Ulster’s display in Galway showed just how determined they are for silverware, writes Kristian Ross…
Ulster Rugby are in prime position to take the RaboPRO12 top spot with just one more game remaining in the regular season after a thoroughly entertaining try fest win at The Sportsground on Friday night.
The Ulstermen knew a win over neighbours Connacht in Galway would see them just a single win away from getting the all important first place for the playoffs.
However they didn't get off to a perfect start. Just three minutes in and Ruan Pienaar found himself isolated and Connacht got the ball out to George Naoupu who grounded the first of an intriguing encounter. Dan Parks was unable to convert.
Pienaar had the chance to redeem himself via a penalty but pulled his kick as Connacht remained in the lead. But the defence from the West didn't hold firm, and a great move saw Trimble, who found Payne, who found Cave and then young Stuart Olding who yet again added another to the collection for the season. And Ruan added the extra's to give Ulster the advantage.
Next came another contender for try of the season. The ball was in Andrew Trimble's hands out wide, who passed inside to Pienaar, and then the Springbok produced one of the offloads of the season, out the back of hands right back in to Trimble and the man from Coleraine continued his great form for the season. However once more Pienaar was unable to have success from the boot as the kick was pushed wide.
But Connacht's slogan of Front Up, Rise Up certainly was just that, rise up they did, and some more good passing and loose defending by Ulster saw Connacht again go over the line, this time in the shape of Fetu'u Vaonikolo and veteran Dan Parks converted to level the scores.
With the game firmly in the balance the Ulstermen knew they needed to score again, especially as a Dan Parks penalty gave Connacht a small advantage, Ruan Pienaar levelled proceedings via the boot, and then came try number three, this time from a set piece, a Rory Best lineout, into the maul he went himself, and he finish off the move he started, and Pienaar made it 22-15 and that's how it stayed until half time.
With the second half underway, Mark Anscombe must have been thinking that his team would have to put Connacht to the sword, Ulster having lacked the killer blow in previous matches this season.
The third quarter of Ulster matches this season have been a talking point, with not many points being scored, and as Connacht got three points via the boot, Ulster knew a score was needed.
With just over fifteen minutes remaining Jared Payne was denied a try via the TMO as the ball was adjudged to have been held up. The positive was Ulster remained on the Connacht five metre line for a substantial period, but again the pressure didn't tell.
At last though the bonus point score arrived, a superb run from Iain Henderson through numerous defenders saw Tommy Bowe receive the ball and become the first player to reach 50 tries in the Celtic League. Connacht knew the match had slipped away as Ruan Pienaar made it 29-18, and the final nail in the coffin was administered when Jared Payne scintillating run down the touchline make it a five try night for the Ulstermen. The conversion was missed, but it need not have mattered, Ulster running out 34-18 winners.
Ulster have now taken a massive step towards a home semi final with the bonus point win. Mark Anscombe will be feeling very positive, however there is pressure, Ulster will need to win on the final day to ensure top spot. Cardiff Blues are the opponents, and having destroyed them earlier on in the season, Ulster couldn't have a better platform going into the game.
With just 80 minutes left of the regular season, Ulster Rugby know what they need to do, that home semi final will be crucial. But for now, it's top of the league, and it's another win for Mark and his men, and in the back of their minds they know.... The playoffs beckon.
Stand Up For The Ulstermen.
I'm Kristian. 18. And my mind is filled with rugby shaped thoughts. Supporting Ulster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons and of course the mighty Ireland. Tommy Bowe is the MAN !!!! SUFTUM.
