Ulster v Treviso Ulster Rugby Live

The race to the play-offs is very much on. Ulster have seven matches

remaining as they tried to make the all-important top four. Lovely

stuff. Tommy Bowe with the try. Stockdale N. Absolute gem. Bonus

point wins in their last three games have studied what has been at times

a difficult season. Down the left-hand side. Ruan Pienaar is in

under the posts. Tommy Bowe pops it into Stuart Olding. He wriggles out

of the challenge. He's in for the try. Last week Les Kiss's. Beat

Zebre. Ulster have many of their Irish internationals back for this

game against Benetton Treviso. It's a fairly miserable evening at Ulster

Rugby headquarters. It simply hasn't stopped raining for the last few

hours. The picture is very wet this evening, but the ground staff have

been working extremely hard and after an inspection the referee

declared that he is happy for tonight's game to go ahead. Welcome

to Ulster Rugby live. Thanks for taking a break from the election on

BBC One. Joining us here, we will have lots of point-scoring of a

different type for the next couple of hours. Stephen Ferris and Andy

Ward with us to give their opinions. Victory for Ulster tonight would

take them into joint fourth place in the table with Scarlets who play

leaders Leinster tomorrow. Ulster have a game in hand. Also tonight,

Connacht against Zebre and Edinburgh against Ospreys. What impact will

this pretty dreadful weather have on the game tonight, dreadful

underfoot. Treviso, welcome to Costa Del Belfast. As a player, you are

getting ready pre-match, you have to mentally switch in. This is all

about the top couple of inches. You want to play Treviso on a nice

sunny, dry evening with no wind, but you have to dig deep tonight,

probably ten or 12 man rugby. I think the boys will have talked

about that during the week because the forecast didn't look pretty from

the start. A night perhaps for somebody like Marcell Coetzee to

shine for Ulster. He has made an incredible impact in the few games

he has played for Ulster. Has done very well, a big, strong man,

powerful. Two or three players trying to take him down at every

contact situation. That's something we have talked about all season.

He's a powerful, big man. He's been out the best part of 12 months and

has come back in and in the short time we have seen him, there is

still a bit of ring rust, so he can only get better. From the glimpses

we have seen, his arms are bigger than my legs! But he's a tremendous

asset and can only get better. Let's not beat around the bush, nothing

short of a bonus point victory would do for Ulster tonight. Its massive

they continue on this run of trying to get five points. When these teams

come to town you have to get a big score. Hopefully they can get four

tries. Ulster have only ever lost to Treviso once and the Italians

haven't won this year. We will see how it unfolds tonight. COMMENTATOR:

I was going to say good evening, but it's nothing but. Last weekend

Ulster played in a balmy 70 degrees in Parma. Nothing like that back at

home, but you have to do is give credit to the ground staff. A change

coming in the middle of the back line with Reichel Tagicakibau comes

into centre to accommodate Esposito who played in the Six Nations

against Ireland a couple of weeks ago.

Rob Herring coming out to lead Ulster for the 25th time. Because it

was such a short turnaround, Ulster making quite a few changes, eight of

them. That's been the pattern adopted by Les Kiss all the way

through what has been an up-and-down season for Ulster. The last three

games have yielded bonus point victories. They have never managed

four bonus point victories in a row. A new combination behind Callum

Black with Tredwell and Van der Merwe. Coetzee is into the middle of

the back row with Nelson starting at six. Three serious men coming back

into the side, Andrew Trimble, Gilroy at full-back and starting an

Ulster game for the first time in 2017 is Jared Payne. The referee is

becoming a bit of a regular visitor to this part of the world. He was

here a couple of weeks ago. He did the Ulster game against Limerick a

couple of weeks ago, and then was running the line in Ireland against

France. Very much an Irishman, Ian McKinley, formerly of Leinster, puts

in a clever kick to make it difficult for Ulster to get up.

Andrew Trimble takes it up, the joint Ulster skipper. Rob Herring

leading the side tonight. Good forward drive by Ulster inside the

22. This is not a night for hankie ball rugby. Jared Payne at the

inside half position, straightaway finding a very good touch.

Straightaway and taken by the Italians, Robert Barbieri, had a

season at Leicester Tigers. Looking for the first turnover.

Needing a couple of forward runners. Good defensive work by Ulster in the

middle of the park. On a night like this tackling will be almost as

difficult as running with the ball. A half decent run, looked like a

high sided. Dan Jones has his hand out. Good work by Tommaso Iannone,

taken down and he will bring them back for the penalty. Opening chance

of points for the visitors, who haven't won here since 2011. Had it

not been for a late conversion that was messed they would have won here

four years ago. I would suggest Kieran Crowley will be more pleased.

Kieran Crowley will be delighted with that start. Messy kick off, but

given the playing conditions, which are truly brutal, Trimble coming out

of it well. Playing short targets, I think we will see plenty of that.

Ball security will be of the highest importance. One would think a fairly

simple, straightforward goal-kicking attempt for Tito Tebaldi. 29 years

old, 20 international appearances. Hasn't played for his country since

a game against Japan in 2014. Looks pretty easy from down there

but the weather is as filthy as it can be. The placing foot is the

important one. Good strike by Tebaldi. But alas for him and

Benetton Treviso, he has pushed it wide. Two and a half minutes gone

and no score. Treviso missing a chance to take the lead here. 2013

was when they drew here. Tonight's skipper Dean Budd scored a hat-trick

of tries. Ian McKinley, formerly of Leinster and Ireland U20s. Have a

much publicised horrible eye injury that required surgery, has two West

special goggles. -- has to wear special goggles. Seemed to knock

that backward, but the crowd didn't think so. Back to Tito Tebaldi.

Those clever kicks will be the order of the evening. Well taken by Craig

Gilroy. Named in the most recent Ireland squad for the most recent

two games in the Six Nations. Ruan Pienaar, he has scored some corking

tries recently. Nelson of the left foot. What a good kick that was.

Luca Sperandio hasn't found his touch. This could work out nicely

for Treviso. It has done. A chipped kick through. Gilroy will skid on

the ground, did well to get up again, pushed it behind him and

Andrew Trimble was there to back up his fellow international. You can

see because of the treacherous conditions, what happens when you

are even remotely inaccurate. This needs to find touch from Pienaar,

hasn't quite made it. A touch forward will give Ulster the first

scrum of the evening. What a good player Robert Barbieri has been down

the years. Ulster find themselves slightly fortunate. Barbieri's

mistake from Pienaar's hanging box-kick. Treacherous conditions,

any ball on the ground, difficult to predict how the ball will move, skid

off it or stick and hold? Callum Black on the loosehead side.

Ulster some tend lbs heavier, possibly the biggest weight

advantage they had this year. 1713 - 1703. Almost 18 stones. Wow. No

featherweights in the back row. Likewise the men in the second row,

Kieran Treadwell starting his seventh game for Ulster, and Franco

Van der Merwe, who will be off to Cardiff at the end of the season.

Getting the right length of stud and the feat embedded will be important

here. Leading with the forearm, a fine line between the legal and the

illegal. Jared Payne gets it away nicely.

This is Sean Reidy. Wasn't held, clever appreciation for the laws of

the game. Franco Van der Merwe. Better stop by the Ulster pack.

Those pristine white jerseys are absolutely filthy after only six

minutes. Stuart Olding goes into the contact. This is the sort of whether

prop forwards revel in. Pienaar has a glance and decides to kick again.

It's a good one, knocked forward, but gathered in once again by

Sperandio. Ulster try to hold him up to get the foot in for the

scrummage. The referee Dan Jones says that's once. Good play by the

Ulster pack. Good play by holding up the Treviso full-back Sperandio. You

can see the difficulty Pienaar will have this evening. Slow ball, one

off runners. It will be a difficult evening for those guys. I think we

will seek Pienaar use the box-kick quite a lot. Trying to play field

position, not giving away silly penalties inside their own half.

Slight stoppage because of an injury to someone. Might be Craig Gilroy,

just getting a bit of attention. I think he's OK. Seven minutes gone

and no score. The closest we have come is a missed penalty attempt by

the Treviso scrum-half that went just wide, from Tebaldi.

Referee wants them to do it again. Just slipped down. You will ask

Ulster to put the ball in again. The man with the goggles on is Treviso

outside-half MacKinlay. Now 27 years of age. You might have thought about

something over that pipe. You don't want the water coming down. Played

his first game for Leinster about seven years ago, MacKinlay. Lost the

side of his eye following a freak accident on the rugby pitch. Has

special dispensation to wear those goggles. Doesn't look like a bad

kick off the left foot of Jackson. Gathered by Andrew Trimble. Good,

strong running by Andrew Trimble, great to see him back in an Ulster

jersey. His seventh start of the season. Ulster combined to lose it.

Almost kept in, the ball in touch for a Treviso line-out. Inch perfect

kick, gathered well. Ball security, taking it into contact. Trimble

happy to tuck it under one arm. The kick from Nelson, Trimble steps off

and decides not to take the tackle. The ball in one arm, they should be

able to dislodge it. 70 Irish caps for Andrew Trimble, just two short

of the Ulster backs record held by David Humphreys on 72. Esposito,

played against Ireland in the opening Six Nations game in Rome a

few weeks ago. Tebaldi finds a decent touch but it will be an

Ulster line-out. Coming up to ten minutes gone. I think it's all about

Les Kiss thinking they have to win this. Four successive bonus point

victories, which Ulster have never achieved, that would be terrific,

but they have to get past the winning post first. In terrific form

this season. They have Treviso at home this evening and another

Italian team in Zebre next week. Against these Italian teams, they

have to fill their boots. That game will be early evening tomorrow week.

