Regardless of the return of Eire internationals Stockdale, McCloskey and Nick Timoney, Ulster struggled in opposition to a strong show from Munster within the first half as tries from Alex Kendellen (2), Marnus van der Merwe and Dan Kelly put Clayton McMillan’s facet within the driving seat on the break.
However regardless of a spirited second-half exhibiting to earn one other three factors after final week’s attract Glasgow, Murphy mentioned he was “bitterly disillusioned” when requested if he was left with combined feelings.
“We allowed Munster to set the tempo, we have been inaccurate with our first launch, in order that we kicked off, they kicked out, so we have been inaccurate with that first launch,” added Murphy.
“Off the again of that, penalty, penalty and then you definitely’re again in your nook and combating to your life.
“When you’re 5 metres out and the opposition have a line-out, it is very arduous to cease, in order that gave them management of the primary half.”
Having pegged Munster again, Ulster may have gained the sport with the ultimate play, however Robert Baloucoune’s tried cross to Matthew Devine was reduce out by Alex Nankivell because the hosts’ winless URC run stretched to seven video games.
“Coming in at half-time, I believed the lads reacted rather well,” added Murphy.
“We made some adjustments, nonetheless very inaccurate within the second half and did not take care of the ball effectively sufficient, did not management area place in any respect within the recreation, however in the end we acquired right into a state of affairs the place final play of the sport we have been working at them and gave them the ball again once more.
“Our turnover charge wants to return down, our scrum has been going rather well however took a backward step tonight and I sort of really feel like we did not assault the sport the best way we wanted to.”
Munster boss McMillan was equally downbeat after his facet have been held scoreless within the second half to let slip a 21-point benefit.
“We talked about it at half-time that Ulster are a top quality facet that will not go away,” he mentioned.
“We would have liked to proceed to be correct and simply apply stress in the appropriate elements of the sphere.
“However we did not fairly get the identical high quality of possession within the second half, and Ulster have been ok to discover a means again into the sport.”
