many mistakes in the first

half and that was the contrast between the sides. The discipline,

ball-handling, ball retention from Ulster far better than Scarlets.

The ball driven on by Clive Ross. Marshall. Now Luke Marshall. Best.

I think John Barclay felt the penalty should have gone the way of

Scarlets. There is only one man with the whistle on the park. Yes, he's

had a reasonable game. Very few mistakes. It's a tough old battle

out there. A lot happening at the breakdown. Best was held, tried to

move forward and did not release the ball.

Marshall is charged down. Ludik deals with it but he has dropped it.

Slight wobble now. Ulster having to defend. Long looping pass to Steff

Evans. Ulster have enough bodies back. Jake Ball taking his eye off

the ball. The ball went backwards says the

referee. Jones. Little kick over the top. Plenty of men in red. Stockdale

always had his eye on it. We saw there are perhaps the difference

between the two backsides in terms of how they are playing the

conditions, everything is close and tightened using the big men, Ulster

doing it so effectively. Trying to get the ball out wide with long

difficult passes which is allowing the defence of Ulster are to get

across and make the big hits, slow things down. Accommodation of James

Davies and Jake Ball. About to see a change in the Ulster front row.

Callum Black making way for Andrew Warwick.

Andrew Warwick on, Black. Turnover ball for the Scarlets. Taken on by

James Davies. Suddenly the threat is there from the men in red. Bartley.

-- Barclay. Davies. Twisting out of the

challenge. The ball is loose. Ross Kane the man who was offside. An

opportunity for the Scarlets to cut the lead of Ulster. And the right

decision. Just got to keep the scoreboard ticking over. An

opportunity to reduce the deficit. Definitely been a sharper start to

the half by Scarlets. When we spoke about the line speed, it was so

evident in the defensive work of Ulster in the first half. The fact

that are getting quick ball, Scarlets having to deliver quick

ball, Aled Davies has come on and has got the ball away so quickly

it's keeping the momentum of Scarlets and keeping Ulster

defensively on the back foot. Dan Jones to try to make it three out of

three. Right between the saucepans on the top of the posts. Scarlets

9-13 Ulster. And the change at scrum-half, Dave Shanahan, making

his first appearance of the season. Replacing Paul Marshall. Evans.

Trying the ambitious kick, did not quite work out for him, just outside

the Scarlets 22. Interesting decision, Paul Marshall, vastly

experienced alongside Paddy Jackson have really delivered something in

the first half. To bring someone with less experience onto the park?

Only time will tell I suppose. Rory Best goes long. Taken by Henry.

First touch for a Dave Shanahan. McCloskey. Pizza one challenge.

Shanahan has it. Henderson. Opportunity is there for Ludik

coming back inside. Treadwell is with him. There is the goal-line.

And if Ulster can get that ball, advantage red.

Bright start to the game by Dave Shanahan. Looks sharp. Looks similar

to Marshall in stature. Freshfaced. It's all about the ability to get

the ball away quickly and make the right decisions at the right time.

Henderson, making yards with the ball in hand. McCloskey the same.

Getting through the first tackle. Constantly putting Ulster on the

front foot. Been quite a bright start the second half, Scarlets have

looked sharper, probably would have been disappointed in what they did

in the first half. Ulster have just carried on in the same vein. Dynamic

with ball in hand, defensively sound another change in the Ulster

front row, Jonny Simpson coming on after his half an hour last weekend.

Possibly the tallest prop I have ever seen, well over six foot. Big

man, lean and fit. scrummage. Going to be a double

change her Ulster. Pete Browne preparing to come on as well. It's

been a tiring festive period on a very heavy pitch this evening,

Ulster utilising the bench in the third quarter of the match. Away by

Aled Davies. Stockdale under it. Ludik eventually feels it.

