mens
United-rugby-championship
Stuart McCloskey scored with three minutes remaining Ulster fought back and grabbed a 26-26 draw with Munster at the Affidea Stadium.
Ulster trailed 26-5 at the interval after the visitors kicked four times in a dominant first period.
Alex Kendellen’s opener for Munster was canceled out by Jacob Stockdale but Marnus van der Merwe restored their lead.
Munster then capitalized on a mistake by Cormac Izuchukwu to go ahead before the break through Dan Kelly and another try for Kendellen.
Stockdale, making his 150th appearance for Ulster, started the recovery when he bagged his second and Dave McCann scored a thrilling finish when he touched down after 68 minutes.
McCloskey crashed over to bring Ulster within two points before Jack Murphy converted his third, matching JJ Hanrahan’s effort, to secure a remarkable draw.
Meanwhile, Sam Costelow scored a late penalty as Scarlets secured the first victory United Rugby Championship season by overturning a 14-point halftime deficit Benetton 27-26 in Llanelli.
After back-to-back defeats to Welsh rivals Cardiff and the Dragons, the hosts went ahead against Wayne Pivac’s Italian side through Sam Lousi’s early conversion.
But Benetton fought back to lead 21-7 at the break after goals from Siu Maile, Onisio Ratave and Italy captain Michele Lamaro, each converted by Jacob Umaga.
Blair Murray and Ellis Mee scored in quick succession in the first quarter of the second half to move the Scarlets within two points.
Mee’s second try of the night then put Nigel Davies’ men ahead before Louis Lynagh’s opportunistic score with six minutes remaining looked to have won the visitors over.
But Wales Fly-half Costelow, who touched down two of his four conversion attempts, held his nerve in the 78th minute to spoil Pivec’s return to Llanelli.