Richie Murphy on...
Bulls defeat and the performance...
I thought our boys stuck to task really well. Obviously we were outpowered in the set piece but I thought our boys stuck to the game, played some really good rugby at times, were disappointed not to come away with something, probably more likely to get a four try bonus-point than anything else but I’m not disappointed in our boys.
Youthful side...
It’s an extremely young team. Our two front rowers (James McCormick and Corrie Barrett) had three caps each. Another has only joined us late at the start of the season, so that’s where we are at the moment.
On playing in South Africa...
It’s a tough place to come on tour, with 25 degree heat and altitude. We had two games at altitude, maybe one at sea level and one at altitude might be a better way of splitting it if it’s possible but coming to South Africa at any time is difficult. The guys stuck at it and stayed in the game. I know we were well beaten but they never gave up and worked very hard.
The team's development...
You can see where we are in our development. We had a centre making his first cap (Ben Carson), our international centre pairing of James Hume and Stuart McCloskey are missing, our two international hookers, Rob Herring and Tom Stewart, are also missing so that’s a lot of experience that is outside of our team.
But we are learning and growing. This experience against such a strong team, teams have come here with stronger teams out there than today and the same thing has happened in terms of being dominated at set piece. When it came to playing ball in hand I thought we played well.
After scoring a try in the second half on what was the young centre's first start for Ulster, Ben Carson, spoke post-match about his feelings on the clash.
On Bulls defeat...
A tough day at the office but I think we are proud enough for putting out a good effort, we scored three good tries but ultimately didn’t get the result we wanted.
The team kept going despite the scoreline…
As Ulstermen, whether you are foreign or from here, you give your all for Ulster. It’s testament to the boys out there that we kept going for the team. The effort was there.
Scoring on his first start...
I felt extremely delighted to have my first start for Ulster and it makes better that I scored a try. I’d just thank the lads and coaches who have helped me all the way and I’m delighted Richie gave me a chance.
Building experience...
The academy system and the young guys coming into the senior team is what we strive for, we do have a young squad. People like myself are going to have to step up and really do our thing for Ulster this season.
I'm just hoping I can get another chance and put my best foot forward.
Focus on Connacht...
A big one, an interpro at home that will be a tough fight, but we’ll be ready.