Towering performance from Henderson this evening. Shanahan keeping it

low. Doesn't find his touch. Jones, along with ground to the edge of the

Ulster 22. Paddy Jackson, showing a little bit of initiative. Up to the

ten metre line. Shanahan foraging for it, being put under pressure and

gets the penalty. Looked like the balls go to pop out,

just wanted to give that extra impetus to get over the ball but

ultimately conceded the penalty. Ludik underneath it. Is that

forward? The home fans certainly think so. Jackson finds McNicholl.

Steff Evans acting at scrum-half. Jones charged down. I think that

part. -- art. That ball is like a bar of soap at the moment. Clutching

his ribs, Henderson. He is down. McCloskey penalised. McCloskey

penalised but I think the worry for Ulster is what effect that charge

down had on Ian Henderson. All the Ulster fans believe he's of

titanium. But he is human like the rest of us. Varying degrees of

Beard. It's become the norm now hasn't it? Spoken by the

clean-shaven Rob Jones. Well, at my age... I'm very old-fashioned in my

ways. If Ian Henderson has an ice pack to his stomach it must have

been sorer. Whilst Ian Henderson is restored to

full fitness, Ross Kane makes way for Jonny Simpson. In the Ulster

front row. All sorts of injury problems amongst the props for

Ulster. But a win this evening will restore confidence, optimism heading

into those two European matches. That was flat out onto the rib cage.

Good job it was not lower. Trimble calling for it, went backwards off a

Scarlets hand. And Scarlets have it. Jonathan

Davies. Barclay goes with them. Aled Davies. Steff Evans chasing, Ludik

catches. Ludik dealt with that well. You can

see the Ulster 22 in the background. Shanahan clears. McNicholl gets it,

well taken by the full-back. Ulster not releasing. Henderson the

man conceding the penalty. Slowly but surely, mentioned discipline at

half-time. Ulster conceding the penalties. Saying that, they're not

going for gold, they are going for the corner. Interesting call?

Interesting, but in the conditions, 45 metres out, are you going to get

there? Are you going to allow Ulster to clear their lines? Are you going

to keep the pressure on by kicking into the corner? It's a great kick,

you have to say. Into the last quarter, four points Ulster lead.

That's big Jake Ball. Owens, the captain, with ball in hand. This is

threatening for Ulster. It's all hands to the pump now.

They have broken free, going for the corner... Held up.

In the end it was brilliant defensive work by that man Ian

Henderson. It was fantastic work. Aled Davies looked as if he was over

the line, that's great defensive work. Just wondering if the referee

will see if there was a high tackle there. Certainly looked like there

was. Can we checked the last tackle, if it was a high tackle? Could be a

penalty try. Key moment in the match. It is. Bryant worked for the

Aled Davies but was there an infringement to prevent him getting

across? Is this tackle high? Number eight, Sean Reidy. The reality is

that Aled Davies is running low, he's not the biggest of men. But the

arm I think comes across. Comes across the neck and the head. The

right arm of Sean Reidy. Then you have to ask the question, would that

prevent the dry when you have got Ian Henderson?

Not looking good for Ulster. This could be a huge turning point. Looks

like a penalty try and a yellow card. Now, this might be just the

key moment of this match. And Sean Reidy is going to be sin-binned and

Ulster are going to concede a penalty try. Eight. If you go by the

letter of the law it's the right decision. High tackle preventing a

possible try, it is a yellow card and a penalty try. Well, well, well.

Suddenly this game has turned on its head. Sean Reidy is in the Denver

ten minutes. Is it a case of preventing a definite try? You had

Iain Henderson who was also part of the tackle team on Aled Davies. He

managed to get it below him. I know that the law is the law but I just

question where that's going into, to be honest. There we are, the score

stays. Peter Browne is off. Now, what do Ulster have in the last 18

minutes of this match? David Shanahan. A high tackle. Ulster

coaching staff shouting for a yellow card. Jackson.

We will wait and see. Jake Ball, the man being investigated. Even the

crowd, as soon as there is an arm anywhere near the top of the

shoulder or head, they will call for a high tackle, yellow card.

