Ulster 21 Munster 24: Munster's makeshift line-up upset the odds in a match that was supposed to be about how many tries Ulster could score.

The visitors simply torched the script and came back to snatch a dramatic win at Ravenhill which appears to have done fatal damage to Ulster's Magners Celtic League challenge.

Ulster's intent had been to top the table outright overnight, ahead of Leinster's game with Connacht on Saturday, but their losing bonus point puts them on equal points with Michael Cheika's side and is bound to leave Ulster deeply wounded after losing control of a game they confidently led 21-3 at half-time.

Instead of pushing on to secure the bonus point, Ulster's game and defensive shape fell apart as the going got fast and loose in the second half.

A brave Munster effort, with Jerry Flannery, John O'Sullivan and skipper Alan  Quinlan having immense games, seeing the visitors score three tries to come away with a fully deserved win ahead of their Heineken Cup quarter-final at Llanelli next week.

Ulster ignored a kickable penalty attempt, which could have drawn the game in the dying minutes, to go for a try but Munster's excellent defence held firm.

The momentum never returned to the home side's game and Ulster failed to score any points from the 24th minute onwards.

The winning score came courtesy of former rugby league star and new signing Brian Carney who marked his debut by rubbing plentiful salt into what had become a shambolic Ulster performance.