Photo via BBC Sport

Ulster playing games like training sessions - Murphy

Ulster’s season has started with more frustration than progress, as head coach Richie Murphy criticized his team’s lackluster performance in a 26-26 draw against Munster in Belfast. Despite a late rally—including tries from Jacob Stockdale, David McCann, and Stuart McCloskey—Ulster struggled to capitalize, leaving Murphy visibly disappointed.

The side, already winless in the United Rugby Championship after a home loss to Edinburgh and a 33-33 draw in Glasgow, allowed Munster to dominate the first half with four tries, including two from Alex Kendellen. Murphy acknowledged the team’s early-season challenges, noting that key players were returning from injury and that Ulster’s ball retention and defensive structure needed improvement.

The hosts’ winless streak in the URC now stands at seven games, with Murphy pointing to missed opportunities and poor field positioning as critical issues moving forward. Munster, despite holding a 21-point halftime lead, also fell short of a victory, failing to score in the second half as Ulster fought back with renewed intensity.

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