Everybody wants to get concussion out of the game but is this the way

to do it? There is nothing wrong with that. The first thing is his

arm slips up. Similar to the first one, I think the low card again. --

yellow card. I think the referee has had a reasonable game up into the

last five minutes. It is making a mockery of a physical collision

sport. In all honesty, it is absolutely, we have had two guys off

the park for making what only 12 months ago would have been decent,

physical tackle. I think this is only the start. It is. They need to

sit down and review them again. Where are we going to? Peter Browne

is the man on for Kieran Treadwell. You can tell him in the line-out

with that nice, clean jersey! Tidied up by Chris Henry. Knocked forward

by Ulster. Both teams will have two dig deep. A rejig acquired in the

dressing room. We had 16 minutes to go. The game is very much in the

balance. The Scarlets have had the better of the second half, they have

looked a lot sharper than the first half. They know Ulster arguable and

if they get on the front foot, there is every opportunity to get the

scorer right. Both of are down one man. Davies eventually gets the ball

away. Oh, it has gone back. Again, we talk about those little errors.

That could make all the difference. We have had a few in the second half

from the Ulster team but that is disappointing. There was a lot of

space to aim at. He can't afford to overcook it. I think Dan Jones knows

that. Now, what can Ulster do? Henderson with a clean take. It made

five yards. As for Rory Best, with a white headgear, David Shanahan,

taken on by Clive Ross. Ulster are getting forward, going sideways, but

they have possession. Options but ways. David Shanahan. The scrum-half

is there again. Ulster can almost smell that Scarlets scoreline. David

Shanahan looking for the options in the corner. Peter Browne, head down.

The first receiver is Henderson. Chris Henry. Now, a good ball for

Ulster. Can they find a way through? What might be a match-winning score.

Rory Best. David Shanahan. That was Louis Ludik. Oh, slipping out of the

Ulster grasp. The Scarlets have cleared the ball out of their own

22. Here comes Andrew Trimble. David Shanahan. Rory Best. He has been

immense. He has, his work rate has been fantastic. As has the work rate

of Iain Henderson. John Barclay nearly winning possession back for

the Scarlets. David Shanahan, second-half replacement. Luke

Marshall is asking for the high hanging ball. Jackson saw the gap.

Paddy Jackson couldn't find David Shanahan. Was he held back? Was

there ever jersey grabbed there? I'll tell you what, the players who

started this match are towering now but they are giving their all.

Straight down the throat of his opposite number. Not clean contact

by Johnny McNicholl but he does enough. A lot of tired bodies out

there. Rory Best has made so many carries, effective carries as well.

He has really led by example. Along with Iain Henderson. It is little

fractions. Losing possession, that forward pass has just given the

Scarlets an opportunity to relieve some of the pressure because they

have been under some huge pressure in this game. A double change in the

Scarlets front row. Wyn Jones is on. Wener Kruger is still there. A

charge down. Jackson's kick is charged down or grassed eventually

by Luke Marshall. A member, three points is the difference. Just over

ten minutes left. Ulster need to get the ball, they need to get out of

their own 22. David Shanahan with the clearance. Williams dropped it.

In terms of discipline, just look at the replay. Dan Evans does well to

come in but the charge is out. Great work by Luke Marshall. He has the

wit to hold onto the ball and stand up for support together. For the

second time this evening, Dan Jones charged down Paddy Jackson's kick.

This is a very big ten minutes for both sides. It is. It is difficult

to call who will come out on top of this game. It is keeping the

discipline. There are a lot of tired bodies. The Dragons have beaten

Treviso by 26-8. Out of the tunnel. The ball came straight out of the

tunnel. Did it? Is going to be an experience in the

Scarlets from drill now with Ken Owens going off. The Scarlets have

brought on Stephane Hughes. -- Stephane Evans. Here come Ulster.

