ULSTER RATINGS

Michael Lowry

Decent return after a long lay-off. There was one clever break when he ducked under two tacklers but got away with badly delaying a clearance.

Robert Baloucoune

He just can’t stop scoring. His sixth try in seven games is a very healthy return, though trying to run out of his 22 isn’t always well-advised.

Luke Marshall

Solid enough on a rotten night weather-wise. Never stinted in putting his body on the line defensively or in taking ball into heavy contact.

James Hume

Looked fresh and really sharp which was impressive after not playing since October. A strong shift and helped create O’Toole’s score.

Louis Ludik

Busy enough defensively, he put in a boneshuddering hit on Small-Smith and did well when rescuing a dangerous moment in the corner.

Bill Johnston

Encouraging confidence. Kicked 10 points and a pin-point cross-kick for Baloucoune’s try. Even a rip to win a turnover. Also made his tackles.

Dave Shanahan

Not an easy gig versus Ruan but after a nervy start, Ulster’s nine settled and even managed a turnover against his celebrated opposite number.

Eric O’Sullivan

Went the distance and was up for as much work as possible. Made 13 carries and as if that wasn’t enough he was credited with 17 tackles.

Adam McBurney

As with O’Sullivan, a performance full of industry and eye-catching achievement. Nineteen carries and 20 tackles plus some good darts.

Marty Moore

Only lasted five minutes before being taken off with what was thought to be a head injury, which may make him a doubt for the trip to Treviso.

Alan O’Connor

One of the go-to men when the going is tough. The skipper’s appetite for good, honest graft is constant whether in carrying or making the hits.

Kieran Treadwell

Carried the ball hard and frequently early on without much joy in yardage. Still, he did a decent job and also produced some useful lineout work.

Nick Timoney

First start since early January, he busied himself with the breakdown though was the only starting back-rower not to be credited with a turnover.

Jordi Murphy

Another workmanlike effort in a slog of a game, there were six carries, nine tackles and a turnover to show for just under an hour’s work.

Marcell Coetzee