The day after the Ireland - Wales Six Nations match in Cardiff. We

will bring that to you live from the Kingspan Stadium. Completely

underwater currently. Shades of the old Andrew Trimble. Treviso have

twice stripped the ball away from Ulster. McKinley with a fumble. Got

himself inside Ruan Pienaar. Callum Black, the loosehead prop, making a

good tackle. Tebaldi. The penalty given away by Ulster at the

breakdown. Treviso will get the chance to get themselves back into

Ulster's half. Good work initially by loosehead prop Callum Black.

Andrew Trimble again. I think there was a hand in there. Barbieri made

the tackle, got back to his feet and Andrew Trimble will be disappointed

with that, two carries and two turnovers. These to sharpen up that

part of his game. Bit of a banana kick from Ian McKinley. Despite the

dreadful conditions, there's more than a decent crowd here, as always

at the Kingspan Stadium on a Friday night for Ulster Rugby. 27 caps for

Samoa for Fila Paulo. Good work by Stuart Olding. Taken by an Italian

player who was on the right wing, Andrea Buondonno, who stepped into

touch. In dreadful conditions, that's pretty slick handling by the

men in Robbie WHite. Just couldn't find the inside pass and the touch

judge nearly got it in the chops. Nelson had to check, Payne through

the middle. Good work by Jared Payne. It's all about making the

ball secure, and they have done. Van der Merwe took the ball in the

line-out and was well up to do it again.

Van der Merwe, Coetzee looking for an inside pass. Andrew Trimble is

there in support. Better stuff from Ulster. Pienaar for possession.

Sensibly, Treviso let that run. No point whatsoever trying to do

anything with it other than let it go. Treviso line-out with Ulster

pretty close to the line. One thing I'm looking forward to, and it's

happened a lot already, is Andrew Trimble coming off the right wing.

Possibly one of the drier parts of the pitch. Treviso just happy to let

it go into touch. Well taken by Teofilo Paulo. Dean Budd has it in

his paws. Ulster line-out. It has eased up a wee bit. If you wonder

what goes through Kieran Crowley's mind every time his side take the

field, because it hasn't been a successful season, but for Treviso,

as long as they stay against fellow Italian side Zebre then that gets

them into the top tier of European competition. Tredwell snaffles that.

Rob Herring has his hand out for a penalty to Ulster. I don't think

they will go for goal. Penalty advantage. Wild by Pienaar, that's

not like him. Slippery ball, I think he will say sorry to Peter Nelson.

They have the penalty. I think they have to go for the corner. It's all

about the bonus points to keep them on top with Scarlets who are five

points ahead and have a tricky game against Leinster in the RBS

tomorrow. That'll be 22 two Treviso from the scrum where he kicked it

from. Two and a bit errors by Ruan Pienaar. You could almost forgive

the pass, but the other one was something you never really see Ruan

Pienaar do. But the weather is absolutely dreadful. I'm sure he's

feeling it as much as everyone. It's a 22 drop out. The kick is dead.

Coming up to 15 minutes played and still scoreless. The crowd a wee bit

on the restless side, but they must appreciate the conditions. Taken by

Nelson. It's for Andrew Trimble to chase. The referee said that those

two were on site. Well taken. -- were onside. Tebaldi leaves it for

MacKinlay to take it at scrum-half. A tackle on the Treviso tight head

prop. Paulo does a bit of clever blocking. Tebaldi has put just about

the right amount on that. The wind holds it up and it's a wonderful

take by Gilroy. Pienaar adds a bit of zip. Again,

out of hand, Nelson's kicking has been pretty good. Both full-backs

have been faultless so far. Conditions are very difficult. A

swirling wind as well. And with a wet ball, almost unbelievable to

think how difficult it is out there. But both 100% under the high ball so

far. A look at Luca Bigi, the 25-year-old, has played a couple of

times for the emerging Italian side. Good take at the front by the

emerging blindside flanker, Marco Lazzaroni. Good work by Roger

Wilson. It's just a ball security issue again. Both teams guilty on a

number of occasions of taking it into contact with the ball tucked

under one arm rather than held tightly in a two. Looking at your

body position, how you will send the ball back, and the ball has squirted

away quite easily. I think there's a problem with the Treviso tight

head,, it's the loosehead, I should say, Federico Zani. Came down on the

flat of his back somehow. Dean Budd, the skipper, laying down the law.

Now 30 years of age from New Zealand. It's a dreadful night.

Still in the first quarter, and still no score.

Coetzee doing his best to control it. It's like a quagmire out there.

The referee has seen enough, giving the penalty. Terrific piece of

scrummaging by Ulster. Brilliant from the Han herbs -- from Wiehahn

Herbst. Coetzee carrying the ball between the fake nudge, almost some

good football skills. They shot in the arm for the Ulster front five. A

slightly rowdy cheer. The closest Ulster have got now. Stolen, but

grabbed up again by Rob Herring. The Ulster skipper, this could prove

productive after all despite losing initial possession. Pienaar with a

pop pass to this fellow Springbok Franco Van der Merwe. Paulo went

right over the top. A nudge forward according to the referee Dan Jones.

It will be an Ulster scrum, possibly suiting them better. Moving infield

and five metres from the line. Certainly Wiehahn Herbst will be

rubbing his hands after that initial scrum. Nice to see Treviso competing

on their own five yard line. Throw a man up there and doing well. Bit of

a chat with the Ulster second row. Kieran Treadwell wearing four, but

Van der Merwe with five. Doesn't play very often on the near side

flank. He's up against Marco Lazzaroni, just 21 years of age. A

big scrum, can Ulster do what they last time? Treviso digging in. These

it wasn't quite there. The referee telling them to use it again, hast

to use it. Picked up by Coetzee. Pienaar. Charles Plutau now. They

have been waiting for him. Coming into the side first of all from the

referee. A couple of Treviso hands in there. A decision for Rob

Herring, when you think about the scrum, will he go for the corner? I

think they will take the scrum. They seem to have the upper hand. Treviso

digging in well at the last scrum. Good feed position, props with feet

and knees underneath them. Ulster not able to get a move on. I thought

the referee called them to use the ball quite quickly, didn't give them

a chance to reset and have a secondary push. I would agree with

you on that. Ulster have another decent chance. This time they have

options on both sides of the scrummage. Near side with Charles

Plutau and Craig Gilroy position. Good strike by Herring. Here comes

the squeeze with Pienaar getting it away. Stuart Olding to Jared Payne.

Easy as you like! First try of 2017 for Jared Payne. Back in the Irish

Six Nations squad after a bad kidney injury in the autumn. That's open up

the Ulster account on the most dreadful of nights. He will not get

an easier one than that this season. That scrum. Quick ball. Jared Payne

comes at the short angle. Realistically, shocking defence from

Treviso. They haven't got a hand on him. Canters through. I'm glad I'm

not washing those Ulster jerseys! He has simply skated in!

15th league try for Jared Payne. Ruan Pienaar has the points to give

him 618 league points. After 21 minutes, Ulster get the first points

on the board, leading 7-0. Good to see Jared Payne back, also in the

Irish squad, announced in the squad against Wales next week. Wouldn't be

surprised if the call came through from Joe Schmidt to start this

evening. He has battled hard to get selection. The squad will probably

gather tomorrow night. Could be an interesting call if Jared Payne is

100%. Andrew Trimble let that bounce, sensibly. There goes Marcell

Coetzee. A good rumble from the talented young Springbok. Pienaar,

just the right amount on that yet again. Trimble is up, not backward,

the referee says play on. Rob Herring cleans it up for Ulster. A

huge gap, infield a little bit. McKinlay going back. A lot of pace

there. Nearly got by Treadwell, but nearly isn't good enough.

Treadwell's big hands drags into touch. Treadwell has had a good

season. He is really growing. He has physically developed. Might have

been overweight and out of the at the start of the season, but you

might hazard a guess that he's Ulster's first choice second row

now. Clever play by Pienaar, box-kick, Treadwell wins it back.

It's put back in there, Treadwell hunted it down. Daniel Jones just

checking that the space between the respective line-outs is observed.

Oster managed to get it at the second attempt. You can see he

obliges. The referee is happy enough with that. The ball was lying and

the Treviso forwards right through and the Ulster forwards have lost

the ball they should have been hanging onto. Inside is 22 but he

hasn't put it at the touch. Terrific with that high ball, Craig Gilroy,

under difficult conditions. A bit of hang time on that. Well covered back

by the 21 old, the youngest member of the Treviso size, Luca Sperandio,

Italian under 21. Again, a good, probing kick by Nelson. Fourth

consecutive start in the absence of Paddy Jackson. Great to see him back

after a dreadful foot injury that kept him out after 15 months.

Bronzini let that go, got a shove in the back. McKinley has done really

well to get his body between the ball and the rushing Ulster/

forwards. Tebaldi has given Ulster possession.

