Head coach Richie Murphy believes Ulster’s 17-7 win over Connacht in Galway can be a “big moment” in the careers of some of his young squad.

The northern province ended a five-game losing streak with the interpro victory and lifted themselves from 13th to eighth in the United Rugby Championship [URC] table.

With Irish internationals Jacob Stockdale, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume and Stuart McCloskey all missing through injury, Ulster arguably had just one of their preferred outside backs available, and Mike Lowry played the game despite suffering from a dead leg.

Up front, Alan O’Connor and Rob Herring were late scratches from a pack already without skipper Iain Henderson.

“We’re delighted to get the win,” Murphy said.

“Before travelling up during the week we lost a few boys and even in the warm-up we lost Rob Herring.

“We’re missing a lot of experience out on the pitch. For the boys to come in and do as well as they done, and for those backs to come in and play the likes of Bundee [Aki] and Mack [Hansen], is massively exciting for us.”