Richie Murphy makes telling post-match admission as Ulster burn up in Bilbao

Richie Murphy admitted Ulster were given a harsh lesson in what it takes to win at the top level after their brutal Challenge Cup final defeat to Montpellier at a punishingly hot San Mamés Stadium and says they simply don’t have the depth to compete on two fronts.

In the end the French outfit comfortably beat the Irish province 59–26, with former England No.8 Billy Vunipola central before departing after 49 minutes.

Captain Nick Timoney opened the scoring for Ulster, but tries from Gabriel N’Gandebe, Donovan Taofifenua (two), Alex Becognee, Lenni Nouchi, Baptiste Erdocio and Wilfrid Hounkpatin powered the Top 14 side clear.

Cormac Izuchukwu, Robert Baloucoune and Mike Lowry replied but Montpellier led by half-time and secured an eighth straight win in the comp with relative ease.

“It’s a very difficult day,” said the head coach Murphy. “We came up against a real powerhouse of French rugby… they had too much power for us tonight.

Fixture

Challenge Cup

Montpellier

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Ulster

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“Obviously, we got off to a good start and got 7–0 up. Unfortunately, we missed an exit, which brought the game back to 7–7. At that stage, we needed to keep on, add the pressure, to pick up points.

“The conditions out there were so tough to play in. Our thought process was that we wanted to try and move these guys around. That was quite difficult with the ball the way it was, and obviously they were very clinical, especially off our mistakes.”

Murphy pointed to the inexperience in his side but believes the defeat will serve as a catalyst.

“You look at the team that we’ve put out there. We’ve a lot of very young players in there, with two guys on the verge of 30, just 31.

“Those guys will learn a huge amount from that experience. I think this will drive us forward because it gives us a taste of how good we have to be to be at the top end.

“We’ve done incredibly well to get as far as we have. We’re definitely not satisfied with that, and we’ll come back better.”

The loss caps a campaign that falls short of Champions Cup qualification, but Murphy insisted the progress is clear.

“I think we’re a completely different team than we were this time last year.

“The rugby we’ve played, reaching a European final—obviously not the result that we wanted—all those things have had an impact.

“At the start of the season, if you’d have told me we’d get 52 points in the league and be in a European final with a chance to win it, I probably would have taken your hand off. 52 points has never not got into the [URC] top eight before.”

On the pitch, Nick Timony highlighted the physical and technical challenge Ulster faced in difficult conditions, with the mercury hitting 32 degrees when the first ball was kicked at 9pm Bilbao time.

“It was just incredibly sweaty and greasy,” he said. “They did a good job putting skills under pressure at times… and their physicality obviously in the contact.

“Just a couple of balls coming loose in contact—that was probably the main thing. It was hot, very similar for both teams. I think they maybe did a better job of holding on to it. They were pretty clinical with our mistakes.”

Timony admitted the frustration of falling short, but believes the defeat can fuel future growth.

“You understand that we need to be better, and we’ll keep driving that next season.

“It’s a lot of work on the training pitch, as well as coming back and reviewing and trying to make incremental changes over time.

“You look at where Montpellier are… they’re one of the best teams in Europe. We’re disappointed, obviously, but an experience like tonight… will be used as a driver to get better.”

The Ulster captain also acknowledged the blow of their season ending immediately after the final.

“It is what it is and we can’t really concentrate on that now,” he said. “People will decide whether our season is good or bad, but we feel like we’re moving in the right direction.”

Robert Baloucoune, back in the side for the decider, shared mixed emotions after marking his return.

“I was excited just to get back out there,” he said. “Definitely not the finish I wanted, but it was just nice to be back and get touches.

“The boys have done a great job getting us to the final, and I wanted to do my best for them… it just wasn’t enough.”

Timony added that Ulster must ensure the experience leaves a lasting mark on a developing squad.

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“We need to keep progressing and trying to get better,” he said. “As we saw tonight, there are levels to go.

“We have a lot of young, talented players… it was an amazing experience for them. We need to make sure we’re never satisfied and keep pushing.”

Murphy echoed that sentiment, but was quick to praise the occasion despite the result.

“The atmosphere around the city all week has been special,” he said. “We’re desperately disappointed we couldn’t make more of a game of it.

“They stuck with us all the way to the end… incredible stadium, incredible facilities, and a beautiful city. It will definitely drive us forward.”

He also singled out Baloucoune’s influence across the season.

“Once Rob was fully fit, he’s an incredible rugby player,” said Murphy. “His influence on the group… and his knowledge of back-three play is top class.

“You see the speed and finishing, but there’s a lot more to it. Rob has had a huge effect this season.”

Baloucoune himself felt he has evolved his game.

“I think I’ve definitely grown as a player with the coaching,” he said. “I’ve probably changed the way I play—being more involved, coming off my wing, playing off both sides. I feel like I’ve become a better rugby player.”

Both players and coaches were keen to acknowledge the travelling support after the final whistle.

“We’re unbelievably grateful for the support,” said Timony. “People spending hard-earned money travelling… coming in their colours and making noise.

“We’re disappointed we didn’t give them more tonight, but their support hasn’t wavered, and we feel like we’re building something.”

Murphy added: “They’ve made a massive difference… you could see them around the city and how much they added to the atmosphere.

“We’re disappointed and they will be too, but we’ll have better days.”