25 minutes gone, 7-0, Ulster in a decent position. They are. They are

playing possession and territory. Rob Herring has been OK but they

will be looking for an improvement there. He is laying it low to both

teams, the referee. Very few penalties given away. Wilson knocked

it down but just as Fat as Lazzaroni. -- just as far as

Lazzaroni. Playing in the right wing there. Tebaldi brought that infield

pretty cleverly. Nobody there. Well played, Callum Black. Away from the

first tackle and the second, just about. Enter bit of a quagmire. It

comes Gilroy. Those conditions are negating those beta peers. -- those

feet of his. A serious piece of work, you see again. Pienaar there

quickly. Roger Wilson did well to hang onto that. REFEREE: Five off

his feet. Judged to have gone off his feet by the referee Daniel

Jones. Did he go off his feet question probably. Yeah. All needs

be careful there. Treviso if they attack it at breakdown times,

attempting to put somebody in and turn it over or slow the ball down.

Ulster need to think about them ball security in terms of the carry,

maybe an extra man in there to make sure the ball comes back nice and

clean for Pienaar. Changes afoot. All change at the top.

Budd took it well. Left by Lazzaroni. Referee said there was no

ruck, play on. Well taken by Trimble. Gilroy comes into the

field. Went backwards off Treviso. Nicely done by Payne. Holding the

back end field by two or three metres. Roger Wilson, how they are

hanging onto that, I have no idea, Treviso. Space quickly closed down

by Sperandio. Sean Reidy very nearly got that. Roger Wilson gets it at

the second attempt. In those Stuart Olding like a little chunky back

forward. Callum Black is a chunky scrum-half. Well covered, though.

Off Gilroy's shin. Nice bit of a basic play by Gilroy and at 22 and

that will give the visitors from Italy a decent chance here. Both

teams playing the same sort of game. Quick ruck, two or three in, trying

to eke out a bit of territory. On this occasion it is Craig Gilroy

making the mistake. He has been faultless, he looks at short. One of

the up and coming players in Italy, a lot of people have been surprised

he hasn't been included in this season's championship but maybe it

is a season too soon for him, Sperandio. Francesco Minto was ahead

of the past. Here they come again. Good tackling their by Ulster. Still

there for the men in green and white. Tackle by Sean Reidy. Good

recycling by the visitors who have to make sure the first tackle the

work. 12-macro didn't last week in much better conditions than this.

Bronzini, 40 Italian caps to his name. A good piece of defending by

Ulster. Tebaldi trying to link up with his back row. This is good

stuff, really impressed with Kieran Crowley's side in the last minute or

two. Can they get through the stubborn Ulster defence? They have

come back inside and played a bit of inroads, they are getting closer all

the time. They would love to score. Ulster having to work hard at the

break and work hard at the tackle. Given away by Tebaldi. Good Ulster

defending has forced Treviso to knock it on and Ulster to their

relief will get to put it into a scrum. Good effort from Stuart

Olding. The big unit, Kieran Treadwell puts his beef in the upper

body contact. Tito Tebaldi controlling, playing side to side.

They have to go at this Ulster defence. They tried to flood the

channel, keeping the ball if they can. REFEREE: I think you are

thinking it is a ruck and you are pushing tight. Referee did

clarifying one or two points of law, particularly at the breakdown.

Stoppage for Bigi. Credit for the referee. We have played half an hour

but apart from knock-on is very few stoppages. That is clever.

Regulating play. You are getting a bit tight he is saying, to the

sideline, don't let me have too penalised you. The row macro is not

going to move quickly from side to side so don't put yourself into any

danger. -- the ball is not going to move quickly from side to side.

Whitehouse is another excellent young referee. Fast approaching

half-time. Ulster where they don't want to be witches inside the 22

that could change. Coetzee to Pienaar and that is a very good kick

I Pienaar. Not much of an angle at all. I did think Kieran Crowley will

be too unhappy with the way they have played. Weighing in these

conditions he will be fine. They will have the wind in the second

half. Working very much in unison, nice channel ball.

Gathered in by Ulster's Captain Rob Herring.

What a clever kick by Payne, that won't go dead and left. And that's a

very good kick as well. Some else touched the ball so he can't

retrieve it, Trimble. Seven minutes to go. On the quiet side but it

hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of the Ulster supporters. Will be

interesting to see if Treviso throw anyone up there. Defensively they

have been great. In terms of pressure on the jumpers they have

done it well. The ball is temporarily dry. That was well done.

Coetzee at the front. These maul has been called. Pasquali try to get out

of it. Here goes his opposite number. Pretty sharp tonight, Roger

Wilson, Ulster's most capped player. Stuart Olding, cleverly done. Lovely

pass therefrom Craig Gilroy, he had to really work hard but the pass was

drifting away from him. A bit slower, a thundering one by Coetzee

through that patch of mud. Pienaar again. Kieran Treadwell trying to

pull apart. Ulster starting to build a bit, Pienaar again. Stuart Olding

is down injured. He is holding his shoulder, which I don't like at all.

Well taken by Herring. The voracious hand off. Good covering tackle. Ten

metres or so from the Treviso line-out. If they could score before

half-time it would change the complexion of this game which has

been overshadowed by the conditions. Olding seems to be up, just a sting

in the shoulder it looks like. Pienaar a little glance to see what

is available. Piutau. Ulster still keeping possession. The Treviso

defence has been pretty good. Callum Black go straight. Needs to be

recycled and it has been. Again, Ulster go forward and again it is

Tredwell. The crowd are starting to get a little bit of voice. Penalty

advantage given to Ulster. Still playing. It up by Roger Wilson.

Better stuff now. No way through for Gilroy. Still playing advantage. He

has given another one, perhaps. Pienaar changes direction. They will

come back to the penalty. Short but nothing from Pienaar and Jones

brings it back. They need to be careful here. A number of

infringements, side entry, off your feet, many. REFEREE: I have asked

him to check it. On a dry pitch Treviso would have been run off

their feet. No doubt about that. They will be happy about... The

referee has asked his TM home, former well fresher re--- Welsh

referee Neil Hennesy, they are going to have a look at a little

infringement. OFFICIAL: It is coming on the screen for you. The fit on

Roger Wilson... -- the foot on Roger Wilson. That is way before this.

There was that take on by Ulster. Nothing wrong with that tackle. He

turned round and I do think there was any contact there, unless a knee

went into the back of his head but I don't know of anything in that. It

is right back in midfield where we saw Stuart Holden lying across the

leg -- Stuart Olding lying prostrate. Neil Hennesy I am sure

will get our video tape then to go back to the precise moment of the

incident. REFEREE: I am asking the director to find the clip for us. He

is basically saying it doesn't look anything more than -- he doesn't

look anything more than a teenager himself but he has been taking this

game really well. If they can't find it now, maybe they should look at it

later on? It can be dealt with later. That is good refereeing by

Dan Jones. Nothing clear or evidence that he is saying that's get on with

it before these players get too cold. If anything the rain has eased

off slightly. Fine rain as opposed to a downpour but the damage has

been done. REFEREE: It will have to be sorted out after the game. OK?

You heard him say, it will be sorted out after the game. Right decision.

Pienaar, will he go for the corner? If Ulster can get something here by

the interval it will change the complexion of this game. Absolutely.

The line-out and the driving ball has been one of the virtuoso pieces.

It has failed this evening and now would be eight rate time to put it

right. -- now would be out great time to put it right. Brought down.

Sean Reidy has got it tucked in there. Can they turn around? Here

they go. This is the right time to score the Ulster just before the

interval. Reidy who made the initial run. Pienaar has it in both hands.

Again, Ulster making ground. Well made back by Roger Wilson. A high

tackle. The crowd thought so. Pienaar in quickly. Reidy, trying to

sidestep. Rob Herring sets it up for his hooker. Picked up and dried

again by Ulster. Just about within touching distance. Still good

defending. Just a nudge forward by Roger Wilson. Unfortunately for

Ulster, it is left sensibly for the kicking option. Zani hanging on to

Pienaar who was not very happy. They should have scored. The wide pass,

the contact, gets turned over. Treviso marshalled their defence

welfare. First-time tackles were going in. Putting the man to ground.

In terms of an extra man keeping the ball carrier afloat. I think they

defended well. The referee played the advantage, very much play the

advantage, now Ulster have the advantage. They have won the ball at

the front of the line-out again. Just 90 seconds of the first half

remaining. Here comes Pienaar. Back inside of Trimble. Marcel Coetzee.

Jared Payne in attendance. Quicker ball. Sean Reidy again. Again,

Reidy sets it up and again Ulster's second row forwards. Not the

greatest kick in the world. Ian McKinley took a bit of eight bump in

the rib area. I don't think there was anything dangerous or anything

deliberate. REFEREE: Can't be hitting him like that. When I called

the you the chance to pull out. You have got to be careful in that

situation. No, he was not committed. The referee reckons that Piutau made

contact with Ian McKinley after he called for the third catch and that

was illegal. That looked a bit on the high side. Roger Wilson went in

with retribution. Not been able to see that incident when Ian McKinley

was clattered. The referee asked to check the tackle. There was a high

tackle there form Bronzini. REFEREE: Penalty only. We are going

to go back from penalty. I have asked them to check. Where is it,

Neil? He has impressed me this evening, Dan Jones. Especially given

the conditions, reader Google for the referee. A lot of stuff going

on. -- given the conditions, for the players and for the referee. Picking

things up quickly. The penalty for the high tackle overrides a penalty

against Charles Piutau for the late tackle. Also kicked into the corner

and we now at the point where we have played 40 minutes and this

really is Ulster's last chance to do something here in the first half.

