ULSTER SNAPPED THEIR five-game losing streak with a brilliant performance charged by their young players in Galway tonight.
Richie Murphy’s men recorded a deserved 17-7 win away to Connacht despite making the trip to Galway without a string of senior players.
Yet the visitors looked hungrier throughout, starting with real intent and delivering some excellent defensive moments to land their first away win of the season.
“We’re obviously massively delighted to get that win,” said Ulster boss Richie Murphy.
‘Traveling up during the week we lost a few boys, even in the warm-up there we lost Rob Herring, so we’re missing a lot of experience on the pitch. So for those guys to come in and do as well as they did and for those young backs to stand up and play against the likes of Bundee (Aki) and Mack (Hansen) is massively satisfying for us.
“We didn’t give them a minute on the ball defensively, we put a lot of pressure on them and a lot of that credit has to go to Johnny Bell.”
Ulster captain Nick Timoney was outstanding, while number eight James McNabney led the charge in a dominant first half showing.
Murphy also singled out his half-backs and a strong defensive display from centres Ben Carson and Jude Postlethwaite.
“From an attack point of view, obviously the two tries we got were on the back of good forward carries, dominating a little bit around the gain line.
“That young backline is going to take a little bit of time to get used to the speed of the game and how they can bring others into the game, but I thought both Ben Carson and Jude Postlethwaite were very strong defensively, very strong with their carry.
“I thought Jack Murphy put us in a couple of different good places and Nathan Doak had an incredibly good game. His clearance kicking and his pressure coming through off the back of the line was incredible.”
The win lifts Ulster to eighth in the URC table, as they head into a break week before returning to Champions Cup action with games against Leicester and Exeter next month.
Well done Ulster. Should JVDF ever be injured, the outstanding Nick Timoney would be a more than able replacement. Ant truth in the rumour that he may be leaving Ulster at the end of the season. I really hope not.
@Andrew Lytle: *any
@Andrew Lytle: not that Ive heard rumoured, just normal contract renewal talk. Cooney is only one that I’ve heard is likely leaving.
@Kingshu: Cooney heading to Brive apparently
@Andrew Lytle: Timoney would be mad to leave rn, he’s on course to see a WC surely?
@Thesaltyurchin: I dunno. He’s 29, playing his best rugby and doesn’t get a minute on the pitch in November. I’d be gutted to see him leave but I’d certainly respect his decision.
@Justin Robinson: Didn’t realise he was that age, still think he has time but yea, wants a feature, he’s doing all the right things tho
Congrats to a very motivated Ulster Team who come South and played rugby with pride and passion. Some great young talent coming through which is great for Irish rugby. Connaght fan.
I am extremely disappointed by our display. That was a good Connacht side but did not convert chances. Often we seem just to rush too much and not control the flow of play. We need to win these games at home
@Oliver Curley: Now you said it. Cinderella province until games like this are won.
@Oliver Curley: People are also mad quick to ‘rush’ judgement, win some loose some, every week a winnable game.
Just watched it back and the attitude shown by the Ulster kids was outstanding. I’m generally not keen on game plans involving zero attacking play but a win was obviously paramount. A highly enjoyable trip. We were made to feel very welcome, as always.
Good win for Ulster. Thought that Timoney played well at captain. Also, young Jack Murphy had a solid game and based on that showing better than Morgan going forward. For me, Doak still a bit slow – getting the ball into the scrum, taking it from the back of the scrum and ruck and prone to getting sacked in possession. All in all a good win with decent defence for a change and lots of young back row forwards who hopefully will come through in the coming weeks/months.