Van Graan’s time ends with five-try defeat in Ulster

JOHANN van Graan said this was a bitterly disappointing way to end his four and a half years as Munster coach.

But the South African, who will take charge at Bath this summer, could have no complaints after a dismal display saw them lose their eighth successive knockout match away from home.

Indeed, Ulster’s march to the semi-finals of the URC should have been by a much bigger margin at Kingspan Stadium.

Dan McFarland’s side were full of running against an error-ridden Munster side whose search for silverware will now go into a 12th season when Graham Rowntree takes charge in the summer.

“It’s utterly disappointing,” said Van Graan. “We’ve got to own that as a group, we came here to win and we were a long way short.”

Ulster dominated throughout and deservedly led 19-7 at the break. John Cooney marked his 100th appearance by skipping over for a try after a tapped penalty while most of the Munster pack were involved in a scuffle with Iain Henderson.

Stewart Moore ran in two tries from full-back as the superb running of Robert Baloucoune, James Hume and Ethan

McIlroy shredded the Munster cover, while Stuart McCloskey battered his way through.

Lock Jean Kleyn, the only player to start Van Graan’s first and last games in charge, pulled back a try but Nick Timoney wrapped up the issue two minutes after the restart after more super running rugby.

Keith Earls hit back with a couple of Munster tries but Hume crowned a brilliant display with Ulster’s fifth score.

“We will take confidence into the semi-final,” said Ulster coach McFarland. “It is the hot end of the season. We are going to be travelling next week so we know how difficult it is to travel and win games, so we will have to be on the money.”

Star man

James Hume - Ulster