Ulster’s indifferent form continues as mistakes cost them dear in Wales

Ospreys 31-20 Ulster

ULSTER PRODUCED A late rally at the Liberty Stadium but it was ultimately too little, too late as they slipped to a 31-20 defeat to the Ospreys in the Guinness Pro12.

Tries from replacement prop Rob Herring and then Tommy Bowe gave Neil Doak’s side a glimmer of hope in the final quarter but the deficit was too big to overturn as Ulster slipped to their second defeat in Wales in consecutive weeks.

After a mistake-riddled first-half, during which Ulster made a series of inexcusable errors, the game was decided with two contentious Television Match Official decisions either side of the interval.

Tries from Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb had opened up a significant lead for the Ospreys but it had seemed Ulster had given themselves a lifeline in the half’s last act when Ian Humphreys capitalised on a rare Ospreys handling error to touch down under the posts.

However, after the TMO initially adjudged there was no evidence to overrule the referee’s original decision, an intervention from Nigel Owens – standing as touch judge – led Neil Paterson to go back upstairs.

Eventually, the correct decision was made as an Ulster player had clearly knocked-on in the build-up but the manner in the way the decision came about did little to instil much confidence in the officials.

Then, minutes after the restart, Tim Hayes was called upon again. Eli Walker appeared to lose the ball forward in contact as he beared down on the line before Justin Tipuric kept the ball alive for Webb to score his second try.

Rhys Webb scored twice as Ospreys exposed Ulster’s disjointed defence Source: Ashley Crowden/INPHO

After much deliberation, the officials came to the conclusion that the ball didn’t go forward and the score was legitimate. It is on such decisions that games invariably hinge and for all their mistakes, Ulster were on the wrong end of a poor one.

Nevertheless, their overall performance left a lot to be desired and the visitors could have few complaints with the result.

The Ospreys dominated proceedings from the outset and got their just rewards with a fourth try and a bonus point just before the hour mark as Hanno Dirksen powered his way over.

Ulster did respond but they were the the architects of their own downfall with another sub-standard display. 

Biggar kicked the Welsh side into an early lead before Humphreys levelled matters with a penalty of his own.

But, Ulster’s disjointed defence was soon exposed by some exquisite handling by the hosts. Ospreys remained patient and Biggar’s offload to Alyn Wyn-Jones cut through the line of white shirts before the out-half finished off the move.