Ulster win high-scoring pre-season clash against Ospreys

Ulster 45-28 Ospreys, Belfast

Ulster ran in seven tries to beat the Ospreys 45-28 in a lively pre-season match at Affidea Stadium in Belfast.

The Welsh region scored four tries in their final warm-up before the United Rugby Championship season, giving valuable game time to 30 players. But Ulster were sharper in attack, especially out wide, and their strong first-half burst proved decisive.

Aitzol Arenzana-King was the standout for the hosts, scoring a first-half hat-trick as Ulster built a 31-14 lead by the break.

Ulster Strike Early In Belfast

The Ospreys started brightly with the ball, and Lalakai Foketi made an early break with a powerful carry that beat several Ulster defenders.

But Ulster scored first. A quick break through the middle put the visitors under pressure, and a few phases later Arenzana-King finished on the right touchline.

Ulster added a second soon after when David McCann broke forward. Keelan Giles stopped the initial run, but McCann offloaded to scrum-half Conor McKee, who finished the move.

The Ospreys responded through their forwards. A strong lineout and maul created the platform before Luke Davies found Rhys Davies, who crossed. Harri Wilde converted to bring the visitors back into the contest.

Arenzana-King Completes Hat-Trick

Ulster hit back quickly as the ball was moved wide for Arenzana-King to show his pace and score his second try down the right.

The Ospreys stayed in the fight through their pack. After winning a penalty in the Ulster 22, Wilde kicked to the corner and the driving maul ended with co-captain Sam Parry powering over.

Ulster’s pressure then told again. Hooker James McCormick found space out wide and sent McCann over despite pressure from Tom Rogers.

Arenzana-King completed his hat-trick on the stroke of half-time from an overlap, leaving Ulster 31-14 ahead.

Ospreys Rally But Ulster Finish Strong

The second half became more attritional as both sides used their benches to build match fitness.

Chay Mullins extended Ulster’s lead with a good finish out wide before the Ospreys replied with a quick double. Luke Morgan sliced through after patient lineout phases, and Evardi Boshoff crossed minutes later in similar fashion.

Ulster, however, had the final say. Mullins scored his second try after another well-worked attack, and Jake Flannery converted to close out the 45-28 win.

The Ospreys now turn their attention to their United Rugby Championship opener away to the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban on Saturday 26 September.