Ulster Rally in Second Half to Reach Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals
Ulster secured a 28-24 victory over Ospreys in a gripping Challenge Cup encounter at the Affidea Stadium, advancing to the quarter-finals. Despite trailing 17-14 at halftime, Ulster capitalized on the wind advantage in the second half to overturn the deficit.
Ulster's tries came from Cormac Izuchukwu, Dave McCann, Jacob Stockdale, and Nick Timoney, with Johnny Doak converting four times. Ospreys scored through Reuben Morgan-Williams, Dan Kasende, and a penalty try, with Dan Edwards adding two conversions and a penalty.
Ospreys, who had reached the quarter-finals in the previous two seasons, led at halftime thanks to tries from Morgan-Williams and Kasende. However, Ulster's resilience in the second half, including a late try disallowed for Ospreys, ensured their progression. Ulster will now host La Rochelle in the quarter-finals on Friday, 10 April in Belfast.
Second-Half Performance Secures Ulster's Victory
Ulster's Jacob Stockdale crossed early in the second half, igniting the team's comeback.
The match was played amid blustery conditions caused by Storm Dave in Belfast. Ulster applied early pressure, and after multiple phases, returning player Cormac Izuchukwu powered over for the opening try in the fourth minute.
Ospreys responded promptly, utilizing the wind advantage to score their first try in the ninth minute as Morgan-Williams skillfully evaded defenders following a patient team move.
On 20 minutes, Ospreys extended their lead when Morgan-Williams was instrumental again, peeling off a driving maul to set up Kasende, who evaded Stuart McCloskey to score. Edwards then increased the lead to 10 points with a penalty.
Ulster responded before halftime with their second try. On 34 minutes, Dave McCann powered over the line following a quick tap-and-go penalty, narrowing the gap.
Ulster began the second half strongly, with Stockdale finishing a fluid move to regain the lead for the home side.
Ulster's defense was tested as they held up Jac Morgan on the line, preventing a try. Subsequently, Timoney extended Ulster's lead with a fourth try on 56 minutes, executing a deft dummy before sprinting to the corner after receiving the ball from McCloskey.
Ospreys' situation worsened when captain Jac Morgan received a yellow card for a high tackle during the buildup to Timoney's try. Despite being a man down, Ospreys prevented further scoring and reduced the deficit to four points with 12 minutes remaining via a penalty try.
The penalty try was awarded after Luke Morgan was taken out by a high tackle from Ulster's Jack Murphy while attempting to score in the right corner. Murphy was sin-binned for the infringement.
Ospreys continued to contest fiercely and appeared to have clinched victory in the 78th minute when Owen Watkin broke through Ulster's defense and passed to Kieran Hardy, who grounded the ball. However, the try was overturned after a Television Match Official (TMO) review identified a forward pass in the buildup, allowing Ulster to hold on for the win.
Team Lineups and Officials
Ulster: McIlroy; Kok, Hume, McCloskey, Stockdale; Flannery, Doak; Bell, Herring, O'Toole; Henderson, Izuchukwu; McCann, Timoney, Augustus.
Replacements: T Stewart, Crean, Wilson, Irvine, B Ward, McKee, Murphy, Z Ward.
Ospreys: Walsh; Kasende, Watkin, K Williams, L Morgan; Edwards, R Morgan-Williams; G Thomas, Parry, Henry, R Davies, Smith, Sutton, J Morgan (capt), M Morris.
Replacements: Daniel, S Thomas, Botha, Fender, Deaves, Hardy, Boshoff, Hopkins.
Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe (England)
