Following the gritty 21-14 win against Graham Rowntree's men, Ulster's Head Coach, Dan McFarland, told the media post-match that he was delighted with the win and the impact of the province's bench in the second half, powering the team towards a brilliant comeback.
Match analysis
"I was pleased with a lot of what we did, we showed real attacking intent, we were dangerous for long periods of the first half but we found ourselves at 0-14 down, on the back of their scrum getting control of us and some inaccuracy.
They are the unbeaten champions, to come back from that is a pretty big ask with the quality Munster have. I was really proud of some of the rugby we played, it would have been nice when we got 7 points up we showed some more composure, but maybe the guys wanted to show their fighting spirit for the remaining five minutes of the game! They certainly showed that, it’s a credit to Munster that they will never say die. Munster battered away at the end and it took every ounce to stop them."
The impact of the bench
"We had good players on the bench, Hendy came on and made some massive carries, we got a few lineout steals, Rob Herring made a significant impact, Dave Ewers made massive hits but I think the most notable one was young Scott Wilson, the youngest man on the field.
He’d never played before and he comes on, we get a pushover try from the scrum he’s involved in, he had a barnstorming run up the middle, great tackles and it’s great to see young guys making an impression like that. A lot of guys downstairs are very happy for him."
Tribute to Rob Herring's record breaking appearance
"Rob, the stats speak for themselves, Nicola and Millie (wife and daughter) came into the changing room before the game and Stu McCloskey spoke for him, Millie presented him with his special jersey for themost capped player and it means a lot to Rob but it also meant a lot to everyone in the room because he is a special person in Ulster. He has given a lot of service to this club and long may it continue!"
On David McCann's performance
"David McCann has had two years of going after his own personal development, focused on what he needs to do and what player he wants to be. His mentality was never a problem, never has been, he looked at what player he wants to be and he has gone after it hard. He is one of our standout players, he is making a real impact for us."
After Rob Herring made a match winning turnover to celebrate his 230th cap record, the hooker spoke to the media afterwards about his pride in the win, his personal journey and the performance of Scott Wilson on his first cap.
On his 230th cap
"It’s good! When I started I didn’t think I would reach that record but it was great to be back first and foremost, it’s not about me, it’s about the team and just doing the best we can. It was a great night to get the win at Kingspan Stadium under the Friday night lights.
I love playing for this province, my daughter was born here, we are fully settled and it’s a great group of guys I get to work with, we enjoy what we do. I have a few more years left in me I think, but I’m loving my time."
On the pre-match presentation
"Millie my daughter presented me with my jersey in the changing room before the game, so I had no idea that was happening, I got a bit emotional before the game but it was nice of the staff to organise that.
She knows a little bit about what is going on but she just wants to run onto the pitch! She got her run and is happy after that."
Impact from the bench
"I try stay clam on the bench and when you get called you just flip the switch and go into game-mode. I think over the years I’ve got used to it, we were behind, I knew we had to settle, do my job well and help the guys around me."
Match winning turnover
"I was so tired but luckily I saw a guy with a weak body position at the ruck and I managed to get a turnover from it. The guys defensively were class in the last few minutes, we made some massive hits and that fight together is what we are all about. The guys showed it in full force."
On Scott Wilson
"Credit to Scott Wilson, I thought he was unbelievable, his first game for a young kid to come on at tighthead, one of the toughest positions on the park and to play the way he did was a credit to himself, his attitude and mentality that he has – I think he has a big future and it’s good to see young Ulster lads coming through."
His personal journey
"It’s strange, I was thinking about it this week that I came here as a young lad chasing my dream to be a pro rugby player. Its been a great journey so far, I look back at the years and we have had unbelievable moments, Belfast is a great place to be and I didn’t think in my wildest dreams I'd be in this position when I first came here."