Ulster blew it, says McCall

Ulster assistant coach Mark McCall admitted his side blew their chance for a first-ever victory on French soil against Biarritz today.

Ulster went down 25-20 to the French champions this afternoon in the Heineken Cup, which leaves the Irish province with a mountain to climb to qualify from pool six.

But the visitors, heavily depleted by injuries, almost snatched an unlikely victory in the closing minutes after tries by Jan Cunningham and captain Andy Ward brought Ulster within five points of their hosts.

“We should have won the game in the final 10 minutes,” admitted McCall. “But it was still a magnificent performance given that we went into the game without David Humphreys, Shane Stewart, Tyrone Howe and Ryan Constable.

“Biarritz have not lost at home this season and we gave them a big scare.”

McCall also claimed Biarritz’s third try should not have been awarded after substitute centre Jean-Emmanuel Cassin appeared to have his foot in touch as he touched down in the corner.

“It definitely wasn’t a try,” said McCall. “It happened in front of me and we have seen the television replays. But what can you do?”