Undercooked Cardiff given a roasting at Ravenhill

DAI Young reckons this was Cardiff ’s worst performance since he returned to take charge of them over a year ago, as they were brushed aside by seven tries to two in Belfast.

Young, who is today taking his side back to South Africa for the refixed ties against the Lions and the Stormers, refused to blame a fiveweek gap since their last game when they beat Leinster 29-27 in January for a woeful display.

Young said: “It was really disappointing and by far the worst performance since I’ve been here. We knew it would be tough as we haven’t played for five weeks, but that’s not an excuse.

“The most disappointing factor was our execution of basic skills. Our catch-and-pass skills were awful, our one-up tackles weren’t good enough nor set plays. In the first 25 minutes, we turned the ball over ten times – six from first phase. You’ll never put teams under pressure like that.”

Cardiff ’s ineptitude was only part of the reason Ulster raced into a 17-0 lead in just 15 minutes. Dan McFarland’s side were full of strong running, building off a solid set-piece and with the likes of full-back Stewart Moore and wing Robert Baloucoune in scintillating form, they pulled away.

Baloucoune, tipped for Six Nations duty until Mack Hansen emerged, reminded Irish coach Andy Farrell what he has to offer as he sprinted in for two excellent tries.

He got them off the mark after seven minutes when a Billy Burns cross-kick bounced kindly for him. Nathan Doak converted, then added a penalty after centre Willis Halaholo was binned for tackling off his feet before James Hume intercepted and ran home from deep.

Stuart McCloskey scored before the break to lead 22-0. Hooker Kirby Myhill powered over in the left corner after six minutes as Cardiff finally responded but Ulster hit back and Nick Timoney’s seventh try of the campaign sealed the bonus point.

Baloucoune crossed for his second and Aaron Sexton and Tom Stewart completed the rout before James Ratti grabbed a late consolation.

“It’s good to see the younger players make an impact,” said Ulster captain Iain Henderson. “It’s a good win but we have plenty of work-ons too.”