Ulster v Munster: Five takeaways as ‘ultimate vibe’ shines in the snow against ‘fumbling’ visitors
Ulster wing Werner Kok did not stop working.
Following a 28-3 victory for Ulster over Munster in their United Rugby Championship fixture, here’s our five takeaways from the inter-pro derby at Affidea Stadium.
The top line
It was a dominant three-try win for Ulster as they put away a much-changed Munster side in the snow, with this performance warming their supporters braving the cold.
Tom Stewart, Jake Flannery and Bryn Ward all crossed in the second half with Nathan Doak contributing two conversions and three penalty goals to keep Ulster moving.
For Munster, who were without Jack Crowley, Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey, Tom Farrell and Gavin Coombes, they were swept aside and were ultimately beaten in all areas.
This result shoots Ulster up to second position ahead of Saturday, while Munster slip down another spot to fourth, this after Cardiff jumped ahead of them on Thursday.
Key battles
In truth they were all won by Ulster. It was that emphatic from Richie Murphy’s side as they continued to move forward in the United Rugby Championship this campaign.
Physically, they were dominant with and without the ball as they had a punch in possession to make inroads while defensively they repeatedly knocked Munster backwards.
It wasn’t just the hard yards where Ulster impressed as the finer touches, like game management and kicking, was superb as Doak celebrated his new two-year deal in style.
While Ulster were doing the basics in difficult conditions well, Munster were fumbling and lacking direction and the second half became one-way traffic due to their issues.
Munster woes
They started the weekend in second position but could end it as low as sixth if results around them play out as expected. It’s a sobering start to the New Year for Munster.
As mentioned, they were second best in the physical exchanges, game management and error count as they never really fired a shot versus an Ulster side bang in form. Ulster simply dominated from minute one and there were very few opportunities for Munster to strike, meaning it’s now back-to-back losses either side of the year for the men in red.
Compounding their woes was the sight of John Hodnett departing early with a bloody hand, but perhaps more worrying was Alex Kendellen hobbling off on 51 minutes.
Next up they turn their focus to the Investec Champions Cup and it doesn’t get any easier with Top 14 giants Toulon at the Stade Felix Mayol their opponent next Sunday.
The immediate reaction on X from their watching fans was brutal to the say the least as it seems patience is beginning to wear thin regarding certain aspects of their game.
Werner a vibe
What a signing the former Sevens star and Sharks wing has been at the ground formerly known as Ravenhill. Kok is just the ultimate vibe on the rugby field and it sums him up that you could predict him a 7/10 at worst any time he pulls on an Ulster jersey, such is his determination, physicality and infectious attitude while playing the sport he loves.
He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet tonight but it is the countless other impacts he has that make him such a fan favourite. Kok was everywhere for his troops.
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One to watch
Understandably, Kok was mentioned in the discussion for Player of the Match, as was Doak for his shift. However it was young number eight Ward who took the prize as he more than stood up in place of the injured Juarno Augustus, an absence that was expected to leave a sizeable hole in the Ulster power game today and over the coming weeks.
Ulster supporters need not have worried as Ward was a tank in white all game and thoroughly deserved his try in the 72 minute as he barged his way over the whitewash.
The 21-year-old back-row looks set for a bright future after this superb showing and with Ulster having their tails up at the moment, that will only help in his progression.
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