Ulster initially looked like they were a team ready to impress us, adding to their 3 win friendlies over the summer break. But we were soon let down with a performance that smacked of the worst on offer from last season.
Not to take anything away from the Dragons; who fronted up well, and played good, basic rugby. Their tackling and defense was ferocious as was their play at the breakdown.
Newport controlled the possession of the game, and looked dangerous everytime thay had the ball and went on the run. Scoring 3 tries to nil, they were worthy winners, and showed a determination and couage that Ulster lacked.
Once again, the 10-12 channel was lacking. Place kicking was poor, and the forwards showed they need to work harder both in the scrum and the loose. BJ Botha being notable for being sent off after being warned for dropping his side of the scrum repeatedly.
Ulster Director of Rugby David Humphreys: "Our defeat in this game shows the difference between what happens in friendly matches and in competition.
"We are all hugely disappointed but we still believe we are in a much better place and will end up a much better team this season.
"It was disappointing but we will make a proper assessment of our strength after three or four months of competitive rugby.
"We showed some good stuff in our pre-season fixtures and one bad display in the first game of the season does not change that."
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Ulster:
(1-8) Bryan Young, Andy Kyriacou, Brendon Botha, Dan Tuohy, Ryan Caldwell, Chris Henry, Willie Faloon, Robbie Diack.
(15-9) Bryn Cunningham, Timoci Nagusa, Andrew Trimble, Ian Whitten, Simon Danielli, Ian Humphreys, Isaac Boss.
Replacements: (16-22) Nigel Brady, Declan Fitzpatrick, Ed O'Donoghue, Thomas Anderson, Paul Marshall, Paddy Wallace, Darren Cave.
Referee: Carlo Damasco (FIR, 5th League game).
Assistant Phil Fear (WRU), Neil Perkins (WRU).
TMO: Huw Lewis (WRU).
