Ulster 47-17 Ospreys: Much-changed Welsh side overpowered in chastening hammering

A much-changed Ospreys were no match for the power of Ulster on a chastening night in Belfast.

The Ospreys had rung the changes ahead of the trip to the Kingspan Stadium, but Ulster, who had made a number of changes themselves, simply had too much for the Welsh side.

Try doubles from Luke Marshall and Sam Carter, as well as further scores from John Andrew, Stuart McCloskey and Marcus Rea, set Ulster up for a dominant victory. The Ospreys had Jac Morgan and the relentless Morgan Morris, as well as the boot of Jack Walsh, to thank for their points - but any chance of victory was gone well before half-time.

When Toby Booth named his team to face Ulster, there were nine changes from the side that defeated Glasgow last week. Throw in the late withdrawals of Dan Lydiate and Stephen Myler and perhaps the slow start was to be expected.

From the kick-off, the Ospreys failed to clear their lines and handed the home side an attacking lineout. Ulster probed and Madigan put Marshall through a massive gap to dive over the line for the opening try within a couple of minutes.

To compound matters, the Ospreys lost Wales prop Gareth Thomas - making his 100th appearance - in the build-up.

Within seven minutes of the kick-off, Ulster had another. An attacking maul rumbled over the line, allowing hooker Andrew at the tail to dot down.

The Ospreys, to their credit, showed some resolve after a slow start. A typical Morgan Morris break handed them field position, with openside Morgan forcing his way over from close range after Ulster had been pinged while scrambling back following that initial break.

From there, the game did threaten to settle down into a battle for territory - with some kicking battles around halfway taking place.

But, as was