Ulster 32

Connacht 27

By JOHN FALLON

THE late dismissal of flanker Josh Murphy proved costly for Connacht in their high-scoring UFC derby with Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium on Saturday night.

Having earlier spent ten minutes in the sin-bin, Murphy’s lack of discipline gave Ulster a timely advantage on an evening when the Murphys, father Richie and his son Ben, were in opposite camps.

Ulster boss Richie knew that Ben, who has been a sensation since joining Connacht in the summer, had the potential to ruin his first Irish derby as head coach of one of the provinces.

And when the 23-year old sniped inside off a maul near halfway, his father knew none of his men were going to catch him.

Murphy’s try, his fourth of the URC after his move to Connacht from Leinster, whittled a 19-5 lead down to 19-17 at the break.

“I could see it happening,” said dad Richie as he watched helplessly from the Ulster coaching box. I knew when he went through the gap that nobody would catch him. He is extremely quick. Playing with a bit of confidence as well.

“From a father’s point of view, I am really proud of the player he is becoming and I think he is doing a really good job for Connacht over the last few weeks.

“He is allowed to come home tonight to stay with us!,” added Murphy following their second win of the campaign.

Ben Murphy said there was a fair bit of banter between father and son all week. “It was a little bit of fun, back and forth on the phone. But other than that it was just similar; a big game for him and a big game for us as well,” said Ben.

“I suppose just trying to play with your heads up. I saw a gap and was kind of expecting it. I just opened up and trusted my instincts to go through. Ultimately the result is all that matters, so we will pick ourselves up go again.”

Connacht coach Pete Wilkins, whose side also picked up two bonus points in their opening round derby with Munster and since then defeated the Sharks and Scarlets, said he was pleased to come away from Belfast with something but knows they could have won.

Pictured: Connacht’s in-form scrum-half Ben Murphy who scored a fine individual try against Ulster in the United Rugby Championship at the Kingspan Stadium on Saturday night.