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

Ulster recovered from a 21-point half-time deficit to draw 26-26 with Munster in Belfast, but head coach Richie Murphy remained dissatisfied with his team's performance. BBC Sport reported that the result was Ulster's second consecutive United Rugby Championship draw and left them without a domestic victory this season after three matches.

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Jacob Stockdale scored twice for the hosts, with his second try helping launch the recovery after the interval. David McCann and Stuart McCloskey also crossed as Ulster erased Munster's advantage. The visitors, coached by Clayton McMillan, failed to score in the second half after establishing control through four tries before the break.

Alex Kendellen scored two of those Munster tries, while Marnus van der Merwe and Dan Kelly also touched down. Murphy said Ulster had allowed their opponents to dictate the early tempo, with an inaccurate opening attacking sequence followed by penalties that forced the hosts to defend near their own line. The return of Ireland internationals Stockdale, McCloskey and Nick Timoney had not prevented that difficult start.

Ulster still had an opportunity to turn the comeback into a victory on the final play. Robert Baloucoune attempted to find Matthew Devine with a pass, but Alex Nankivell intervened to end the chance. The draw extended Ulster's winless URC sequence to seven matches. Their current campaign had begun with a home loss to Edinburgh, followed by a 33-33 draw in Glasgow.

Despite the second-half response, Murphy told BBC Sport he was disappointed by errors in possession and his side's inability to control field position. He said Ulster were attempting too much with the ball in midfield instead of putting sustained pressure on the opposition. He also identified turnovers as an area requiring improvement and said the scrum had fallen below its recent level.

McMillan was similarly frustrated after Munster surrendered their lead. He said his players had been warned at half-time that Ulster would remain competitive and that accuracy and pressure in the right areas were still essential. In his assessment, Munster did not obtain possession of the same quality after the interval, allowing Ulster to work their way back into the match.