McCloskey's late crash-over rescues Ulster from 21-point deficit against Munster

Stuart McCloskey crashed over in the 77th minute to snatch a 26-26 draw for Ulster against Munster at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast, completing one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent interprovincial history after Ulster had trailed by 21 points at the interval.

Munster had been dominant in the first half, crossing four times to build a commanding lead. Alex Kendellen opened the scoring before Jacob Stockdale replied for Ulster, but Marnus van der Merwe restored Munster’s advantage. With Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu sin-binned, the visitors capitalised ruthlessly — Dan Kelly and a second Kendellen try pushed the lead to 26-5 by the break.

Stockdale, making his 150th appearance for Ulster, sparked the recovery with his second try of the night. Dave McCann then touched down after 68 minutes to set up a tense finale, before McCloskey’s decisive score brought Ulster within two points. Jack Murphy converted to complete the turnaround, matching the three conversions JJ Hanrahan had landed for Munster, and seal a draw that will sting the visitors deeply.

Elsewhere in the United Rugby Championship, Scarlets produced their own second-half revival to claim a first win of the season, beating Benetton 27-26 in Llanelli after trailing by 14 points at half-time.

Sam Lousi’s early converted try had given Scarlets the lead, but Benetton hit back through Siua Maile, Onisi Ratave and Italy captain Michele Lamaro — all converted by Jacob Umaga — to lead 21-7 at the break.

Blair Murray and Ellis Mee scored in quick succession early in the second half to bring Scarlets back to within two points, and Mee’s second try of the evening put Nigel Davies’ side ahead. Louis Lynagh’s opportunistic score with six minutes remaining appeared to have won it for Wayne Pivac’s side, but Wales fly-half Sam Costelow held his nerve to slot a penalty in the 78th minute and deny his former coach a victory on his return to Llanelli.