Stewart Moore feels Ulster can take pride in their future despite a crushing defeat to Leinster in the URC Quarter-Final at the Aviva Stadium.
Richie Murphy’s side’s 2023/24 season came to an end after losing 43-20 in Dublin, conceding six tries and scoring three, in yet another knockout tie loss to Leinster, despite the hosts’ projected victory.
Ulster did, however, make life difficult for Leinster at times, and utility back Moore, who was at 15 for the game, believes the underdogs’ performance is something to build on for the 2024/25 season.
“We’re disappointed with the last two weeks’ results,” the 24-year-old remarked, referring to the previous outing when they narrowly lost to Munster in the final round ahead of the Play-Offs.
But we have to hold our heads high, and where we are going looks good.”
Moore also praised the work done by head coach Murphy, who was brought in from Ireland Under-20s after Dan McFarland’s departure in February 2024.
“This season has been a tale of two halves,” he remarked, “but Richie likes where the squad is going. I believe everyone is on board and has a positive attitude about it.
“Going into a pre-season and working closely with him, any work-ons and strengths that he can bring to me, I’ll bring to him.”
Moore praised several of the younger and less experienced players who have come through during the 2023/24 season, naming forwards Cormac Izuchukwu, who left the action early on Saturday, and Harry Sheridan as exemplifying the spirit that Murphy has given to the group.
“There were a lot of older experienced ones, and last season, they kind of went on, but I believe we are backing it up now with younger boys coming through,” Moore explained.
It is just an energy thing and a new lease of life; you have the likes of Harry stepping up and Cormac performing, it’s been really good.
In terms of Saturday’s game, Ulster threw everything at it but were unable to convert their early pressure into points. Despite finishing well, with Michael Lowry scoring in the final minute, Leinster had already wrapped up the victory.
Thirty missed tackles by the visitors, as well as a bench devoid of effect, undoubtedly helped Leinster book their Semi-Final against the Bulls in Pretoria, and Moore agreed that losing 17-0 at halftime was always going to be a difficult task for Ulster.
“We came down with a game plan and I thought we stuck to it very well, especially the first 20 minutes when we put a lot of heat on them,” he said.
“Going into halftime with no points was difficult to turn around.
“It was very physical, and the pressure from that Leinster team, you just can’t hedge your bets on anything.
It is a two-pronged approach that is extremely difficult to counter.
“Attack scores points, and we are very focused on that, and we have a defence to back that up in (defence coach) Jonny Bell, and it is going the right way,” Moore said despite Ulster conceding six touchdowns, two of which went to winger James Lowe.
Ulster were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty try in the last stages of the first half, trailing 17-0, but the home team surged away to win.