Andrew Trimble. That a good kick. Luke Marshall nearly losing it in

the floodlights but he does well. Jacob Stockdale into the waiting

hands of Gareth Davies. That's all it had to do, keep pumping the ball

into the Ulster 22. Now, there were men over but maybe that wasn't the

right option but the Scarlets have it still. Dan Jones. Going to

ground. That is taken on by Wyn Jones. Aled Davies finds John

Barclay. Suddenly the Scarlets believe if they can get a try, that

will be the winning of the game. They have a real kick in their step

now. All these replacements are adding a little bit more energy. Dan

Jones, a nice run, eventually stopped by a combination of David

Shanahan and Chris Henry. Into the Ulster 22. Home fans are expected.

Jonathan Davies, Liam Williams shrugs off the challenge from Andrew

Trimble. Aled Davies pops it up. It didn't go forward. He said there was

a spring in their step. Davies looks at the options. Keeping it tight and

driving it on. That was lost. Ulster have possession back but they are

still a deep inside their own half. Sean Reidy returns to the action

after his yellow card. Interesting to see them both coming back on

together again because that play went on for several minutes. Not a

bad man to bring on with seven minutes to go, top try scorer, Tommy

Bowe. Also, Franco van der Merwe and Liam Williams is. Missing last week

through injury so he looks a bit disappointed coming off, to be

honest with you. Steffan Hughes. He suffered badly with injuries over

the last couple of years. Can the Scarlets hold onto their winning run

here? Or have Ulster got something left in the tank? Little bit of

magic? Can they force a crucial error to at least maybe even get a

draw from this game and? Down goes the scrummage. David Shanahan get it

away. That's a great kick. Terrific touch. Finally enough, not in a

great hurry to get play restarted. The clock is ticking. But the

Scarlets, is about holding onto the ball but more importantly, it

hitting the ball into Ulster territory, into that 22 metre area

and exerting and keeping pressure on Ulster, slow things down.

Davies will kick this. Steffan Evans will chase it. Andrew Trimble has

somebody under the high ball. David Shanahan has been nabbed. His

team-mates come to his rescue. The ball presented beautifully for

Aled Davies. Ulster have got to get their hands on the ball. On by Wyn

Jones. Johnny McNicholl. The kick again. There is goes. That was a

knock forward, was there? Well, they can keep doing this for the next

five minutes and they will win the game. They know what they are doing.

They haven't got Ken Owens or Liam Williams. Aled Davies has played

well since he came on. He has been sharp on the break but more

importantly, he has taken control of the session.

But they are still inside their own half. David Shanahan again with the

ball for Andrew Trimble the chase. The Scarlets pick it up, the rain is

getting heavier. Aled Davies. It bounces into the hands of Will

Boyde. Now, Ulster. They pick up scraps of possession. David

Shanahan. Is there a sting in the tail? Foreword by Luke Marshall. He

watched it bounced into touch. When you're talking about 2.5 minutes

left, Ulster probably need to keep the ball in hand. Work your way down

field. Even if it is that 3-point opportunity to draw themselves

level, they will want to win the game but there are not going to do

it without the ball. All across Ulster, there are fingers and toes

crossed. Can they somehow get an opportunity in the last two minutes

to possibly get a draw? Not a lot Tommy Bowe could do about that. Aled

Davies has done everything right since he has been on. He has lived

as sharp as he has been for the majority of the season when he has

had its opportunity. He has kicked exceptionally well.

Ulster need to build the faces. Vital but they get the session. They

have lost possession. Slippery surface here. The referee, yes, it

was the original logon? Knock-on by the Reds. So, one minute to go. One

last opportunity for Ulster. The Scarlets will look to put pressure

on scrum tight. That will be keep the Scarlets, discipline, here. They

will keep their offensive system. Difficult to judge from that replay.

This is it. Is this the last throw of the dice here? Ulster have not

won here for over a form. -- over four years. The last chance saloon.

He has lost it. It has been hacked here. The home fans think that is

that. He will have to play this. Ulster have to keep this ball alive.

