Fitzpatrick runs into Munster skipper Galwey

It was in the first period that Munster strangled the life out of Ulster with their rock-solid pack rumbling around the park with regal dominance.

It was only in the dying embers of the game, that Ulster's famous fitness clicked into gear and put big pressure on Munster.

But although tiring, Munster managed to hold out in the end for a victory they just about deserved in face of a very brave Ulster side.

Munster were never flashy and with a simple game plan ran rough-shod over Ulster in that first period.

Playing a simple forward-orientated game, they had the Ulster pack on the back foot for most of a fairly forgettable opening 40 minutes.

It was 35 minutes before Ulster ventured into the Munster ''22'' by which time they were 9-0 in arrears, and lucky not to be more as they were being completely starved of possession.

Scraps

But all credit to Ulster whose defence was stretched for one very pressurised period midway through the half, but turned around only six points in arrears.

Ulster started promisingly in the second half with Humphreys cutting the leeway to 9-6.

But again, too many mistakes and the well-organised Munster defence meant Ulster were again feeding off scraps.

However, it was credit to Ulster that even when they lost hooker Paul Shields to the sin-bin, that they never gave in.

Two more penalties from O'Gara took Munster further ahead midway the half, before Ulster dug deep to make a real game of it near the end.

Munster's Alan Quinlan on a charge

Replacement Ryan Constable cut a swathe through the Munster defence, but his pass was grounded by Tyrone Howe with the line in sight.

Humphreys then narrowed the gap with his third penalty with two minutes of injury time played.

Howe was again involved in another try-scoring chance as the game meandered further into injury time after searing break by Humphreys.

But once again, the try-line was left undisturbed as Jeremy Staunton brought the move, and the game, to an exhillarating halt.