Following Ulster’s 28-3 victory over Munster in the United Rugby Championship, here is how we rated Richie Murphy’s charges.
Ulster player ratings
15 Jacob Stockdale: Was a real attacking threat before making way for Jake Flannery early in the second half after his disallowed score. Safe hands in all facets of the game and asked good questions of Munster through his shift. 6
14 Werner Kok: In a game where skill execution was lacking for all, Kok was the exception. He was far from faultless but when Ulster needed a spark, it came through their South African winger. His acrobatic mark was the highlight of the first half. Had a try assist chalked off for Stockdale but delivered another later. 8
13 James Hume: Rather effective decision-making on both sides of the ball and was the perfect foil to his midfield partner. Not too much flash this time around but it wasn’t needed. 6
12 Stuart McCloskey: Willing to attempt the offloads despite the challenging conditions and had mixed success in doing so. However, he regularly got over the gainline, was strong in defence and made a crucial turnover that led to Flannery’s try. 7
11 Zac Ward: Ulster’s wingers played a pivotal role in the victory today, with Ward enjoying a fine outing along with his fellow speedster. He beat defenders with regular ease, hitting double digits in that regard and gained over 100 running metres. Outstanding considering the conditions. 8
10 Jack Murphy: Targeted by the Munster attack with Brian Gleeson and Alex Nankivell charging down his channel throughout the game, but he threw his body in their path time and time again, even if he was just acting as a speedbump. Shared the open play kicking well with Doak and shifted the ball on well when needed. 7
9 Nathan Doak: Produced a masterclass of astute game management and patience on his return to the starting line-up and in the week that he signed a contract extension. His goal-kicking in the early stages put scoreboard pressure on the visitors, and he seemed to make the right decision every time he touched the ball. It’s easy to see why he attracted interest from elsewhere and why Ulster were so keen to retain his services. Completely outplayed his opposing number. 8
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The forwards
8 Bryn Ward: Got better and better as the game progressed as Ulster bossed the gain-line. He was once too eager at the back of the scrum but that was one of the few notable errors in his performance. Showed that he can be trusted with Juarno Augustus sidelined. Rightly rewarded with a try. Named as man of the match for his efforts, certainly one to keep an eye on. 8
7 Nick Timoney: Very rarely has a poor outing and today was not the exception as he quite simply did his job and did it effectively. One of the leading tacklers for Ulster, he carried strongly and got stuck into the breakdown. Another workmanlike shift. 6
6 Cormac Izuchukwu: A handy lineout option and the same was true with his carries. Played his part in an effective pack performance that put Munster onto the back foot. 6
5 Joe Hopes: Ditto for young lock Hopes. The Ulster pack worked well as a unit to secure the win and it required all eight to tick the required boxes. 6
4 Iain Henderson (c): A running theme for many of the Ulster forwards was simply getting the job done and that applies to the skipper as well who was also the most used lineout option today. 6
3 Tom O’Toole: Held his own at scrum time and on occasions, turned the screws. Effective in the tight. 6
2 Tom Stewart: The lineout operated at a 90% success rate for Ulster today, and much of that has to do with Stewart’s throws. Even when one was nicked by Tom Ahern, he pounced to secure possession. He took his try superbly too. 7
1 Angus Bell: The Wallaby was mightily impressive with the ball in hand and was just as effective in defence, landing some hefty hits. Sound at the scrum too, can’t have asked for much more, though he would have liked to have played longer. 7
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Replacements: Ulster got good purchase from their bench today as they built on the success of the starters and the replacement forwards maintained the advantage up front. Flannery grabbed a try off a brilliant pass by Kok, while Jude Postlethwaite was solid in the midfield. The one criticism could be that they failed to get the bonus point but tries were hard to come by today. 7