McFarland gutted to come out wrong side of a "really tense affair"

Ulster Head Coach Dan McFarland disappointed to come out the wrong side of what was a tense affair in Kingspan Stadium  while Connacht captain Jack Carty excited his side still have workings as they prepare for a trip to South Africa. 

GUTTED: Dan McFarland gutted Ulster came out the wrong side of their quarter-final against Connacht.  Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Ulster boss Dan McFarland was left to count the cost of his side’s loss of the breakdown battle after outsiders Connacht upset the odds to reach the BKT United Rugby Championship semi-finals with a 15-10 victory at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night.

Ulster had finished second in the URC standings after 18 league rounds, 18 points ahead of seventh-placed Connacht and had earned home advantage for at least the quarters and semis. Yet that opportunity was squandered as Connacht negated their primary weapon at maul time and outfought the northerners in contact.