Ulster still winless but one point off URC play-offs

Ulster have yet to win a United Rugby Championship match this season, yet they sit just one point outside the play-off places. The URC is the league for professional provinces from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South Africa, and BBC Sport reports that Ulster have played four games so far.

Their results so far are a defeat by Edinburgh, draws with Glasgow and Munster, and a loss to the Bulls. A draw in rugby means both teams finish level on points, so Ulster have collected some reward from two of their four games without a win.

Head coach Richie Murphy said his side are "not a million miles away" from winning each of their matches. He also said Ulster have been "digging a bit of a hole" in every game this season. To dig a hole in rugby terms is to fall behind early and then spend the rest of the match chasing the score.

Earlier this month, Murphy described his team as "playing matches like they're training sessions", a remark that spoke to the level of intensity he wants to see on match days. Ulster's European form has been stronger. They beat Zebre in their opening Challenge Cup match, a tournament that sits one step below the Champions Cup as the second tier of European club rugby.

Next up is a trip to South Africa. Ulster play the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday 31 October, with kick-off at 12:45 GMT.

Away from the club game, Ireland have named nine Ulster players in their squad for the November Nations Championship fixtures. They are Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Robert Baloucoune, Nathan Doak, Jamie Benson, Tom O'Toole, Tom Stewart, James McNabney and Nick Timoney.

Two of those names are new to international rugby. Jamie Benson and James McNabney have received their first Ireland call-ups, a step that marks a milestone in their young careers. For Ulster, the callups are a reminder of how much depth the squad has, even as the results have not yet followed.

The hard part for Murphy's side is clear enough. They need to start games faster and turn their near misses into wins. Another weekend in South Africa will give them a chance to do exactly that.