Ulster 22-26 Glasgow Warriors: Richie Murphy ‘bitterly disappointed’ as focus turns to final

Murphy said it was “massively difficult” to balance his team on two fronts because of several injuries and suspensions in his group.

In recent weeks, Ulster have lost key players such as Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Angus Bell, James Hume and Rob Herring to injury.

Ulster also miss captain Ian Henderson, who will also sit out next week’s final, and Harry Sheridan through season-ending suspension.

“It’s true that you don’t get a break,” Murphy added.

“It’s now been 10 weeks in a block where we’ve played every week and there’s no time for refreshments.”

Murphy pointed out how Glasgow and the Stormers benefited from the week off due to their respective European exits and it allowed them to keep their squads fresh.

He said that, due to the run of games, Ulster usually had “a training session and a captain’s run” in the lead-up to the games.

“We have several bodies that aren’t technically injured, but they’re putting a lot of mileage on their legs.

“Our team selections have to balance what we need from a freshness standpoint and what we need from a competitive standpoint or a playing time standpoint.

“It’s a huge balancing act, but tonight we’re bitterly disappointed to come out with a loss.”