Ulster looked set to give the former great a winning send-off but were pipped to the post at Thomond Park
BBC Northern Ireland caught up with Best for a few comments about the late Jack Kyle before Ulster’s 21-20 loss to Munster. The province’s captain also paid tribute to the Grand Slam winner on the Ulster website. ‘I remember my father and grandfather talking about Jack Kyle and what a great player he was in his time,’ said Best. ‘But for him still to be looked upon by modern-day players as a genius of the game shows what a legend he was.’
Best was disappointed that Ulster would leave Limerick with no more than a losing bonus point after dictating the opening passages of play. He mused, ’12-0 up and we felt in control but we probably got a little bit rattled… Nine points behind though but we gave ourselves a chance to win it at the end. That is a pleasing aspect.’
Ian Humphreys kicked five from five (and was 87% from the tee for the season) when he addressed the late conversion attempt after Nick Williams’ try. The out-half missed, however, but Best backs the ‘ultimate professional’ to bounce back. He added, ‘We know we can’t rely on that (kick) as a team. We know that Ian doesn’t miss very often. We know Ian is disappointed. The pleasing thing is that he got his head back together and provided us with go-forward ball.’
Looking ahead to Ulster’s must-win(s) Champions Cup double-header against Scarlets, the captain praised the Ulster centres Stuart McCloskey and Darren Cave but says his team need to cut out ‘silly penalties’ if they are to prosper.
Ulster coach Neil Doak remarked, ‘There’s very little room for error. The competition now has less teams in it and they are all quality. We are disappointed that we didn’t get more out of the two games and it has left us with an uphill battle.’
Hat-tip to Live 95fm
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