PRO12: Ulster 32 Treviso 13

Tommy Bowe and Rory Best marked their return to action with a try apiece in Ulster’s 5 try win at Ravenhill last night but the returning Lions were out shone by Luke Marshall, who picked up a try in an impressive showing, and Michael Allen who bagged two tries in a mature display of pace an power.

There was plenty to be pleased about in this match, the pack bullied Treviso out of the game in the first half and the backs looked a class above their counterparts but there is still a niggle at the back of my mind about their tendency to switch off for periods of the game. However, with Pienaar and Afoa still to return to action for Ulster I’d say we are in a reasonable enough place.

Ulster started the game with some intent and Allen crossed the line after two minutes only for the try to be ruled out for a foot in touch. Moments later the pack looked to be on their way with a hugely destructive rolling maul only to be held up short but such was Ulster’s dominance in lineout, scrum and open play that it was something of . . .