The line-out has been difficult because of the dreadful conditions.

Rob Herring has not been the best. The gating that simple catch and

drive. Maybe something different here. See if he can catch Treviso

off-guard. Is well taken. This is better stuff. Treviso can't afford

to bring it down otherwise they could force the referee to give a

penalty try. It has collapsed so they are going to have to play at.

Herring is in there. And it has all come to nothing. Ulster broke away.

There was a gap and then they bridged the gap. An accidental

offside. Half-time and Ulster should probably have been many more points

ahead than the seven they are at the moment. Seven points up playing with

the win. I think it is lack of accuracy are many occasions.

Struggling to break down the ball. Difficult deceiving. Perhaps the

kicking game could be better, a bit more ball in the ever with good line

chasing. Just a bit more composure and. The space is out there. Treviso

will tire as it goes on because they defended for an awful lot of that

first half. Some not that rugby played in some difficult and

horrible conditions. Early chance from Treviso but penalty was missed

after two minutes from Tito Tebaldi. Try by Jared Payne playing his first

game in 2017 and that is the difference between them. That's

converted try, 7-0. STUDIO: A pretty scrappy, messy, error strewn game at

times but it is Ulster who have reduced the one slick move. Jarrett

came sliding his way in for a try. -- Jared Payne. What has been a

difficult first half for both teams in very tough conditions and Ulster

obviously the better of the play. I think so. They controlled the

kicking game. We watched Peter Nelson, Pienaar, you have no idea

about the conditions. This is really bad. They few mistakes. The line-out

has not function that well is plenty to work for the second half. It has

not been pretty viewing but you have got to those conditions into account

stop without a shadow of a doubt. If anyone thought it would be a side to

side game of the -- free flowing rugby they turned into the wrong

channel. Credit to the referee to get the game going as much as he

can. The line-out has been scrappy, not a lot of scrums which is a

surprise but the teams are doing well. Terry alluded to it in the

commentary, I think the amount of defence Treviso are having to cut

through will take its tile in the last 20 minutes but we will see how

it goes but they are doing very well. -- will take its whole. They

got gain excellent score from Jared Payne. The scrum was on top. That is

what they're working off. A good fact form from five. Doing well. --

a good platform from five. Just a short line. Jared Payne the coming

under here. Holds his depth and comes on to a bit of pace. In

fairness not great offence but Jared Payne is back. -- in fairness not

great defence from Treviso but Jared Payne is back. A classy player. Not

the fastest in world rugby but an intelligent player and he picks

beautiful minds. He always makes decisions before he goes into

contact. He knows the outcome and before he has done it. He is a

classy player. Linking together, Piutau, ... You mentioned the

kicking game has not been perfect but Ulster laid their stall out

pretty early and they try to use it to as best they could. The kicking

game last week was not great. They were a bit off last week but

considering the weather conditions it is really important you get these

kicks bang on. In fairness to Treviso, they have coped with it

relatively well. Their full-back is doing a good job for them but Ulster

just need to continue doing this and whoever makes the least amount of

the stakes is going to win this game. -- the least amount of

mistakes. Ulster can get a decent platform they will hopefully get

more tries in the second half. It is the night for the number nine and

number ten to control things, isn't it? Their number nine and number

ten, Ulster, have done a better job than Treviso's. We have a

world-class number nine, hammy times have we said this about Pienaar but

on nights like this he was getting a fairly good platform from the Ulster

fund prize so he is dictating and he is world-class -- the Ulster front

by the he is dictating and he is world-class, reading the situation

and I think as the game progresses we will see Pienaar in control even

more. Obviously a wet surface the night. At the breakdown Ulster have

not had it all their own way. A lot of mistakes. They will be

disappointed about the amount of times they turned the ball over. You

can't run into tackles leading with the ball. That is all well and good

when you are Pienaar's size but on that night the ball will pop out and

you have got to leave him with the ball. They have really got to look

after the pillars. This as soon as you go to ground it is slippery and

difficult to control. When the guys go to ground you can see the odd

Treviso man. It is the same for both sizes is the team he deals with the

situation better he will come out on top. -- the same for both sides.

Another disappointing part will be how the line-out has function. By a

you being so negative? I am any joking! I think it is an area they

will talk about in the changing room because has not been good enough.

Under throwing, mistakes in the air, lifts not good enough. On a wet

night everything has to be bang on for that to work. A bit of change

out of their maul in the first half. They have got to address that and

sort out their set pieces, especially line-out. You need to

give credit to Treviso here. They have contested, they are happy to,

they have done their homework. They are thinking that Rob Herring can be

got at. It is a 50-50 ball, have a go and fair play to them. Let me be

positive. Ulster have shown a lot of patience in that first half and it

is going to be a night for patience. It will be a war of attrition and

wearing the Italians slowly down that is what they are doing. Not the

best to watch but you have got to keep using Coetzee, upfront, over

the gain line, it is not pretty to watch but it can be effective on a

wet night like we have. This man is impressive to watch. He is. He gets

that left end working, he mostly carries the ball in his right hand

but he can defend three well and that is what you need on a wet night

-- he can defend really well and that is what you need on a wet

night. The front five are working well. It is going to take its toll

and the last 20 minutes. If they can get some early points in the second

half they will kick on from that. Treviso were then perhaps think they

are not used these conditions, another game will get eaten here.

You could see Coetzee there. That is the passion and getting stuck in.

When they do something very well, pat them on the back, you can see

them reacting to him, we are in this, come on, we will get over the

try line again. Everybody needs that energy.

You can feed off that as a player. You might have a slump moment and in

a game of rugby it might take a couple of minutes to get out of it

and that's a long time in a game of rugby. If you have somebody like

that alongside you, it has a knock-on effect. We have missed that

for a long time in this team. You to have cheered me up with your

positivity! Lets go down to pitch side and join Gavin Andrews. It's

not drying up down here. Operations director Brendan McCall fund is with

me. The as soon as we saw weather conditions we knew it would be an

equaliser. It would be pretty difficult, not a game for running

rugby. We have tried to run it on a few times but it's more in favour of

the defence. We have to be more clinical around the breakdown area,

which is probably where we have struggled. Sometimes we are mixing

it, towards the end of the first half, picking and going through the

middle. That's what we have to do, keep the defence more honest. It's

about holding onto the ball in difficult conditions. It's not a

good spectacle but it's difficult out there. Going back to the middle

of January to where we are now, it's been a pretty dramatic change on and

off the pitch for Ulster. We went through a pretty difficult patch, no

doubt. Coincided with some difficult fixtures away from home in

particular. We struggled to get momentum and we now have some going

our way. Moving forward we can look at the fixtures and targets. If the

weather conditions were better we could see some more running rugby.

But we know we have a chance. Against the top five sides. There

are five that are firmly in the mix. It will be very tight and all you

can do is control what you are doing, and your matches. It's

important to focus on ourselves and try to pick up victories. If we can

pick up bonus points, all the better. How important was it for

Jackson to sign on the line for a couple of seasons? Critical. He's a

fantastic player, Paddy, and people could see in the last international

game for Ireland, with Johnny Sexton fully fit it would still be a tight

call. That's how much Paddy has grown in the last years since the

South African tour. This is crucial to the way we play. He's a real

leader, talisman among the squad. He has grown into that role well in the

last six months and hopefully will continue in the next couple of

seasons. On the coaching side of things, how pleased are you to

secure Gibbs and Payne? The coaches have been here a long time and have

done a fantastic job. A couple of guys coming in will hopefully move

us forward. I'm sure other cultures are doing that at respective clubs.

Can you kick on for the bonus point at this stage? It's an option. We

were frustrated in the last couple of minutes, we were camping on the

line. If we had another try we would have felt more comfortable going

into the second half. It's quite a strong wind that was favouring us in

the first half, so we will have to look after it better a bit more. Do

you fancy Ulster to get another three tries in the second half to

get another bonus point? He mentioned there that they have two

hold onto it. Probably not as much kicking in the second-half, but they

have to hold onto the ball to score three tries. It will be difficult,

but with the backline they have, the pack is on top, they can do it but

it will be difficult. And with only a handful of games left until the

play-offs, every point counts. A bonus point against Italian

opposition Will Beatty. I don't mean to disrespect the Italian sides, but

everybody will look at them as a chance to claw back more points. --

against Italian opposition will be key. They need to make these points

up now well they can. They have to put the ball in the corners, apply

pressure and keep it there. This Treviso team haven't gone the full

length of the pitch, so we have to keep them down, apply pressure and

squeeze out some scores. What will be the key thing for Ulster to see

the game out with a bonus point? Hold onto the ball and not make any

mistakes. Keep possession, work on the opposition, and hopefully they

will tire in the last 20 minutes and then the scores will come. Some of

the Ulster team will change their shirts so the commentary team will

be able to recognise them in the second half. Over to you.

