Match Centre: Investec Champions Cup: Ulster 52-24 Exeter Chiefs

Ulster have secured a comfortable victory
Ulster have secured a comfortable victory
©PA

Ulster 52-24 Exeter Chiefs, Kingspan Stadium

Ulster delivered a dominant performance in a pulsating Investec Champions Cup clash at Kingspan Stadium, outscoring Exeter Chiefs by eight tries to four.

The bonus-point victory keeps Ulster’s European hopes alive as they await Sunday’s results to determine their progression to the last 16 of the Champions Cup or a spot in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

The match began on a shaky note for Ulster, conceding a try just two minutes in. Exeter’s Paul Brown-Bampoe finished off a well-placed cross-field kick from Will Haydon-Wood to open the scoring.

Haydon-Wood’s conversion gave the Chiefs an early lead, compounded by an HIA substitution for Werner Kok, which saw Rob Lyttle make his first Ulster appearance since 2023.

Exeter extended their lead with a sensational try from Italian No. 8 Ross Vintcent, who sprinted through the Ulster defense from deep within his own half. However, Ulster responded with vigor, sparking into life in the 20th minute.

Lock Cormac Izuchukwu celebrated his Ireland Six Nations squad call-up by diving over for Ulster’s first try, converted by Nathan Doak. Moments later, David McCann powered over for another score following a scrum penalty.

While Exeter regained the lead with a try from Rusi Tuima, Ulster equalized again just before halftime as Nick Timoney stormed through the defense to touch down. The teams entered the break level at 17-17.

Ulster’s dominance continued in the second half. A powerful maul from a lineout allowed Rob Herring to secure Ulster’s bonus-point try, with Doak adding the extras. Izuchukwu claimed his second try shortly after, receiving a well-timed pass from John Cooney.

Ben Carson dazzled with a solo effort, sidestepping the last defender for an unopposed score, followed by McCann’s second try from a looping Cooney pass. Izuchukwu completed his hat-trick with a simple run-in, cementing Ulster’s lead.

In a frantic conclusion, Exeter’s Zack Wimbush crossed for a late consolation try, converted by Harvey Skinner. Despite the Chiefs' final effort, the night belonged to Ulster, whose eight-try performance secured a crucial victory.

Ulster now awaits Sunday’s results to learn their European fate but can take pride in their emphatic display at Kingspan Stadium.

Team line up:

Ulster: S Moore; W Kok, B Carson, J Postlethwaite, M Lowry; J Murphy, N Doak; E O'Sullivan, R Herring, S Wilson; I Henderson (capt), C Izuchukwu; J McNabney, N Timoney, D McCann.

Reserves: C Reid, T Stewart, C Barrett, H Sheridan, K Treadwell, J Cooney, J Flannery, R Lyttle.

Exeter: H Skinner; B Hammersley, J Hawkins, W Rigg, P Brown-Bampoe; W Haydon-Wood, N Armstrong; W Goodrick-Clarke, J Innard (capt), J Isoefa-Scott; R Tuima, C Tshiunza; M Moloney, R Capstick, R Vintcent.

Reserves: Max Norey, K Blose, J Roots, J Dunne, L Pearson, J Bailey, T Cairns, Z Wimbush.

 
 
 
 

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