New head coach Mark Anscombe’s first taste of Ravenhill rugby proved a satisfying hors d’oeuvre for the 2012/13 season, with a largely experimental Ulster side more than holding their own in an entertaining 14 – 14 draw with a star-studded Leicester Tigers lineup.
Anscombe fielded a youthful side for the first home friendly of the season, while still finding places for several more established names, notably the rehabilitated Jared Payne at full-back, the returning Niall O’Connor at out-half, and new recruit Nick Williams at Number Eight.
Early Leicester pressure straight from the off came to an abrupt end on four minutes thanks to a smart Michael Allen interception well inside the Ulster ’22’, and the same player profited from good turnover ball moments later to cut an impressive swathe down the left wing. Slick passing then saw the Ulster forwards edge to within an inch of the line, but poor judgement from a resulting scrum surrendered possession on 11 minutes.
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