Richie Murphy calls for Ulster changes after Munster comeback leaves winless run intact

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has called for better ball retention and more pressure on opponents after a 26-26 draw with Munster in Belfast left his side without a United Rugby Championship win this season. According to BBC Sport NI’s post-match reporting, Murphy remained disappointed despite Ulster recovering from a 26-5 half-time deficit on Saturday.

Watch the highlights:

Murphy identified excessive handling in midfield and a failure to manage territory as problems requiring attention. He said the team had yet to establish its rhythm, with several players making their first appearances of the campaign, but wanted Ulster to change how they approached matches. His assessment centred on reducing errors rather than treating the comeback as sufficient progress.

Munster took control before the interval through two Alex Kendellen tries and further scores from Marnus van der Merwe and Dan Kelly. Murphy said Ulster’s inaccurate opening attack and subsequent penalties had allowed the visitors to dictate proceedings. Those mistakes left the hosts defending close to their own line, where stopping Munster’s line-out attacks proved difficult.

Ulster responded after the break as Jacob Stockdale registered his second try of the match, followed by tries from David McCann and Stuart McCloskey. Stockdale, McCloskey and Nick Timoney were among the returning Ireland internationals. The recovery secured a second consecutive league draw, following the 33-33 result at Glasgow, but did not deliver a first victory after the season-opening home defeat by Edinburgh.

A final attacking opportunity also went unconverted when Alex Nankivell cut out Robert Baloucoune’s intended pass to Matthew Devine. Murphy welcomed his players’ response after half-time but said possession remained too insecure. He also highlighted a deterioration in the scrum, an area he said had been functioning well, as Ulster’s winless URC sequence reached seven matches.

Munster coach Clayton McMillan was disappointed too after his team failed to score in the second half. He said the visitors had discussed Ulster’s ability to respond during the interval, but could not maintain the same quality of possession afterwards. Ulster now head towards the start of their European campaign with Murphy seeking improvements in accuracy, territory and turnover prevention.