Munster's preparations ahead of this month's Heineken Cup final were dealt a blow with a 23-18 defeat to Ulster in the final match of this year's Guinness Interprovincial Championship at Ravenhill this evening. With the destination of this year's title already settled following Leinster's win over Connacht last night, Declan Kidney's men were hoping to end their domestic campaign on a high and fine tune the side ahead of their meeting with Leicester in Cardiff.
However, with an 18-16 victory in sight Neil Doak ran in a try to the delight of the home crowd with just four minutes remaining and Paddy Wallace converted to give Alan Solomons' men a deserved victory. Peter Stringer and Paul O'Connell scored tries for the visitors for whom there was more bad news when O'Connell later limped off. There was no firm news on his injury afterwards but all Munster fans will be hoping that he will be fit for the Heineken Cup final in two weeks' time.
Filed by Shane Murray
