Munster let 21-point lead slip as Ulster claim dramatic late draw in Belfast
Munster squandered a 21-point halftime lead against Ulster in a dramatic interpro derby that ended in a draw. Ulster mounted a second-half comeback, culminating in a late try by Stuart McCloskey to level the score.
Why it matters
This match is significant for the United Rugby Championship standings and highlights the competitive nature of Irish provincial rugby.
AT HALF-TIME THE first interpro derby of the season had all been one-way traffic, but Ulster’s second-half fightback teed up a tense ending in Belfast, with Stuart McCloskey’s late converted try levelling the game with just over two minutes to play.
It was a remarkable turnaround given Ulster’s dreadful start at the Affidea Stadium. At half-time they trailed 26-5, but from that position Munster failed to kick on, not registering a single score in the second period as the hosts somehow secured a draw.
Munster will wonder how they didn’t hold out to win, while Ulster will rue their error-ridden first-half performance as both sides left with three match points.
Both sides scored four tries in a game that swayed wildly, Munster dominating the first 40 before spending most of the second camped in their own half.
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