Ulster head coach Richie Murphy says rugby is becoming slower but does not believe the sport needs major changes to stay exciting for fans.
After Ulster’s loss to Leinster, Munster captain Tadhg Beirne criticised the modern game, saying it has become too focused on set-pieces, kicking and stoppages. Murphy agrees games are taking too long but feels the solution is to keep the ball in play more, rather than completely changing the sport.
Murphy said teams can only play within the current laws and must adapt to what referees are enforcing. He added that Ulster are focusing on playing positive rugby and building their game plan around those rules.
Ulster will aim to build on last weekend’s bonus-point win over Connacht when they host Munster on Friday. They have won five of their seven URC matches this season and lead the league for tries scored, with wingers Werner Kok, Rob Baloucoune and Zac Ward all in strong form.
Murphy praised Munster’s progress under new coach Clayton McMillan, saying they are tougher, kick more and are hard to break down. He expects a very tough test in Belfast, regardless of which Munster players are available.
