Ulster slipped to a 31-15 defeat to the Exeter Chiefs in their final pre-season challenge on Saturday evening
Ulster held a slender lead midway through the second period, but a stronger home outfit ran in three late tries as Rob Baxter’s side claimed the win.
But, despite the 16-point reverse, head coach Richie Murphy was delighted at how his charges fronted up against one of the English Premierships big hitters, particularly in the physicality department.
“A brilliant workout,” was how Murphy described Saturdays encounter.
“It was a very physical game for a friendly. I suppose two-teams getting ready to start next week.
“You don’t train like that. Those 80 minutes of a hit out, some lads pick up lumps and bumps.
“We’ve come out of it reasonably well, especially with some guys at home, and between those two-groups joining up together next week, we should be in a really good place because the lads have experienced that sort of physicality. Because that was like a league game.
“In relation to ourselves, we were quite happy with certain areas. And then, there’s always going to be things that we can look at and you go, we can do a little better.
“Physically, I thought we stood up well and just our ability to take one or two more chances, it would have been nice to have been more clinical.”
Jacques Vermeulen handed Exeter the early initiative, but Ulster responded through Aaron Sexton after being picked out by Zac Ward as Ulster trailed 7-5 at the break.
Exeter’s two-point advantage was extended shortly after the restart when English international wing, Feyi-Waboso scored.
But Ulster responded through Rory Telfer and John Andrew to fire the visitors into the lead for the first time, 14-15.
But as Ulster emptied their bench in the final quarter, Exeter ran in three late tries through Brown-Bampoe, Olly Woodburn and Jack Dunne to give the scoreline a very lopsided look to it. A scoreline that Murphy felt didn’t reflect the game.
“I don’t think the score reflects what the game was like. I don’t think Exeter think they won by 16 points in the end.
“So, I suppose, towards the back end of the game, we’re trying to get ready for next week, so we’re pulling some players off, we’re bringing some younger guys in. So, in that regard, it is what it is.”
Murphy remains in positive frame of mind and was keen to highlight a couple of positives from not just Saturday past, but also from last week’s win over Benetton.
“And with more players returning this week, he feels Ulster are in a good place on the cusp of what will hopefully be a successful season.
“We’re not really too concerned about the scoreline. It’s more about getting the hit-out. Our maul, our maul attack, our maul defence; some of our breakdown stuff was really good.
“Ability to look after the ball would need to be better and something that we need to work on.
“We have a large number of players still at home, that aren’t here, so, they’ll come back in and join us next week. Some of them will come for next weekend. Some of them won’t come in for another couple of weeks.
“I think out of the two-games that we’ve played; it’s been a steady progression in relation to the physicality of the game, and ball in play time has improved.
“Look, we’re happy with what we have. We face Glasgow next week which is a very tough task considering they’re the defending champions, but one we’re looking forward to back at the Kingspan.”