ULSTER EYE PRIZE

Murphy's men riding high ahead of Connacht crunch

- BY DEREK FOLEY

ULSTER came up four minutes short following a brave display against Leinster at the Aviva last time out.

But lying fifth and a point ahead of the champions in sixth place, it is likely any kind of a win in Galway would see the northerners make it to the New Year ahead of the Blues in the league table for the first time in a long, long while.

That's quite the prize for boss Richie Murphy whose first full season as Ulster coach saw them fail to annex a primary objective, Champions Cup rugby some thing that's very much focusing hearts, minds and selection on URC games this term.