Ulster's Late Fightback Falls Short Against Edinburgh

United Rugby Championship, Affidea Stadium

Ulster (5) 29

Tries: Lowry, Ward, McCann, Knox. Cons: Murphy (3). Pens: Murphy.

Edinburgh (20) 34

Tries: Douglas, Satala, Patterson, O'Conor. Cons: Grayson (4). Pens: Grayson (2).

Ulster's second-half surge wasn't enough, as Edinburgh secured a 34-29 victory in Belfast to open the United Rugby Championship season.

Edinburgh dominated the first 55 minutes, building a seemingly insurmountable 34-5 lead. Tries came from Freddy Douglas, Malelili Satala, Hector Patterson, and Piers O’Conor, with James Grayson converting all and adding two penalties. Michael Lowry scored Ulster's only try in this period.

Suddenly, Ulster found their form. Zac Ward, David McCann, and Keynan Knox crossed the line within 10 minutes, Jack Murphy converting each and adding a late penalty. Despite the momentum shift, Ulster couldn't close the gap, finishing the match with two bonus points.

Ulster entered the season with hopes of reaching the URC top eight for the first time in three years. However, a slow start saw them trailing 34-5 after ten minutes of the second half against an Edinburgh side missing several Scottish internationals. Ulster also had absences and gave debuts to eight players, including six new signings. Coach Richie Murphy described the night as 'massively disappointing,' noting the limited positive play witnessed by over 11,500 fans.

Edinburgh attacked relentlessly from the outset, stretching Ulster's defense. Early on, they couldn't find weaknesses, but Ulster's lineout struggles allowed Edinburgh to gain ground. By the time Edinburgh scored their opening try after 19 minutes, they had 76% possession and 84% territory. Ulster, managing only three entries into Edinburgh's 22, trailed 20-5 at halftime.

The second half began similarly, with Edinburgh scoring two quick tries. However, Edinburgh's history of losing games after leading with 20 minutes remaining resurfaced as a vulnerability.

Substitutions for Ulster, particularly Ward, Matt Devine, Henry Walker, and Keynan Knox, changed the game's complexion. Ulster found renewed energy, and the crowd responded. Three well-executed tries and a penalty earned them 24 unanswered points, but they ultimately fell short. Securing two bonus points, Ulster now looks to build on this experience for their away match against Glasgow.

Ulster: Lowry; Baloucoune, Carson, Benson, King; Murphy, McKee; O’Sullivan, McCormick, Bello; Snyman, Donnell; McCann, Moloney, McNabney

Replacements: Walker, Mcallister, Knox, Sheridan, McKillop, Stewart, Devine, Flannery, Ward

Edinburgh: O’Conor; Satala-Navlivou, Currie, Higgins, Gwynn; Grayson, Patterson; Hepburn, Morris, Hill; Hunter-Hill, Young; McConnell, Douglas, Bradbury

Replacements: Blyth-Lafferty, Whitcombe, Rae, McVie, Currie, McAlpine, Scott, McHaffie