They can't afford a single handling error. They have to make their way

body five metres down into the Scarlets half. Jackson. This is a

titanic effort. But will it all come to nothing? Henderson. Possibly

Ulster's man of the match. That is it, but is it. It is all over.

Ulster have lost by three points. Rob Jones, without the penalty try

would be the crucial turning point and that was the case. It was. Is

poor refereeing decisions again. By the letter of the law, he is right,

but you said to have certain empathy as to what this gear is all about.

But absolutely the turning point. The second half was fantastic but

the Scarlets in terms of energy and defensive work. Defeat for Ulster,

they have lost here by 16-13. The first half was better me Stephen

Ferris and Ian Humphreys, how was the second? You have to give a lot

of credit to the Scarlets. They put Ulster under the pressure. I am not

so sure about the referee Bosman decision. It will play havoc with

the rest of the season for all teams throughout rugby. But give credit

where it is due, the Scarlets just edged Ulster in the second half. Did

they deserve to win the game? Probably not, a draw might have been

a fairer result but Ulster, seven losses from 11 games is not happy

reading. The builder try was the difference. It is zero tolerance

with these new laws. Do you think is was the correct decision? No point

in asking him, he never tackled anybody! A short nine, he ducks

towards the line. I think if anybody should be penalised, it should be

Andrew Trimble with his left hand there but Sean Reidy and Iain

Henderson make a great effort to stop the try. You see Jake Ball's

yellow card next, is a shambles. If you take this out of the game, it

will ruin it. It was a complete Lottery. By the letter of the law,

these are the new laws we have been reading and it says if you make

contact around the neck area, the referee has no decision

unfortunately that is it. I would be yellow carded every week. I thought

that was brilliant play from Sean Reidy, getting in and holding the

player up. Andrew Trimble might have been penalised for coming in. Again,

there was no intent of hitting around the head area. It is

disappointing, there is a lot of turmoil in the air for rugby in

general at the minute. Took a poll across social media and this new law

has not down: well at all. When you look at the Scarlets, they also had

a yellow card for a similar one but earlier in the game, Louis but it

didn't. Referee felt that he needed to even things up. No yellow card

there? He just played it as it is and it is going to be the

difficulty. Do you wanted to go that every time a player appeals, you go

to the video refs? That is not a yellow card and any body 's books.

For me, is play on. Everybody on the pitch has been playing rugby from

the age of five, six, seven, eight, and then earned a tackle. That is

just a slip of the shoulder, it should not be a yellow card. We

could talk about this all night but overall, Ulster have lost this game,

how big dent is that going to put their season? I think Les Kiss will

not be happy that they did not click on second half and keep the

scoreboard going. They had a couple of chances. David Shanahan knocked

the ball, they were putting pressure on and six minutes later, they go

the other end of the pitch and score a controversial try. But I give

credit to the Scarlets, they kept digging in and they got results.

They are playing fantastic at home. Leinster have won comfortably

tonight. They are level with Munster at the top of the table. Ulster have

that one game in hand but my goodness, this will be a tough ask

if they are getting into the play-off positions this year? Is not

ideal and hopefully we would have had a winter night but let us take

the positives. We know they have that run of six games where they

play three Italian matches. They play a couple of Scottish games at

home and then the Dragons so if they can get between 25 or 30 points out

of those games, you are laughing. They will be right back in the mix.

They have to think about Europe in the next few weeks. If they get nine

or ten points, they will have a chance. Can the savage the season in

Europe? I think they can. It will depend on how many people turn up.

Ulster can call upon the performances last year and this year

and if they go and play rugby the way we know they can, they have a

chance. I think it will be difficult. Sandy Park is a hard

place to go. Exeter are a very proud team, a really good home record. A

couple of extra Ulster players in their squad so I think it will be a

very tough ask for Ulster to go to Sandy Park and get the win. Ulster

have just over a week to get ready for that next game and we have live

commentary of the European Champions Cup match away to Exeter next

Sunday. That's it, Ulster have now lost seven of their last 11 games,

this can deliver to do. From all of us here, it is goodbye.