Ulster’s comeback cannot excuse the damage done against Edinburgh

Ulster 29–34 Edinburgh | United Rugby Championship, Round 1

Photo: Ulster Rugby on X

Ulster made a contest of it in the end. That is a credit to the players who fought back from 34–5 down at Affidea Stadium. It is also the problem with how this opening night will be remembered: the late surge cannot be allowed to soften just how badly the first 50 minutes went.

Edinburgh left Belfast with a deserved 34–29 win. Ulster left with a try bonus point and a losing bonus point, but also with serious questions about their defending, their discipline and the strength of the side selected to start the season.

Edinburgh were 10–0 ahead after Freddy Douglas crossed and James Grayson added a penalty. Mike Lowry’s try gave the home crowd something to cheer, but Malelili Satala scored just before half-time to send the visitors in 20–5 up. Hector Patterson struck soon after the restart, then Piers O’Conor broke through for Edinburgh’s fourth try. At 34–5, the match looked beyond Ulster.

Zac Ward, David McCann and Keynan Knox changed the mood with three second-half tries. Jack Murphy converted all three and kicked a late penalty to bring Ulster within five points. Edinburgh, though, held firm through the final minutes.

McCann, named player of the match, gave a frank assessment afterwards, telling Premier Sports: “I think we lacked a bit of an edge in our defence.” That was clear long before the comeback began. Edinburgh found too much room, while Ulster conceded penalties that made it harder to wrest back control.

Richie Murphy deserves credit for the response he got from his team. But his selection also deserves scrutiny. Five new signings started, and the group struggled to impose itself early. The forward pack, in particular, did not give Ulster the platform they needed. Calling the side weak is an opinion; the evidence on the pitch is that Edinburgh were able to take charge before Ulster found their rhythm.

There is no need to declare a season in trouble after one round. There is, however, no sense in treating a 29-point comeback as a near victory. Ulster showed they can attack when they get moving. Next time, they have to give themselves a chance to win before the match is almost gone.

For every Ulster game this season, with kick-off times and scores, see our Ulster Rugby fixtures and results 2026/27 guide.

Read more: Ulster finish pre-season unbeaten with seven-try win over Ospreys