Ulster left out in the cold by Saracens

It was not their proudest moment in Europe as Ulster’s Champions Cup season looks terminal after a humiliating bonus-try defeat at the hands of Premiership kingpins Saracens in front of a quiet crowd at the Kingspan Stadium.

It’s been a long time since Ulster had four tries labelled on their deficit column at home. But to be honest they were well beaten by a side that did the basics well, took their chances and in effect had more up their sleeve than their Pool 1 opponents.

Ulster led 9-5 at the break, but never, ever looked like breaching the Sarries well-honed defence. Ulster, on the other hand looked vunerable at regular intervals and it was no surprise to give up the four tries through Chris Wyles, the exellent Andy Goode, Duncan Wright and Billy Vunipola. All Ulster could offer was two penalties and drop -goal from Paddy Jackson. Les Kiss’s side just lacked the nous and wherewithall. The passion was nowhere to be seen on the field, and thus the crowd, for a change, were not the 16th man.