MUNSTER surrendered a 21-point half-time lead to draw with Ulster at Belfast’s Affidea Stadium on Saturday night, raising further questions about their second-half performances this season.
Munster had secured their bonus point by half-time, heading into the break with a 26-5 lead. They enjoyed more than 60 per cent of possession in the opening half and controlled the game, with Tadhg Beirne prominent through his ball-carrying and lineout work.
Munster opened the scoring after six minutes following sustained forward pressure and a turnover at an Ulster scrum. Craig Casey was held up over the line, but from the resulting lineout, Alex Kendellen powered over to score.
From the restart, a knock-on by Tadhg Beirne handed possession back to Ulster, allowing Jacob Stockdale to break through tackles from Ben O’Connor and JJ Hanrahan before finishing in the corner.
This would be Ulsters last contribution in the first half as Munster took control. A powerful maul drive set up a try for Van Der Merwe, with JJ Hanrahan adding the conversion to put Munster 12-5 ahead after 15 minutes.
Ulster’s difficulties continued when Ireland international Cormac Izuchukwu was shown a yellow card for a shoulder-to-head contact on Gavin Coombes at the ruck.
Munster made their numerical advantage count, with Dan Kelly running an excellent line to score from a well-timed pass by Hanrahan. Alex Kendellen then crossed for his second try of the night, while Hanrahan’s third successful conversion of the half sent Munster into the break with a 26-5 lead.
Ulster responded after 53 minutes when Nick Timoney broke through the Munster defence and put Robert Baloucoune through. A try-saving tackle from Munster’s scrambling defence halted Baloucoune just short of the line, but quick ball out to Jacob Stockdale allowed the winger to score his second try of the night. Jack Murphy added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 26-12.
A crooked throw from Max Clein on Munster’s five-metre line gave Ulster the platform to strike, with David McCann powering over from close range. Jack Murphy converted to reduce the deficit to seven points.
Charlie O’Shea had the chance to extend Munster’s lead with five minutes remaining, but his rushed kick fell short. Ulster worked the ball up field, where Matthew Devine found Stuart McCloskey with a back-door pass for another try. Murphy added the conversion to secure a draw.
Munster will be disappointed to have surrendered their 21-point half-time lead, but they have little time to dwell on the result, with Racing 92 visiting SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on October 17 for their opening Champions Cup fixture.
Head coach Clayton McMillan now faces questions about Munster’s inability to close out games after another second-half collapse.
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales).
Munster
B O’Connor; S McCarthy, A Nankivell, D Kelly, S O’Brien; JJ Hanrahan (C O’Shea 70), C Casey (B O’Donovan 72); J Loughman (J Wycherley 66), M van der Merwe (M Clein 66), K Brookes (J Aungier 50); E O’Connell (M Foy 62), T Beirne; J O’Donoghue, A Kendellen (J Hodnett 54), G Coombes (B Gleeson 50).
Tries: A Kendellen (2), M van der Merwe, D Kelly. Cons: JJ Hanrahan (3).
Ulster
E McIlroy; R Baloucoune, J Benson, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; J Murphy, N Doak (M Devine 50); E O’Sullivan (T O’Toole 41), T Stewart (H Walker 79), K Knox (T McAllister 41); B Donnell, E Snyman (D McCann 18); C Izuchukwu, N Timoney, J Augustus (J McNabney).
Tries: J Stockdale (2), D McCann, S McCloskey. Cons: J Murphy (3).