ULSTER RATINGS

Matt Faddes

Took his try well — his seventh of the season — and there were some good catches but also some errors in defence on an admittedly difficult night.

Robert Baloucoune

Looked as if he was the one player who truly terrified the Ospreys. Did so well for his try, his fifth in his last six games.

Luke Marshall

Had nowhere near the influence he would have been hoping for on a horrible evening. Mostly had to find work organising the defence and tackling.

Stuart McCloskey

Lovely touches for Baloucoune’s score and was, as usual, the primary ball-carrier in the backline. Somehow lurked unnoticed on the wing for his try.

Louis Ludik

Just back from a spell out with injury so not at his sharpest but, as ever, he didn’t let anyone down and worked hard for 80 minutes.

Billy Burns

Started with an intent to be positive but maybe overplayed his hand and as it became more of a forward-orientated slog his influence faded.

Dave Shanahan

An all too rare start and it showed too. Charged down early on and will be sickened at giving away the penalty that cost Ulster the match.

Eric O’Sullivan

Got a half at the Liberty Stadium from a rare start in front of a fit Jack McGrath and mostly showed up having to make tackles.

Adam McBurney

Not a great night for throwing but there were other issues. He departed after a cheap penalty not long after Ulster coughed up second maul try.

Marty Moore

As with fellow starting prop O’Sullivan, he was on for a half of action which saw him largely busy himself in defensive duties as Ulster fell behind.

Alan O’Connor

A typically unstinting effort from the skipper with 11 carries and the same number of tackles. He made a great lineout take at the end.

Kieran Treadwell

A quiet enough game and became one of three who were called ashore shortly after Ulster’s maul defence was breached for a second time.

Mattie Rea

Was eclipsed by the work rate and effectiveness of opposite number Lydiate and made way for Murphy in the second half. Had picked up a knock.

Sean Reidy

Went the distance and he must have thought Ulster had snatched it. Thirteen tackles and 15 carries still weren’t enough to rescue this one.

Marcell Coetzee