COMMENTATOR: Indeed, but for how long? The change of jerseys means

there will be a double amount of washing to be done. Craig Gilroy

looking nice and shiny in a new number 14. Pienaar keeps it

relatively low into the low Paulo. A bit of off-loading to Barbieri, the

most experienced man for Treviso. 14 Italian appearances and a brief

spell with the Leicester Tigers. Tebaldi also plied his trade in the

English Premiership. Taken by Craig Gilroy. Taken down by Esposito.

Andrew Trimble on the near side getting across the ten metre line.

Pienaar always looking to see what's on. He reckons the kick is on.

Gilroy becoming a wee bit far. Barbieri getting it at the second

bite, well tackled. The number eight set it up, Tebaldi. Taken by the

loosehead prop, Federico Zani. At least those new white jerseys will

be dry. Good strength by Andrew Trimble. Gilroy going to ground

straightaway. An Italian foot fact that through. Nelson, bit of width

on it. Sean Reidy checks. Tackled by Ian McKinley. Nelson onto his left

foot. Retreated a little bit so didn't get full power behind it. A

little chip and chase, the promising Sperrin deal. -- Sperrin deal.

Taken by Esposito with the fluorescent headgear. Stuart Olding,

into a wee bit of space. That might work. Greatly done by Stuart Olding.

I think he nudged it forward. Has managed to set it up for Ulster.

Nelson back inside to the try scorer Payne. Pienaar to Coetzee, his

fellow Springbok. Check and sidestep by another

Springbok, Franco Van der Merwe. Ulster building. The tackle by

Lanzarote on Nelson. Penalty for not releasing. Francesco Minto, the

Italian international, hanging on. The boys at half-time were talking

about protecting the football and that's exactly what they've done.

You just have to be direct, no other way for it. It's not one of those

evenings where it will be hankie ball. You have to roll up your

sleeves and do the hard yards. We have seen that from Ulster ball

runners in the first half. Herbst very important at the start of the

second. The catch and drive, an opportunity to get points on the

board. One if you kick start of the first half for Pienaar, but since

then it's been spot on. Ulster with a decent chance. Passes the

information to Callum Black, who tells Rob Herring. Clever little tap

at the front. It didn't go five metres according to the referee. His

assistant, the touch judge on that near side will have told him that.

Good idea, poorly executed. Treviso but the Ulster line-out under

tremendous pressure. Forcing them to go for the under the sleeve tactic

and it didn't pay off. Free kick gathered by Piutau. He has taken it

well. Stuart Baldwin might not thank him for that but he's away. --

Stuart Olding. There goes Piutau again. Ulster nudge it forward

again. They want Dan Jones to have a look at what they thought was an

illegal tackle on Stuart Olding. It looked a bit high. But Stuart Olding

is quite small in stature and rides quite low to the ground whenever he

runs. But it did look a little bit high. Managed to regain his feet.

It's that basic, they going to ground, and the lack of ball

security going into contact and setting it back. The ball was then

turned over. They really do want a bonus point,

in that rearranged game against Zebre. They are having another look

at it. I think its good work from Dan Jones and his fellow Welshman.

That's the beauty of working with a fellow countrymen you know inside

out. Oh! The man on the moon saw that one! It's a tag team, both of

them going high. Stuart Olding, in fairness, rides them well. It's good

from a Neil Hennessy. He can tell Dan Jones, who can then give the

decision. It keeps up the pace of the game. We're not looking at TV

screens every 30 seconds. The decision is made clear cut, the

process is related to the referee who gives his decision. I'm envious

of that cup of coffee there. Ulster at the interval had chances to make

it more. A Pienaar converted try by Jared Payne has given them the lead.

That goes long. Good take by Franco Van der Merwe. Nelson looks for the

inside pass. Good work by Piutau. Sean Reidy at pace. Ulster starting

to build again. It's all about keeping the ball. Wilson does well.

Treviso not quick in getting it away. Coetzee. Sean Reidy.

Fluorescent pairs of boots on both of them. Treadwell is in their,

legally sell. Wilson waits and helps. Ulster getting closer all the

time. The referee gives another penalty. Surely this time he will

think about going to the pocket for another infringement. Yeah, somebody

is going to the bin. It's Francesco Minto, the Italian international,

who played in the Six Nations most recently against Wales, going to the

bin will stop surely Ulster can capitalise. Rob Herring has asked

for the scrummage. They will take the extra man advantage. Minto

guilty of tackling without his arms. Dan Jones said it's the third

offence so he goes to the bin for ten. I think he said it was ten

kilograms at the start of the game, take off 100 kilograms of Minto,

Ulster all tried to work something out here. -- will try to work

something out here. They are going to bring in somebody off the wing.

They might try to defend this with just seven forwards. Nobody in at

number eight. They haven't got a number eight in. Surely Ulster can

capitalise. There's the screen, it's about keeping the backs low. Treviso

can't afford to collapse because I'm sure the referee would give the

penalty try. Ulster trying to keep its square. They haven't done it

terribly well and Ulster made a real mess of that. Still in possession

and moving forward. We will wait to see whether the referee gives the

scrum, he has given it to Treviso. Wasn't well done by Ulster. But it

was by Tito Tebaldi. To buy position at the back of the Treviso scum,

covering the blindside. -- took up a position. Attacking up the loosehead

side. Tremendous defence. Another chance, albeit from an Italian put

in. I think they have Tagicakibau, playing this evening in the centre.

Barbieri comes away with it. Running straight into Nelson. The Italian

side are down to 14 men, seven forwards have done really well to

get out of a difficult situation. It would give them a huge amount of

confidence. They will want this to go to touch. It's done just that. In

the modern parlance, I think it's the exit strategy, and the Italians

have executed it well. Mission accomplished. Taken quickly by

Ulster. Good work. Roger Wilson dips his right shoulder. Coetzee goes in

to help his fellow back row forward. Piutau, a sidestep and nearly got

away. Two men hanging onto his bootstraps. Payne, a little show the

ball. All guile from Jared Payne again. Sean Reidy, a little bit

upright. It's offside against the Italians.

We have had to make people scream for a decision. If you don't speak

to them you will be on the site. Have a quiet word with them please.

I will speak to you about what the issues are. Have a quiet word with

your team, please. Dan Jones telling Treviso skipper Dean Budd that there

are too many people talking at him. He has told them to pay attention to

their discipline. Its rugby, not football, Jim.

Ulster bringing on a replacement. Roger Wilson's work is done and

Clive Ross is looking sparkly and pristine like an advert for soap

powder. Coming on wearing number 20. Wilson has gone off. Good work

picking out the forwards. Defensively putting himself about.

Clive Ross has half an hour per to put himself back in the minds of

selectors. Enjoyed a spell at the Leinster Academy. Played a lot of

rugby for his club, Lansdowne. Nicely taken at the back by Coetzee.

Sean Reidy is in there. Italian players going to the floor. It's not

helping the Ulster forward movement. Ulster have done it again, giving

away possession. Clever by Treviso. They sacked the initial jumper.

Ulster committing to the back of the initial maul. Consistency from the

referee, that's important. Once Ulster disengage and step left,

there's no way Treviso can get at the ball. That's the argument, and

that's why the referee gives that decision. It's called truck and

trailer. As the ball is given away and given to the defending team. We

haven't seen either side to try to... INAUDIBLE

Good shot by Ulster. Barbieri gets away. We have seen a lot of pressure

with the Italians getting away. Coetzee thrusts the ball carrier

into touch, me thinks. Nothing really going for Ulster. They have

all the territorial advantage but can't turn it into points. Robert

Barbieri showing a all his experience. He's making it look very

easy. Again, a scrappy. Coetzee manhandles. Not like Stephen Farry

on George Gregan, but a close second. Back with the Italian side.

Nudged forward by them initially. The hefty Robert Barbieri comes away

with it and it will be an Ulster scrummage. In this position with

Treviso a man down in the back row, we saw the scrum on the other side

of the pitch and they didn't commit a man to even up the numbers. They

stayed back on back. Somewhere between Pienaar adds Nelson there

has to be trickery to use their advantage. Number eight play such a

large part. Treviso scrumming without a blindside flanker. They

need to find the space outside that. Quicker ball by Ulster. Payne

looking for a second, pretty close. Pienaar goes himself. The defending

yet again. He gets himself out of it but Pienaar is in the middle. No

scrum-half for Ulster. There's the drive and the try. And yet another

one for that man Sean Reidy, his sixth league try, and Ulster get

there second of the evening. They have taken advantage of the Italian

side being gay man down at last. Exactly what I told you about, a

wider tactic. Pienaar on the short angle with Nelson. When the Treviso

back row get there, the blindside isn't there so there is space on the

near side of the ruck. Pienaar exploits that, not getting through

but drawing defenders and giving Ulster chance to regroup. Clive Ross

does a good job in terms of putting extra beef in the back of Sean Reidy

to drive him over. Pienaar with 88 for the South

African spring box. We have said it many times this season, since the

bad news came through, he will be missed. He hasn't missed that kick.

13 minutes of the second Afghan and Ulster double their lead, 14-0. A 14

point cushion, they can push on to look for the third and fourth try.

Sean Reidy has had a good game. Chris Henry rested, going back to

his more natural position of openside forward. He's the top

tackler in this competition this year, 189 before tonight. He's

racked up a few more this evening was a very workmanlike performance.

