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O'Brien (19'), Clarkson (26'), Penalty Try (39'), Ringrose (41'), Sheehan (57', 69', 77')
Tries
Izuchukwu (35'), Dalton (72')
Frawley (27'), Prendergast (69')
Conversions
Murphy (36', 73')
Penalties
Murphy (8')
I feel for Ulster, especially when captain Alan O’Connor was pleading his side’s case at scrumtime. It’s hard when the referee is seeing a completely different picture and his props clearly felt on to and their confusion looked genuine. If Ulster’s scrum was considered dominant by the refereeing team ,it would have gone a long way to keeping them in the game.
However, Leinster’s lineout was rocky. Not quite a Munster level of shambolic, but that was Ulster’s opening. I don’t blame O’Connor for wanting two openings, but Leinster don’t often give sides one and Ulster didn’t expose it enough.
Once again, there were pieces/players in this game that Ulster can look at and build on, but as a whole it left a lot to be desired
1. Andrew Warwick – 7
Warwick’s injury was perhaps the biggest blow to Ulster, despite the losing two backs with only a 6-2 bench. An older school prop, in style, not solely age, Ulster needed his solidity for longer tonight.
2. Rob Herring – 6
The Irish stalwart often looks like he’s fighting a losing battle while running out for Ulster. The ref mic picked up a bit of niggle between himself and Leinster’s front row.
3. Tom O’Toole – 6
Tough on O’Toole who played on both sides of the scrum tonight. He’s an Ulsterman who deserves more. Won a scrum penalty early on to earn Ulster’s first points but the scrum was a mess overall.
4. Alan O’Connor – 6
Was frustrated at the referee and his interpretation of the scrum battle. He’ll never lack for trying. Was part of a good defensive lineout performance but needs to be busier on the ball.
5. Cormac Izuchukwu – 8
Yep, he’s got it. We’re tripping over backrowers in Ireland. Let Izuchukwu loose in the second row. He was terrific in the lineout this evening, even stealing ball with only one lifter underneath him. Was lucky not to have his try called back from some lazy running from his teammates, but he looks a class above many of his Ulster forwards. That’s the calibre across the board you need to be higher on the table.
6. James McNabney – 7
36 metres made from 12 carries. Not a bad return versus this Jacques Nienaber defence. Ulster need to start winning or this guy is gonna become part of the lost generation at Ulster, forever sad from perpetual losing. Wow, harsh but fair?
7. Nick Timoney – 5
I’m sorry Nick, but I need more from you. Timoney is one of Ulster’s few players who has a genuine case for being an Irish international, and if you’re in the bracket you are judged by a different standard.
8. David McCann – 5
Honestly any number of Ulster’s players could have been given the yellow card. He was clever in taking his try opportunity but McCann needs his side to be going forward to showcase his full set of skills. Unfortunately, Ulster just aren’t doing enough of that this season.
9. Nathan Doak – 6
Looked sharp in his first start for the best part of the month but was unfortunately put out of position with injuries and a 6-2 bench.
10. Jack Murphy – 5
Impressed versus Bordeaux and definitely a talent Ulster can build on but today wasn’t his day. Felt his team either didn’t give him a solid platform to kick off or didn’t help my kicking themselves. Losing Stuart McCloskey in the warmup would have been a blow in his preparation.
11. Jacob Stockdale – 7
Still capable of that chip and chase, Stockdale was one of Ulster’s most dangerous players, but 5 missed tackles tells us the same old story.
12. Stewart Moore – NA
A late starter after McCloskey’s injury in the warmup, his departure caused further disruption in a team that needed some solidity
13. Jude Postlethwaite – 5
Another young Ulster player with heaps of potential that’s being ground down in a wayward team. Made all his tackles tonight but was fighting a losing battle.
14. Zac Ward – 8
The find of the season in Irish rugby.
Fresh of an explosive Olympic Games for the Irish Sevens, Ward earned himself a contract at Ulster. His work on restarts was fantastic and he’s so physical in the wider channels. One to watch for the upcoming Ireland tour and huge win for Ulster’s backroom team. Whatever process Ulster used to identify him, they need to invest in again this offseason.
15. Mike Lowry – NA
I think Lowry’s looked his best while out on the wing this year, Kolbe esque. The gaps teams leave out on the wing are so small, and with his footwork he can get through them. Went off with a HIA
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Tom Stewart – 5
A dummy throw while Ulster was building pressure on Leinster’s line is heartbreaking. Stewart is another one of these Ulster forwards who could have a career in green. Mistakes like that set you back.
17. Callum Reid – 5
Was replaced by Tom O’Toole shortly after coming on.
18. Scott Wilson – 5
The hero versus the Dragons but couldn’t have the same impact this weekend.
19. Matthew Dalton – 6
Looks athletic in the lineout both as a lifter and a jumper. Got away with knocking the ball on in the buildup to McCann’s try. Lock is such an important position in the modern game.
20. Kieran Treadwell – 5
Leaving the club at the end of the year to return to Harlequins. Ulster need to sure up this position ahead of next season.
21. John Cooney – 6
Shifted Doak out of position early on, looked particularly headless during some of Ulster’s longer stints with possession.
22. Wilhelm de Klerk – 5.5
Saw plenty of minutes and had little to show. Wasn’t Ulster’s night.
23. Matty Rea – 5
I like Rea but he isn’t the type of forward that merits a 6-2 bench.
