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Ulster player ratings vs Leinster | 2024/25 URC
By Ian Cameron at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Ulster player ratings: Ulster started brightly but faded after the opening 20 minutes as Leinster took control of this URC contest, ending up on the wrong end of 41-17 scoreline.
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A few individual efforts stood out, but it was a tough night overall for the province in Dublin. Here’s how we rated the players.
1. Andrew Warwick – 7.5
Carried well and scrummaged with authority against Clarkson, though the officials rarely sided with him. His evening was cut short just before half-time due to injury.
2. Rob Herring – 6
Workmanlike throughout. Got through his set-piece duties but struggled to make an impact on the other side of the ball.
3. Tom O’Toole – 6
Held his own defensively but the scrum was an inconsistent battle and a bit of a lottery ultimately. Stuck at it with little reward.
4. Alan O’Connor – 6
Reliable in the lineout and never shied from the fight. One of Ulster’s more composed performers.
5. Cormac Izuchukwu – 8
A standout. Commanded the lineout and showed rare athleticism for a lock in finishing his try. A bright return from injury.
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6. James McNabney – 7.5
An explosive 6’4, 116kg presence at blindside. Carried with intent and brought real physicality throughout. A big shift.
7. Nick Timoney – 6.5
A consistent breakdown threat and handled link duties well in limited attacking phases. Played above the general team standard.
8. David McCann – 5
Not as influential as his fellow back-rowers. A yellow card and penalty try for a collapsed maul capped a frustrating outing.
9. Nathan Doak – 7
Tactically sharp with his kicking and led with energy. Let himself down with a poor moment covering O’Brien’s try.
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10. Jack Murphy – 6
Had patches of involvement but couldn’t control proceedings. Took a heavy hit from Jimmy O’Brien and was on the edge of the game for stretches.
11. Jacob Stockdale – 8
Ulster’s most dangerous back. Beat multiple defenders and asked serious questions of Leinster’s defence when given space.
12. Stuart Moore – NA
Departed for a HIA after just 15 minutes.
13. Jude Postlethwaite – 5
Survived defensively but failed to leave a mark in attack. Limited opportunities.
14. Zac Ward – 5.5
Physically imposing but made several errors. The Sevens athlete has plenty of athletic ability but this was an altogether messy outing.
15. Mike Lowry – NA
Looked electric early on and caused problems in broken play. His exit after 20 minutes with a neck injury was a big blow.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Tom Stewart – 5
A key missed throw in the Leinster 22 summed up a difficult cameo.
17. Callum Reid – 5
Injured soon after coming on. No real impact.
18. Scott Wilson – 5
Caught with a big hit that resulted in a turnover. Struggled to settle.
19. Matthew Dalton – 7
Took his try well and brought real aggression off the bench.
20. Kieran Treadwell – 6.5
Physical and willing. Added some steel in the closing stages.
21. John Cooney – 7
A classy assist for Izuchukwu and tried to lift Ulster with his energy and vision.
22. Wilhelm de Klerk – 5.5
On early due to Moore’s injury but struggled to assert himself. Quiet overall.
23. Matty Rea – 5.5
Limited minutes and little involvement of note with Leinster turning the breakdown into a total mess.
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