Craig Gilroy crossed for a second-half double as Ulster came storming back in the second half to down 14-man Munster in a dramatic Guinness PRO14 clash on New Year’s Day.

Munster – chasing a third successive win at the Kingspan Stadium for the first time – stormed into a 17-0 lead at the interval thanks to a dominant pack performance but were undone after Sam Arnold’s red card.

Niall Scannell twice went over at the back of rolling mauls in the first half while the Munster scrum also won a penalty try as a shellshocked Ulster were outfoxed up front time after time.

But after the break Ulster turned it around, although man of the match John Cooney had a first score disallowed soon after the break.

Fineen Wycherley was then sent to the sin bin for the visitors as Ulster fought back in the back and Darren Cave eventually went over to begin the turnaround.

Cooney slotted the extras but the real key was that Arnold was also shown a red card for a high tackle on Christian Lealiifano in the build-up.

With Munster down to 13 men and the Kingspan bouncing, Gilroy dived onto Cave’s grubber to make it 17-12 after the hour mark.

And the winger had his second soon after down the right and the hosts were, unbelievably, leading a clash they had been outclassed in for huge chunks.

And there was still time late on for Rob Lyttle to dive over down the left wing to seal a bonus point that means Ulster keep pace with Scarlets and Leinster in Conference A.

Munster have now won only twice on their travels in the Guinness PRO14 this season and have slipped to back to back league defeats under new boss Johan van Graan meaning the Toyota Cheetahs could catch them in Conference B later this month.

Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and can be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie