Ulster 26-26 Munster: Richie Murphy says Ulster are ‘taking part in matches like they’re coaching periods’

Despite the return of Ireland internationals Stockdale, McCloskey and Nick Timoney, Ulster struggled in opposition to a robust show from Munster within the first half as tries from Alex Kendellen (2), Marnus van der Merwe and Dan Kelly put Clayton McMillan’s aspect within the driving seat on the break.

But regardless of a spirited second-half exhibiting to earn one other three factors after final week’s attract Glasgow, Murphy mentioned he was “bitterly disenchanted” when requested if he was left with combined feelings.

“We allowed Munster to set the tempo, we had been inaccurate with our first launch, in order that we kicked off, they kicked out, so we had been inaccurate with that first launch,” added Murphy.

“Off the again of that, penalty, penalty and then you definitely’re again in your nook and combating to your life.

“Once you are 5 metres out and the opposition have a line-out, it’s extremely exhausting to cease, in order that gave them management of the primary half.”

Having pegged Munster again, Ulster may have received the sport with the ultimate play, however Robert Baloucoune’s tried move to Matthew Devine was minimize out by Alex Nankivell because the hosts’ winless URC run stretched to seven video games.

“Coming in at half-time, I assumed the lads reacted rather well,” added Murphy.

“We made some modifications, nonetheless very inaccurate within the second half and did not take care of the ball nicely sufficient, did not management discipline place in any respect within the recreation, however in the end we received right into a state of affairs the place final play of the sport we had been working at them and gave them the ball again once more.

“Our turnover charge wants to return down, our scrum has been going rather well however took a backward step tonight and I type of really feel like we did not assault the sport the best way we wanted to.”

Munster boss McMillan was equally downbeat after his aspect had been held scoreless within the second half to let slip a 21-point benefit.

“We talked about it at half-time that Ulster are a top quality aspect that will not go away,” he mentioned.

“We wanted to proceed to be correct and simply apply strain in the fitting components of the sector.

“But we did not fairly get the identical high quality of possession within the second half, and Ulster had been adequate to discover a approach again into the sport.”