The half-time score in Ulster and Munster's interpro at Ravenhill was eye-catching enough: Munster led 17-0. Ulster captain Rory Best, who was unavailable due to injury, said he had drawn the short straw by having to speak to the media at the break. Best was bewildered by his side's performance.
From that position, Best surely thought that a bonus point win for Ulster was highly unlikely. That is what they held at the final whistle, though, winning 24-17.
Ulster's first try of the half did not come until the 58th minute when Darren Cave crashed over. The build-up to that try saw another crucial moment in the game: a red card for Munster centre Sammy Arnold. The 21-year-old was sent off for a high tackle on Christian Lealiifano.
Ulster's second try, which got them to within five points, came shortly after via Craig Gilroy.
What a second half we are having in Belfast!@Munsterrugby have seen Sam Arnold red carded and @UlsterRugby have got the bit between their teeth. Tune into @BBCSPORTNI to watch the last 15 minutes!#GUINNESSPRO14 #ULSvMUN pic.twitter.com/WmvTKezeGa
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) January 1, 2018
Gilroy also scored the try which gave Ulster a lead for the first time in the game.
By the time the bonus point try came, via the electric Rob Lyttle, the atmosphere in Belfast was raucous.
Only John Cooney's missed conversion allowed Munster to leave with a losing bonus point.
What a brilliant second half from @UlsterRugby
They trailed 17-0 at the break but hit back to secure a memorable bonus-point win against @Munsterrugby #GUINNESSPRO14 #ULSvMUN pic.twitter.com/Tz0grULTcI
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) January 1, 2018
