Ulster play-off bound as Edinburgh’s hopes hang in the balance

Ulster booked their place in the Pro14 play-offs and simultaneously struck a huge blow to Edinburgh’s hopes with a 29-7 bonus-point win at Murrayfield.

The Irish side ensured their end-of-season place from Conference B thanks a to a fine performance on the road.

Jordi Murphy and Robert Baloucoune tries helped Ulster into a 15-0 half-time lead before Rob Lyttle stretched the lead after the break with a powerful score.

John Barclay put the hosts on the board, but it was little more than a consolation try and Billy Burns wrapped up the extra point as Ulster secured a second-place finish.

Edinburgh must now defeat Glasgow Warriors and hope Zebre defeat Benetton Treviso to make the play-offs.

That’s how you do it @UlsterRugby 

An uber-professional display from the visitors as they booked their place in the #GUINNESSPRO14 Final Series with a top-class victory over @EdinburghRugby in Scotland #EDIvULS pic.twitter.com/d6rWqCKrON

— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) April 12, 2019

The Scottish side were at least boosted by Treviso losing 37-28 in a cracking game against Munster that sees the Irish go to the top of Conference A.

J.J. Hanrahan kicked 17 points on a landmark 100th Munster appearance, while Rhys Marshall, Dan Goggin, Shane Daly and Alby Mathewson scored tries as the visitors overturned an 11-point deficit.

Ospreys kept their own hopes alive with a seven-try 43-7 hammering of Southern Kings at Madibaz Stadium.

Dan Evans finished with a hat-trick in South Africa, while Bradley Davies scored twice and Cory Allen and Hanno Dirksen touched down.

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