Ulster Rugby notched a nail-biting victory over the Dragons last night in the United Rugby Championship, edging out their rivals 31-30 at Rodney Parade in a match that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The contest held special significance for Ulster, as the team aimed to build on their recent dramatic win against Scarlets, where they emerged victorious with a late score that secured a 30-28 result. The encounter with the Dragons provided a crucial opportunity to put their earlier losses to Zebre and Benetton behind them.
As the two teams took to the field on March 22, 2025, there were high expectations surrounding head coach Richie Murphy’s squad. Murphy made three tactical changes following their last outing, notably bringing Tom O’Toole into the tighthead prop position and David McCann into the blindside flanker role. The youthful half-back pairing featured Nathan Doak at scrum-half and Academy fly-half Jack Murphy, while the steadfast Jacob Stockdale and Michael Lowry continued to flank the backline on respective wings.
The Dragons, meanwhile, were eager to pull off an upset. With head coach Filo Tiatia rotating his lineup, he welcomed back Welsh internationals Aaron Wainwright and Rhodri Williams, along with Harri Keddie, who also celebrated his 100th United Rugby Championship appearance. The anticipation was palpable, especially with Josh Thomas, a recent emergency signing, poised to potentially make his debut from the bench.
As the match kicked off at 5:15 PM, the first half unfolded with tension and drama. The Dragons initially took control, showcasing their home advantage with organized plays and aggressive offense. Under pressure, Ulster struggled to keep pace and often found themselves conceding penalties. By halftime, the score favored the Dragons 20-10, leaving Ulster with much ground to cover.
Commentator Keith Bailie noted at the break that "Ulster are conceding far too many penalties"—an observation that underscored the challenges they faced. Yet, with the second half underway, Ulster proved resilient. They rallied, encouraged by their experienced players, including the returning John Cooney, who was instrumental in reshaping their strategy.
As the game progressed, the atmosphere became electric. Ulster began to claw back points thanks to key performances from players like Rob Herring, who delivered a crucial try. Their momentum swelled with each successful play, and the fans could sense that a comeback was brewing.
In a pivotal moment, Cooney converted a challenge into points, putting Ulster ahead for the first time in the match. "Where has that come from?" exclaimed Bailie as Scott Wilson scored a spectacular individual try. The home crowd groaned at each miss by the Dragons, notably when Will Reed struck the post on a crucial penalty, a sign of mounting pressure on the hosts who desperately needed points.
With the scoreboard showing 31-30, Ulster was forced to defend desperately against a resurgent Dragons side. Huw Anderson darted through the Ulster defense in a last-ditch effort, feeding scrum half Rhodri Williams, who managed to cross the line for another try.
Though Reed attempted to make a final impact with another penalty kick, this time he missed, and the Dragons’ chances slipped away. The match concluded with Ulster triumphing by a slender margin. Their victory not only marked back-to-back wins but also revitalized the team’s confidence as they geared up for the concluding fixtures of their season.
Reflecting on the match, Tiatia recognized the challenges his squad faced during the game. He remarked, "They (Ulster) are a good team, so we are looking forward to the challenge on Saturday night." His comments encapsulated the fierce competitiveness of the URC; each match is a test of strategy, resilience, and spirit.
As the dust settled on the exhilarating contest at Rodney Parade, the victory was a collective sigh of relief for Ulster fans. The team is now poised to take this momentum forward, with hopes set high for the remainder of the season. With performances like this, they may well prove that they can conquer challenges ahead and secure a stronger finishing position in the league.
