An intense and dramatic conclusion to a game which turned into an arm wrestle after a strong start from Ulster.

The Bulls worked their way into the game towards the end of the first half and stayed almost within touching distance until the dying moments.

Ulster's defence stood strong and a Dave McCann turnover as the game neared it's conclusion was a crucial moment in sealing the win.

It's now two wins from two for Ulster in the United Rugby Championship, and they will now turn their attention to preparing to face Connacht at the Sportsground next Saturday.

Thank you for joining me for another entertaining game in a wet and windy Belfast!

Ulster captain Alan O'Connor

"We had to grind that one out. After last week, we wanted a reaction with our defence and with the Bulls they are really direct and their set-piece is really good, so it was a great opportunity to get back into the physicality side of things."

"We will take a lot of confidence from that. Bulls are a great team and really solid everywhere. We will take the good, take the bad and move on to Connacht next week now."

On the new pitch:

"It was a bit quicker than normal in wet conditions at Kingspan. Our attack looked pretty good at times and guys with good footwork like Jacob (Stockdale) nearly going through there and nearly rounding the full-back. It's a good opportunity for our back three and our really talented backs to get some good traction and use their talent."

Man of the match, Tom O'Toole:

"It was tough. Obviously, I haven't played for the last few weeks but it was good to get back out there - the boys made it fairly easy for me fitting me back in this week. They did all the hard work and I just slotted in and tried to do my job.

"We've been focusing on our physicality against the Bulls who are a strong set-piece team and pride themselves on their physicality so we knew we needed to step up defensively."

"Once we got our set piece right we gave ourselves a good chance of winning the game."

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at Kingspan Stadium

Phew! That was a tense finish but Ulster manage to get over the line and it's a happy start to life on their new artificial pitch.

Bulls pummel the Ulster line but Dave McCann secures a vital turnover and Ulster recycle the ball for one more phase before the clock goes red.

Ulster breathe a sigh of relief as they kick the ball out and they celebrate a hard-fought win.

What a dramatic finish with some incredible Ulster defence in the dying moments.

Ulster do well to repel a late surge from the Bulls close to the line but they have a penalty advantage and go to the corner once again.

Can they get the converted try with one minute to go?

Bulls go to the corner with a penalty in what may be their last chance to stage a late comeback.

They work their way towards the Ulster line and are looking dangerous with only three minutes to go...

Jacob Stockdale makes way for Stewart Moore, with Mike Lowry switching to the wing and Lowry to fullback.

Nathan Doak nails the penalty in difficult conditions and Ulster now have a seven point cushion.

Now, can they seal off the game in the last five minutes?

Ulster get another chance to go for the posts and give themselves a cushion.

Tricky conditions but Nathan Doak has been excellent from the kicking tee tonight...

A fantastic carry from Rob Baloucoune gives Ulster good field position and Marcel Coetzee gives away a penalty for not rolling away.

Ulster choose to go for the corner rather than a penalty but lose their lineout.

There is still time in this game as the Bulls go to the corner and use the maul as a platform to work their way towards the Ulster line.

They win another penalty and choose the scrum given the tricky conditions to kick to the corner from the middle of the pitch.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at Kingspan Stadium

It's absolutely lashing now but it doesn't stop Doak kicking his 13th point of the game.

At least the players don't have to worry about the mud, like in seasons past. It's like Ulster's kits have just come out of the wash.

The heavens have opened in Belfast but it does not deter Nathan Doak as he confidently slots the penalty in tricky conditions.

Ulster building slowly but purposefully as they progress up the field, working the ball from left to right.

Good patience from Ulster as they win a penalty for a deliberate knock-on from the Bulls.

Well within Nathan Doak's range as he points towards the posts in the pouring rain...

Will Addison makes way for Mike Lowry at fullback.

Ulster are awarded a free-kick but Nathan Doak is judged to have taken another five metres when taking the kick and Bulls have another scrum in the Ulster 22.

Bulls once again knock the ball on and Ulster are given the chance to clear their lines through the boot of Billy Burns.

The Bulls continue to attempt to fight their way back into the game and have good field position with a scrum in Ulster's 22.

Another handling error means they cough up the ball and Ulster are given a short reprieve from a spell of Bulls attack.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at Kingspan Stadium

The stadium lit up as Jacob Stockdale made that break. It's so good seeing him in full flight again.

He's a man full of confidence.