Michael Tagicakibau, Andrew Worth is on, and so is Ricky Lutton. Ulster

changing both props. Marcell Coetzee comes in fields to make things

easier. That was passed from outside the 22 so he can't kick directly

into touch. Good kicking by Ian McKinley. Not a bad kick from

McKinley. Nelson got clattered, but the ball was knocked on. The vastly

experienced Alberto Sgarbi, 29 caps for Italy, he comes on in the Centre

for Treviso. Knocked forward, might go back to the first to knock-on by

Ulster and it will be an Italian scrum. Pivotal part of the game now,

that 55, 60 minutes where sometimes the game can lose its edge and shape

with multiple substitutions. Luke Marshall now coming on for Ulster.

It's important from their perspective that they don't lose

shape in the game. Treviso will be happy to slow the game down and try

to run down the clock and play territory to see if they can get

themselves on the scoreboard and then back into the game. Luke

Marshall has come on the field for Jared Payne. I think Nelson... Jared

Payne is still on there. Pete Nelson has gone off. Scrum put in by

Treviso. Coetzee, good take by Piutau. Where is that going? Not

backwards. Into touch. That was quite illegal. A little rumble from

the Ulster crowd but it will be an Ulster line-out. Gilroy, haven't

seen much of him in the second half. Coetzee, with Williams in speed.

Off-loads to Charles Piutau, coming in fulltilt. They look like they are

building up a report already. A few grizzly bears in there. You don't

need teddy bears, you need grizzly bears. Pienaar got it away nicely.

Well taken by Coetzee. Speaking of grizzly bears, look at his leg drive

again. Stuart Olding finds the gap. He's straight through. Great stuff

by Stuart Olding. He has Jared Payne with him. The back row couldn't

quite gather. Still the chance of an try, but I think it will be knocked

forward. Nearly took the advertising hoarding with him. A genuine chance.

If conditions were better it would have been a score. It was sublime.

If he had the call, Pienaar was inside. Two hands, committing the

defenders. Brilliance defence from Sperandio. But able to pick up the

bouncing ball, but that's the difference Stuart Olding gives you

at ten, that sideways glide to take himself away from the defending Ian

McKinley and potentially bringing Luke Marshall and Jared Payne into

the game on a straight line. The Italians making a pile of

replacements. Number 18, tight head prop Matteo Zanusso. Another 16, the

hooker, Roberto Santamaria. And there is another one somewhere.

Still seven forwards Ulster to play against in the front row.

Replacements have helped. Andrei Buondonno has gone off with

Pratichetti coming on. Penalty to the Italians. The Ulster pressure

paying off. Ulster thought about taking it quickly. Pienaar glancing

to his left because Andrew Trimble had run up to a threatening

position. It's scrum time. I think the Ulster front five have this

between their teeth now. The referee could have given that the penalty

decision after four or five seconds. The Treviso hooker clearly down on

one knee. He purchased to strike the ball back. The pressure Ulster

exerting on the front row, unable to drag Treviso off the ball, but he

let it go, decided the ball wasn't going to move and Ulster were in the

ascendancy, giving them the scrum. Certainly in this second-half,

Ulster changing the second row with Warwick and Ricky Lutton on, putting

pressure. The Italian tight head replacement, Matteo Zanusso, an

Italian international, and he played in every single game off the bench

in the 2016 Six Nations. Francisco Mento is on. -- Minto. Piutau

standing straight in front of the scrum. Controlled by Coetzee. The

referee being quick to tell Pienaar to use it. Here goes Piutau, ran

into a pretty solid green and white wall. Pienaar. Clive Ross looking

for just his second try in Ulster colours. Quicker ball. Ricky Lutton,

the replacement tight head. A little dink. Piutau gathers and scores.

They may will have to go upstairs to look at that, but Master Piutau

thinks he has a score for Ulster. If he's got that, he's made it out of

nothing. The ball from Stuart Olding. A left foot crossfield

pitch, it landed and skidded lower. He has read that so well. Gets down

and rides off the defender. From that angle, it looks like a score.

The one behind is the important one. What a clever kick by Stuart Olding.

There's the bounce and gather. The drive... And that looks like a try

to me. Neil Hennessy will make the decision. But this could be Ulster's

third try. Everybody here at the Kingspan Stadium thinks and hopes it

will be a try. Piutau from nowhere. That looks pretty good. It's a try.

There is a young man beside me, the son of Rory Best, he's nodding his

head and thinks it's a try. If it's good enough for young Ben Best, then

it's good enough for me. We see Stuart Olding's influence. That

half-backs position, he has played there many times through all sorts

of age groups, but he's a good football with talent in his left

foot. A crossfield kick, so hard to defend when it goes behind the

defender on a night such like this. But Piutau's anticipation was

magnificent. Stuart Olding moving into ten rather than Pienaar or

Piutau and bringing Luke Marshall on. That might befall later in the

game. Stuart Olding gives you more in terms of his variation. He has

the ability to step and also play at centre and creator lines for where

centres like to run. Luke Marshall is very good at that. We have seen

Jared Payne can do this evening. Both exemplary ball in hand.

He was a good ten metres off his line. Piutau taking that wide

position but perfect in terms of execution. A couple of more

replacements being made by Treviso. The scrum-half is one Bronzini who

was involved last week in the Italian game against England at

Twickenham, that controversial game. Set up by Marcel Coetzee. The

referee playing advantage now. He needs to be careful here. Scooted

over the Ulster line. Slow to react. Expecting the referee to say scrum

quickly but that hasn't happened. Nearly just caught in two minds

there, kicked or pass, kick or pass and maybe kick should have been his

first option than the one he settled on. Just taking his eye off the

ball. Could be another one coming on, looks like a replacement loose

end from the -- the Argentinian Romulo Acosta coming on.

Ulster penalised. It is consistency from Dan Jones. Ricky Lutton has to

make sure on the contact. The referee saying keep your space.

Needs to make sure any jostling in there does not cause them to go off

balance. McKinlay finds his touch. Close to the Ulster line.

Kieran Treadwell has enjoyed himself. His seventh start of his

first season with his new club. A handful of England under 20 caps

although he is Irish. Roto Santamaria throws. Ulster defend

well. This is Bronzini. Stolen back by Ulster. Bit of a wayward pass.

Well taken by Andrew Trimble. Ulster still inside their 22. Penalty

against Treviso. Pienaar interfered with when he tried to pick up the

ball. You aren't allowed to do that. Bit of work for Luke Marshall to do

down that left-hand side. Not forward unfortunately by Andrei epos

Ito -- by Esposito. Didn't have the happiest afternoon a couple of weeks

ago. That was when Ireland turned Italy over. On comes another

replacement, this time number 17, Romulo accost own -- Romulo accost.

That is a great name, isn't it? Romulo. And coming on for Ulster is

the young man in sparkling form, looking bright and clean, Jacob

Stockdale is coming on. Very versatile young man, wing, outside

centre full-back, is Jacob Stockdale. As the ability to play

and cover multitude of positions. By the Ulster scrummage. Quicker way.

The wing. Cross the halfway line. Clive Ross. Quicker ball by Ulster.

Jared Payne getting a lot of gametime. He has been on the pitch

for well over an hour. Again, Ulster win it. Here goes Tredwell. Good

acceleration by the big man. And they have managed to lose it. Half a

chance here for the Italians if they can shift this ball. It isn't going

to go to far. That is an uncompromising move. Bronzini gets

it away to the replacement tight head prop, Zanusso. Again trying to

put a bit of wit in. No angle whatsoever. He hasn't found his

touch but made difficult for the Italian. Big tackle went in there.

Luke Marshall that tackle. Mistake couple last week. Play on the

referee. Stockdale being very aggressive in the tackle and winning

the line-out I have a feeling for Ulster. He has the dimensions, six

foot four, happy to have manhandled at about anybody. Sperandio has

played particularly well today. Very accomplished footballer, good

kicking chase, the physicality of the breakdown. Maybe he just had an

off day last week? They're's Lee Kiss, just feeling that Ulster could

pick up the pace a bit. Back on the Italian's side. Coetzee off the

blocks like a rocket. Well protected. Bronzini with the kick.

No way round that good Italian defending. Ulster need to make sure

they have got the ball and they have. Piutau well outside his 22.

That kick has got to be perfect and it is pretty near-perfect. Payne is

chasing. Referee playing advantage. There goes McKinlay. That is going

to scoot into touch for Ulster line-out but time is ticking away.

Plenty of time but couple of scores coming through there. The Ospreys

just about eating Edinburgh. Potentially a big result for Ulster

is Edinburgh could do them a favour. Ulster's last three games of this

campaign are away to Munster, a weighty Ospreys and at home to

Leinster. All three sides ahead of them in the league as it stands.

Most importantly of course qualification for the FA Champions

Cup next year which involves finishing in the top six. Dean Budd

suspiciously offside. Pienaar ball in hand. Well gathered by McKinlay.

Slow down initially by Trimble. Clattered by Coetzee. . Taken on by

Zani, the replacement back row for. Zanini, I should say, who I didn't

see come on. That one lost in atmosphere. Stockdale needs to get

that. That will be a five metre scrum. Once again, that is

eight-hour ring kick from Sperandio. -- that is a towering kick. All at

sea there, loses the ball as it comes down. In some ways it would be

lucky if he not that that goods and not forward into the onrushing

Treviso attackers. We are going to give this young fella a little bit

of a happy birthday because if I am right on my statistics Jacob

Stockdale is going to be 21 years old tomorrow. Pete Browne has come

on, quite happy to play at number six as Reidy has gone off. The

line-out has struggled this evening. He will bring another dimension to

that, Browne. 14 minutes remaining. Ulster leading 19-0 and three tries

to none. They have a bit to do, however. Five of the six original

starters in the front rows have been replaced. Only Rob Herring remains.

The referee has a brand-new bunch to whip into shape. There is Browne on

the flank. Clive Ross on the other flank. Bronzini pops it in. Ulster

trying to get a squeeze on here. Not a bad Italian scrummage. Not coming

back, though. A good tackle from Pienaar. Treviso looking for a

confidence boosting try. They are very close. Ulster are really

digging in. Hard to see what is going on in there. Driving for the

line. Still coming back on the Italian's side. Paulo would love to

score against his old club. And still they drive and go for the

line. The referee is going to let them get on with it. And assist,

squeeze back on the Treviso side. Bronzini leading it was those big

forwards stopped again, Ulster attacking with recently. --

attacking magnificently. Here they go again and again Ulster dig in and

again they pick up. I think he has got over the line. The referee is

having a good look at that. It may well go upstairs. Unless Pete Browne

has prevented the grounding, I think that is going to be a try. That

would be from Romulo Acosta. Oh, it's not going to be a try. The

referee is telling them it has been held up. Paulo disagrees completely,

needless to say. Dan Jones has made that decision on his own. He was in

the best position to make that decision. He is very adjacent to the

line there, Matteo Darmian so. Referee not initially in such a rate

position. -- he is very adjacent to the line there, Matteo Renzi to the

Mac. -- Zanusso. Your goal line has to be impervious. You have to defend

everything you have got. Treviso have another chance. 12 bits

remaining and 19 points adrift. Ulster need to be 90 metres up the

other end of this pitch. The crowd have been relatively quiet. There is

the replacement prop, Zanusso. Dan Jones has had a word with the

Italian front row. The warmest person will be the Ulster mascot.

It's still coming down. Ulster digging in. That ball is not going

anywhere at the moment. The ground staff will not be happy bunnies. But

of a squeeze coming on from the Italians. It has gone loose. Pienaar

does an excellent job of tackling his opposite number, Bronzini, but

Bronzini has squeezed it back. Taken on by Zanini. In the end Treviso

going straight to the line. Grubby white jerseys being thrown in there.

Good work by tricky lust in who gets in some back onside. -- by Ricky

Lutton. Conceding a try would not be the worst thing in the well because

they would then get the kick-off and get the ball in the Italian

territory. What a big tackle that was by Franco van der Merwe. Still

down, Lazzaroni waiting. It comes to the bottom of the post. Referee

telling Ulster to do a bit of releasing. The Fila Paulo gets over.

Spectacular stuff from a man who played a couple of times for Ulster.

Moved on to Treviso. The international for Samoa and Teofilo

Paulo has got the first try of the evening form the visitors from

Treviso. Pick and go, pick and go, just inches and centimetres.

Composure, good ball security. The referee comes round telling Ulster

to release and Teofilo Paulo just popped it over the top. The

convergence added by Ian McKinley. Well struck by Teofilo Paulo. Nicely

converted by McKinley. Ulster have got nine minutes in which to get

what could be a crucial bonus point try. It gets them back into the

right part of the pitch because they could have defended down there for

six or seven minutes and the clock would have just run itself out.

Letting Treviso score gives them a chance to get into the right part of

the pitch. That is nicely done by Pienaar. Just off the legs. Ulster

have got the line-out. Another Italian replacement is on. Gerosa is

on for them and Ulster are bringing on John Andrew who has had such a

good season, third in the pecking order behind Rory Best and Rob

Herring but he has played very well, John Andrew. Rob Herring going off.

Good leadership on the field today. John Andrew has got to own his

buyers now. -- has got to earn his Spurs now. Back in the Italian side

but this will be difficult. The referee still playing advantage.

Bronzini pops it up. Straight into action for Gerosa with an assist.

Andrew Trimble, Ulster's new captain. Ulster will get the

line-up. Trimble catches it well. It is difficult throwing the ball in.

Giving the cost a chance to drive the ball but I don't think this has

been their best line-out this year, Ulster. They will be disappointed,

there has been a number of sloppy catches and lacking accuracy and

that is something they have done particularly well season. Nothing

wrong with that. Well taken by Pete Browne. John Andrew through the ball

in. Ulster have straightened up nicely. That is good. Teofilo Paulo

come through the middle. He has made it very difficult for Andrew to get

the ball away. Again, Treviso have spoiled Ulster's driving maul. They

got their fit into the scrum but that is good defensive play from the

Italians and he will be happy. Ulster, the throw and the catch,

they get it down, they spin it off and Paulo legally working his way

through, his arms in, wraps up John Andrew and a lack of communication

there from probably Pienaar at the back of the maul.

That Osprey game is one that Ulster could have done with Edinburgh

winning. It Leinster could win that match it would do Ulster a huge

favour as well. Free kick, no penalty, the Ulster will go for the

scrum again. Right decision question might I think they probably would

have gone for a corner if it was a penalty. But they need to be

realistic. Probably too close to the Treviso line-out. Sperandio has been

outstanding for Treviso this evening. Large blindside

potentially. They will try to weave some magic in midfield -- Stuart

Olding will try to weave some magic in midfield. Pienaar gets it away to

Luke Marshall. Well held, Treviso trying to hold them off the ground

macro. Again, Ulster a bit high. Treviso's check tackling has been

exemplary. They have conceded another scrummage. They have got to

think of another way to go into the tackle. That is poor. You can see

his reaction. Pete Browne is six foot seven, he has run in their old

upright. He has been choked tackled. You can see how they can do that

defensively, so well. It is unrealistic to think you can brush

those two guys off. Simple targets, go to ground, give project macro a

chance to clear the decks. The referee is saying there was a high

tackle on Pete Browne initially. It was the replacement back row four

Zanini. It is a penalty. He charged that maul without using his arms.

REFEREE: In that maul you launched a sub into it. It is going to be a

penalty. With five bits to go that is the last thing Ulster needed to

do. Given away a penalty. The Italian side will get as deep into

Ulster territory as they can. Tom Marshall about come on. That has

found a pretty decent touch. You have two leg at the question it need

Browne had said the appropriate Roddy Hart they wouldn't have to do

that give away the penalty. -- the appropriate body height. Paul

Marshall will get four and a half minutes. He has only missed handful

of match days. It's horrific day for Ulster down the years. 191st

appearance. -- eight terrific player Foster down the years. That has gone

back. A bit untidy. The referee says it was launched forward by a green

hand if you see what I mean. Ulster get the scrum. There is plenty of

time and there will be urgency and paste to the game with the

introduction of Paul Marshall. -- urgency and pace to the game. Ricky

Lutton on the right side. It they squeeze there. Gets it away quickly.

They are lining up waiting for him. Trying to hold them up. Penalty

against Ulster. The tackle was complete, said the referee. Just

lack of support. Tries to get himself on the ground unable to do

to good defence but Ulster missing in action whenever they should have

been putting the heat on there and clearing that ruck out. Who would be

a director of rugby? The ball has been dried by plant macro. -- by

Roberto Santamaria. Well taken in. John Andrew trying to stop that

nudge forwards. The protection of the ball. They have done that well.

Ulster have turned it over there is time, just over two macro minutes

remaining but Ulster are deep into their own territory -- deep into the

wrong territory. Trying to speed the game up here they get the chance to.

Quite happy in terms of where they sit. They are happy to slow things

down. Ulster need a good bad form and then transfer.

Strike by his hooker Luke Marshall. Paul Marshall down. Penalty for a

deliberate knock down. Referee is a advantage it. It goes Stuart Olding.

Needs a few grubby jerseys with him. That looked a bit on the high side.

Away, Piutau, to John Andrew, the hooker. Great run by Andrew. My word

he has done well. Into the last-minute. Ulster squeeze

something out of this. Paul Marshall. Taken on by Clive Ross.

Still there, Paul Marshall. Luke Marshall. Good protection of the

ball by Ulster. Paul Marshall again. Got to keep it in hand. Piutau,

terrific covering tackle thereby the Italians. Paul Marshall, last few

seconds. Coetzee working hard up to the 22 by a metre or two. Again, the

men in green and white tackling magnificently. Marshall to Olding.

Passing was not forward. Paul Marshall, Pete Browne has to keep

it. We have played 80 minutes. The ball has gone forward. That is the

ball gone in less Ulster's captain Andrew Trimble can do something very

unusual. Jared Payne will have a run at it. He has a man with him, John

Andrew. Away he goes, great speed by John Andrew. My word, what a turn of

pace. Paul Marshall gets it away. Still going. Play answers the

referee and away come the Italians and they are having a go. What a

great finish to the game. Ulster have got this one wrapped up, no

bonus point and the Italians are not content to end the game, they want a

flourish. Knock-on advantage to Ulster. Ulster switch. Andrew

Trimble. He will be able to go anywhere. Last play of the game.

Ulster have the getaway. Tredwell. Well. Good work by Andrew Warwick.

He has played well, Olding. Still in play. Down they go. The worst part

of the whole pitch. It's still in play, still a chance for Ulster but

they have got to go some 80 metres. Looked a bit on the high side.

