Ulster coach Anscombe blasts display in Leinster defeat

Ulster coach Mark Anscombe has criticised his team's performance in the 19-6 defeat by Leinster at the RDS.

"We didn't play, we were poor and we didn't front up - that was as poor a display I can recall in a big game," said Anscombe.

"We had no confidence with the ball, our decision making was poor and we were too high in the contact.

"We have to make sure we have a little more desire and fire in the belly against Munster on Friday."

Ulster led 6-3 in the Pro12 encounter in Dublin before a dominant Leinster hit back to secure a comfortable win, with Jordi Murphy's scoring the only try of the game.

Anscombe, who saw his side slip to fifth in the league standings, was also unhappy with referee John Lacey.

"There were some rough decisions going on and you are trying to fathom out what they are for," added Anscombe.

"The captain is also trying to and he's not allowed to talk to him. So how do you fix things when that sort of relationship is going on."

Ulster take on Pro12 pacesetters Munster at Ravenhill later this week and Anscombe knows a vast improvement is required.

"Munster are the form team of the competition, they are tough up front and you just see the way they grind teams down," he said.

"If we are as soft as we were against Leinster we are not going to be happy on Friday either.

"We have had some good games this season and we have to get that confidence back into the guys, to play rugby and back themselves to do it."