Munster Edge Ulster 22-19 in Thrilling Finale

Munster handed Ulster their fifth straight loss with a 22-19 bonus-point win at Kingspan Stadium. The hosts played the final 50 minutes with 14 men after Ireland prop Tom O’Toole received a red card for a dangerous clear-out in the first half. Despite the man disadvantage, Ulster led in the final minutes after James McNabney’s late try, only for Munster’s Tom Farrell to complete his hat-trick with a last-minute try to secure the win.

The victory moved Munster up to fifth in the United Rugby Championship table, overtaking Ulster, who stayed in 10th. Ulster coming off four consecutive losses, started strong with a try from O’Toole after just seven minutes following a turnover and a series of carries close to the line. However, both teams struggled with confidence and discipline early as Munster conceded six penalties and encountered issues with their line-out.

Munster got on the board with a try from Farrell off a Shane Daly pass, though they missed the conversion. The game swung in Munster’s favor when O’Toole got sent off for a dangerous tackle on Alex Nankivell. Ulster’s troubles deepened with injuries to key players Stuart McCloskey and Bryn Ward. Despite having a player advantage, Munster took the lead through Farrell’s second try early in the second half.

Ulster briefly regained the lead with a try from Harry Sheridan but Munster responded quickly with Farrell’s hat-trick try securing the victory. Ulster’s defense left gaps and they couldn’t capitalize on their possession advantage. Munster’s win lifted them to fifth while Ulster will aim to break their losing streak against Connacht next week. Munster will host Leinster on 27 December.