Again, an Italian gets in the way. Luke Marshall, oh, why did he kick?

That is going to be game over. Bronzini sweep it away.

Well, Treviso playing as if they are the side looking for a top four

finish. Taken on by Gerosa, the replacement. Ulster have stolen it

back. We have played 82 and a half minutes. Great tackle. Has old and

made it available? He certainly has. -- has Olding made it available? He

certainly has. Play answers the referee. -- play on says the

referee. Well set up by replacement front Ricky Lutton. There is the

other one, Andrew Warwick. Runs into Gerosa. Knocked on by Ulster and

that is game over. Dreadful conditions. Strong Treviso defence.

Ulster may have won the game but they have not made it four games in

a row with winning the bonus point. The chances were there but you have

got to say Ulster will put this one down the chance lost. I would think

so, undoubtedly. A lot of credit to Treviso. I think it is the line-out

this evening that let them down, the ball has been effective all year but

they haven't been able to get it going, just one of those evenings. A

tough run in for Ulster. Ospreys, Munster and Leinster the last three

macro. The night hasn't gone their way but they will take the win and

move on. They have got to get five points in the context of the season.

Difficult game under difficult conditions but both teams have seen

worse games under dry conditions. Everybody played their part and

played well. Ulster have won their fourth game in the row. They have

not got their elusive bonus point but they have 19 points. They would

be too unhappy. Final score 19-7. Steve and Andy, watching a pretty

dramatic finish to that game, a win is a win but how crucial is it that

Ulster did not get a bonus point? We will find out come the end of the

season but they need this momentum and they need to keep winning. Their

play to Treviso, they really dug in there. I thought they defended well.

Even when Ulster were trying to run the ball out they put their bodies

on the line and that man there, Teofilo Paulo, he played brilliantly

tonight. No shortage of effort from Ulster at the end. They tried

everything to get that bonus point. They know how important that will

be. We could just see they targeted the five points and to come away

without is a bit of disappointment. I can understand why Luke Marshall

was kicking the ball away at the end. They needed to just keep the

ball but to kick it away but it was a bad kick as well, I could see a

few heads drop at that point as if to say really? What is going on

here? But they did all right and I tried to get to it and as Steve said

that, Treviso, I thought they were awesome and it is their class. Their

defence and line-outs were awesome. They were happy to take a line-out

because they knew they were messing the whole pitch up and a lot of

credit goes to them the night for sure. A few saw tired bodies after

that game. Let's take a look at how that leaves the Guinness Pro-12

table. Ulster will remain in this they will be one point behind the

Scarlet. If they can beat deeper next week they can move into the

play-off positions. Let's hair from the man of the match. How tough was

that? The toughest conditions I have played in. It was very ugly.

Disappointed not to get that bonus point but we will move on from

there. A lot of things to work on. Always a pleasure to play nights

like this, disappointing not to get the bonus point. You were living

every moment on a sideline in the last few minutes. Visit

frustratingly bonus point isn't there? For sure, it's something we

aim for and didn't get it. Come the end of the season we hope it doesn't

cost us. But a good victory. Another victory, does it feel like there is

momentum with this Ulster team? Not sure how much momentum you can take

out of a game like this in difficult conditions. We have won four on the

bounce. It would be another tough one next week. You will get your man

of the match award shortly. Andrew Trimble is next to us. They victory

but no bonus point. It was tough, but disappointing. Tonight was a

night to roll up your sleeves. It's miserable out there. I think I've

got a cold as well! Not good for the next couple of weeks, especially

with Ireland. The boys were digging in and rolled up their sleeves. We

got over the line three times and I'm proud of the boys with a big

performance tonight. You are away potentially for a couple of weeks.

Does it feel like the next few weeks for Ulster are significant? There is

a bit of momentum now and we have to build on that and take the

opportunities coming our way. A word on this man, he has done it for so

many years. He's a something else, one of my favourites! In no way

sarcastic. And you can present the man of the match award to Ruan

Pienaar on behalf of Guinness. STUDIO: Well done to Ruan Pienaar

and the committee there and Andrew Trimble. Good to see smiles on the

faces of the Ulster players. It continues the winning streak for

them despite not getting a bonus point. It does continue that streak.

When you have fans like this turning out in their thousands tonight, and

the weather was absolutely miserable. The atmosphere they

treated for the lads, the disappointment we spoke about, they

didn't get the bonus point but got the victory and keep their momentum.

That's what it's all about. We can take a look at some of Ruan

Pienaar's highlights tonight. They deserved man of the match,

controlling the game a lot of the time. He's amazing. He does this

time and time again. The accuracy of his kicks. He puts in one kick, he

puts in another knowing full well he is absorbed the winger. He keeps

them ticking and thinking. He bamboozles teams. It's a masterclass

every time you he plays, he's always doing something. When was the last

time we said Ruan Pienaar had a bad game? He's a great character, a

great guy off the pitch, and no doubt he will be a huge loss to

Ulster Rugby. The fella they bring in next year will definitely add

something, but Ruan Pienaar is a master at playing nine, and he can

play anywhere along the back. We saw him for the Springboks against the

Lions in 2009, so much experience, 88 caps for the Springboks. And he's

an absolute gentleman. He will be missed, but not missed too much in

nights like this. His goal-kicking ability as well. He has won some

amount of games with last-ditch kicks and big kicks. He is class,

the all-rounder. That's a big part that they will miss as well. Ulster

digging in, in search of the bonus point. The pack did well to get the

try for Sean Reidy. They did, they have been working very hard. I

thought the scrum looked solid tonight, giving eight, nine and ten

a good platform to work from. The guys got across the line, the

Treviso pack did better tonight. But the boys are working exceptionally

hard at this point. They have come from a scrum. That was a good setup.

Came from a good platform up front. They good, clean scrum. Sean Reidy

knows what the job is. He's always scoring tries. Pick up and go from

Ruan Pienaar. Offside, but they latch on from Clive Ross. Gets them

over the chalk. Fair play from Sean Reidy. You can see how much it

means. Marcell Coetzee running in two Pat the guys on the back. The

third try, fantastic kick by Stuart Olding and brilliantly finished by

Piutau. Stuart is a class act as well. A fairly young guy who has had

major injuries in his career so far. He's a tasty player whose awareness

on the pitch is very good. The build-up to the whole thing,

everybody getting across the gain line. That's the difference,

everybody on front football. It's not just going across the pick and

slowing it down. This kick has to be on the money. On the sixpence. If

not, it's a turnover. One bounce, and into his hands. What a finish,

keeping his legs off the ground and not getting put into touch. Good

work from the forwards to get into the corner. Love the pick to finish

it off. Superkick by Stuart Olding. They break just minutes before that

to make-up for the disappointment. Have been a sure score. What do you

do? You have done all the hard work once again. But at the Lake pumping

on the boys. Some of the players working exceptionally hard in these

conditions. This is at full flight. I love to see this. If he had looked

to the right committee felt the magic was on his left hand side, and

fair play to Treviso for getting back and spoiling the movement. This

is what Stuart Olding can bring, fantastic feat on him, but didn't

see Pienaar on his blindside. Couldn't hearing because the crowd

was going bonkers at that point. One thing we know about Pienaar is that

he will be on your insight. He's the line breaker. He did last week. A

bit more communication and he would have been in for the school. Stuart

Olding has a lot of class about him and maybe we will see more in the

coming weeks. Looking at the remaining fixtures for the top sides

in the league. Zebre at home next week. It's in Ulster's own hands.

They have enough games, if they win enough they can make the top four. A

huge match tomorrow with Scarlets play in Leinster. It will be a

massive fixture. But you're right, it's in Ulster's hands if they make

the top four, and if they win the rest of these games they will

certainly make that, but at lot of tough fixtures including Munster,

Ospreys and Leinster. We have a lot of players starting to come into

form as well. The team is getting stronger with injuries coming back.

If they keep the momentum in the next couple of games, they going to

the home stretch with a lot of confidence. Coetzee might have

another couple of games under his belt. Touch wood he doesn't get

injured. Joe Schmidt happy Jared Payne did 80 minutes tonight. I

think so. He picked slight niggle in the first few minutes, getting some

attention, but great to see him back. Running short lines and

getting over the gain line. Didn't put a foot wrong in defence. Hats

off to him for that. At best are Ulster playing for third and fourth,

top two might be too far? Probably, I think in all honesty we have to

be. But in the top four, anything can happen after that. Anything at

the top four we will take. Then you are in a situation where anything

can happen on the day. Momentum can keep going and if you get yourself

in that top position then you can take on anybody, because there are

good enough players here to take on anybody and when. Momentum, this

Dragons fixture, they have to do nail that. Go away to Dragons and

put them to the sword. That's what they have to do. Go away and slip up

and then doubt creeps in, like that bad patch earlier in the season.

Some of those cracks might start to appear. Ulster have struggled

against the Dragons. There are a couple of teams Ulster always

struggle against and they are one of them. Hopefully we can turn that

around. Thank you both very much indeed. The Dragons game is the game

after next. Up next at the Kingspan Stadium is Ulster against Zebre next

Saturday. The night before that, Wales against Ireland in the Six

Nations as it resumes with live commentary. Tonight, on a pretty

mucky night at the Kingspan Stadium, Ulster have got another