Ulster erase 21-point deficit to hold Munster to 26-26 draw

Ulster recovered from a 21-point half-time deficit to draw 26-26 with Munster in their United Rugby Championship derby in Belfast. Stuart McCloskey scored with three minutes remaining and Jack Murphy converted to complete the comeback, according to BBC Sport's match report from Affidea Stadium. Munster had scored four tries before the interval but added no further points in the second half.

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Alex Kendellen opened Munster's account from a maul as the visitors capitalised on Ulster's early handling mistakes. Jacob Stockdale responded on his 150th appearance, taking a pass from Ethan McIlroy after a scrum near the Munster 22 and beating two defenders. His try was allowed after a lengthy television review examined whether McCloskey had tripped Shay McCarthy during the move.

Munster regained control through another maul, with Marnus van der Merwe touching down. Ulster also lost Eli Snyman following a head knock, while Cormac Izuchukwu received a yellow card for shoulder contact with Gavin Coombes' head at a ruck. JJ Hanrahan then released Dan Kelly through a defensive gap, and Kendellen added his second try. The visitors reached half-time 26-5 ahead with their four-try bonus point secured.

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy brought on Tom McAllister and James McNabney at the interval, with Tom O'Toole and Matthew Devine following soon afterwards. O'Toole, making his first appearance of the season, helped create the opening for Stockdale's second try. His advance allowed Rob Baloucoune to break towards the line before supplying the wing, giving Ulster a route back into the contest.

David McCann's try after sustained Ulster pressure reduced the deficit further. Munster replacement fly-half Charlie O'Shea then had a chance to add points from a penalty, but his attempt fell short after the ball dropped off the tee and forced him to hurry. McCloskey subsequently powered over on his first appearance of the season, leaving Jack Murphy to land the conversion that tied the scores.

The result gave Ulster a second consecutive draw, following their 33-33 finish against Glasgow the previous week. Richie Murphy's side remain without a victory this season after opening with a defeat by Edinburgh. Munster, meanwhile, had to settle for a draw despite a first half in which Kendellen, Van der Merwe and Kelly had put them firmly in control. Both teams finished with four tries.