Brilliant Ulster conquer Munster

Munster 16 - 22 Ulster
Published Sunday, 08 April 2012
Comments
Toggle font size
Print

Ulster will face Edinburgh in the Heineken Cup semi-finals after a superb first half showing saw them secure victory over Munster in Sunday's quarter-final at Thomond Park.

Video available to UK viewers only.
We’re sorry. This video is unavailable from your location.

To find out if this video is available to you, we need to know what region you live in. Please enter your postcode below (including space).

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for confirming your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are sorry but this video is not available on u.tv in your region. Your region is listed below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you in Northern Ireland?

1. Why is my postcode required?

We are asking you to insert your postcode before watching some videos to confirm you can access the video content via u.tv.

This is because some videos on u.tv are only available in Northern Ireland.

Don't worry, we won't store or use this information for any other purpose.

If you are not in Northern Ireland, the content may be available to watch at itv.com or stv.tv.

2. Why am I directed to itv.com or stv.tv when I try to view certain clips?

The videos, which are not available on u.tv to users outside Northern Ireland, will be available to those users on itv.com (for users in England and Wales) or stv.tv (for most users in Scotland).

We need to know where you are in order to make sure you are getting the right content.

If you think we've got your location wrong, then please click here.

Need more help? Contact us

Brian McLaughlin's side turned in a stellar display to secure a 22-16 win over the two-time European Champions and claim a place in the last four for the first time since 1999.

The bulk of Ulster's points came in the first half with Craig Gilroy claiming a superb individual try to help the visitors to a 19-0 lead.

Ruan Pienaar had earlier kicked two penalties from inside his own half, and also added the extras following Gilroy's amazing score before edging Ulster further ahead with another kick two minutes later.

Ian Humphreys then added a brilliant long-range drop-goal before Munster eventually began to find their rhythm.

The hosts struck back before the break when Simon Zebo went over, and Ronan O'Gara added a late penalty to narrow the gap to 10 points at the break.

Munster continued to turn the screw in the second half and O'Gara added two further penalties as the hosts piled on the pressure, but Ulster's defence held firm to clinch a remarkable victory.

McLaughlin described the win as probably the biggest day in his rugby career.

Unbelievable. It was a big highlight in my career, probably the biggest day in my life in rugby terms.

Ulster Coach Brian McLaughlin

"Ruan's place-kicking was exemplary and Craig Gilroy's try, to be 19-0 up after 25 minutes was a dream," McLaughlin said. "We played brilliantly. It was our game plan personified.

"All credit to the guys on the pitch, they were magnificent today."

"It is also important to mention the impact and energy we gleaned from our fans in the stadium. The support was outstanding."

He added: "Today is the culmination of three years' really hard work. We have been emphasising the whole way through the importance of getting Ulster up the ladder and getting to that top table.

"We are not there yet. We are under no illusions. Edinburgh showed in their quarter-final win over Toulouse what they can do and it is all set up for another magnificent semi-final."

The result sees Ulster progress to the semi-finals of European club rugby's elite competition for only the second time in their history, with their last-four date with Edinburgh taking place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday 28 April.

The quarter-final success is all the more remarkable given the fact that McLaughlin did not use any replacements, and injury doubt Stephen Ferris showed immense will to last the full 80 minutes.

Ulster captain Johann Muller described the result as a "special" victory.

"It was a special effort from everyone, not just players- and management-wise, everyone," said the South African lock.

"We had some time to prepare for this. We knew it was going to be extremely physical when you are playing a champion side like Munster.

"The start was something special. Hats off to the guys, to make sure we got the victory, is a special thing and a special victory for everyone."

© UTV News
Comments Comments
4 Comments
Commentator in South Belfast wrote (410 days ago):
Please can we keep Brian McLaughlin as head coach and save the money that is being used to bring in an untested overseas coach.....?
Paddy in Downpatrick wrote (410 days ago):
This was a TITANIC result for Ulster. Well done lads. Memories of the new years eve win over the Munster men.
jordan in belfast wrote (411 days ago):
Steven Ferris is a Beast... What a player
roy in ards wrote (411 days ago):
well done ulster, super win to beat munster.
POST A COMMENT:
Name:  
Email address*:    
Location:  
Validation:
House Rules:  
Your Comment:  
[All comments are moderated and will not appear immediately. Your name, location and comment will be displayed on this page if your post passes moderation.]
MOST POPULAR GALLERIES
On the rocks
Wed 01 May 2013
4x4 in Ballycastle harbour
Thu 02 May 2013