Ulster 19 Munster 9: Ulster put some extra distance between themselves and Connacht with a win over European Cup finalists Munster at Ravenhill this evening that rules any slim chance of Declan Kidney's side catching Magner's League leaders Leinster.
Matt Williams' side look now to have secured Ireland's final place in Europe's premier competition and have also leapfrogged the Newport Gwent Dragons.
First-half tries from Rob Dewey and Ryan Caldwell gave Ulster a half-time lead that they did not surrender against a second string Munster outfit who failed to be inspired even by the presence of Peter Stringer and skipper Anthony Foley's 200th appearance for his province.
Their only scores came from the boot of Paul Warwick who registered a penalty in the first half and two in the second.
Ireland international Andrew Trimble grabbed the decisive score just after the hour mark and, from there, the Munster had no way back into the game.
Two late Paul Warwick penalties narrowed the home side's winning margin - but Ireland coach-in-waiting Declan Kidney had nothing to show for his side's efforts.
