ULSTER INTERIM HEAD coach Richie Murphy admitted that the province have much to do ahead of their European Challenge Cup quarter-final at Clermont.
“We definitely weren’t at our best,” Murphy admitted after Sunday’s 40-17 win over Montpellier, his first win since taking over at turmoil-hit Ulster.
“That is a little disappointing, but we also showed some good character in the second half to try and get us back in the game.
Montpellier’s discipline disintegrated in the second half, with Paul Willemse’s red card followed later by the sin-binning of Florian Verhaeghe and Vano Karkadze which had the hosts down to 12.
“Some of that was helped by a red card and a couple of yellows,” Murphy admitted, “but when that did happen, we managed to put enough good phases together to try and see the game out which was pleasing.
“We’ve a lot of work to do.”
Ulster chalked up six tries – five in the second half with a penalty try ending the contest – though it was not a convincingly cohesive performance from the Irish side and largely hinged wearing Montpellier down after the hosts were undone by their own ill-discipline.
“We’d a couple of decisions over whether to kick the corner or go for the points, to take a scrum or a tap penalty,” said Murphy of some of Ulster’s work during the game.
“We needed to be better at keeping everyone on the same page, working together to find the solutions.
“We forced things a little, but once we got ahead, I thought we finished the game pretty well.
“We showed some good character to stick together and get the win.
“It’s knockout rugby, it’s about winning games,” he added.
“In this competition, we don’t need anything else bar a win at the end of the day.
“In my time, I’ve only been here two weeks, we hadn’t won yet (so), in that regard, I’m really happy to get my first victory.
“We’ll look back at it because we need to be better in our decision-making elements and some of our ability to look after the ball.
“If we can fix those going into Clermont, we’ll have a great chance over there,” stated Murphy
Gloucester , Ulster,sharks and Benetton all to win this weekend..If the semi format is the same as last year I’ll go Gloucester vs Benetton and sharks vs Ulster. Sharks won’t beat Ulster in raven hill so will go Ulster vs Benetton final with Ulster to win Challenge cup …If sharks had an opportunity at a home semi and final I would have backed them to go all the way as it’s the only way to get into CC next year ..
Hi All
Why bother jousting with Ray Ridge?
His negativity towards Ulster, and indeed other provinces, says more about his personality than it does about his knowledge and opinion on anything to do with the promotion and support of the development and progression of rugby on this Island.
Advantage Clermont, with the amount of miles UR have clocked up the last few weeks.
Funnily enough there were plenty of doubters proved wrong last week.
Also this UR squad turned over Clermont in their own backyard 2yrs ago. Clermont aren’t the same side they were. Stranger things have happened.
Looking forward to another examination of McCann Sheridan and Wilson – super young players.
They’ll need to play against 12 men again this weekend if they are to beat Clermont.
@Ray Ridge: Didn’t play against 12 men, when beat Racing 92 earlier this season.
@Kingshu: That was in Ravenhill. Different ball game away from home.
@Ray Ridge: you seek out every Ulster article to drive the boot in. They’re a team trying to rebuild. What’s your objective? Maybe try doing something more constructive with your time.
@Ray Ridge: Clermont are not the team they were, and just above the relegation positions in the top 14, but still will be tough at home. Cheetahs, who aren’t the same level as Ulster, pushed them close. I think Ulster have a good chance.