Ulster Advances to Challenge Cup Semi-Finals with Convincing Win
Ulster secured a place in the Challenge Cup semi-finals after a commanding 41-24 victory against La Rochelle in a challenging, rain-soaked match at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast. The team scored three tries in the first half, establishing a significant lead despite adverse weather conditions.
The try scorers for Ulster included Zac Ward, who crossed twice, Tom O'Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, Bryn Ward, and James McCormick. Nathan Doak contributed with three conversions and a penalty, while Jake Flannery added a conversion late in the game. La Rochelle's tries came from Judicael Cancoriet, Tolu Latu, and Joel Sclavi, with Diego Jurd successfully converting three kicks and adding a penalty.
Match Summary
Ulster began strongly, with Zac Ward scoring an early try within five minutes, followed by a successful conversion from Nathan Doak. Doak also added a penalty, bringing his half-time tally to nine points. Diego Jurd responded for La Rochelle with a penalty, but Ulster quickly extended their lead through Tom O'Toole's try. Cormac Izuchukwu's effort further strengthened Ulster's position. However, Judicael Cancoriet's converted try just before halftime reduced the deficit to 24-10.
Early in the second half, Ward scored his second try, and although Tolu Latu replied for La Rochelle, Bryn Ward's try increased Ulster's advantage. Replacement hooker James McCormick sealed the victory with a late try, converted by Jake Flannery. Joel Sclavi's late score was a consolation for La Rochelle.
Key Moments and Player Performances
The match was marked by challenging weather, with rain and wind affecting play. Ulster's Zac Ward made a significant impact, scoring two tries and demonstrating agility by evading several defenders for the opening try. Nathan Doak, despite concerns over an ankle injury, contributed crucial points through conversions and penalties.
La Rochelle, missing several first-choice players due to injury and managing their squad ahead of the Top 14 season's conclusion, showed resilience. Diego Jurd kept the visitors competitive with accurate kicking. However, Ulster's defense was robust, notably during a critical defensive set where they prevented La Rochelle from scoring by holding up a maul near the try line.
Match Progression
Ulster's early dominance set the tone. After Ward's opening try and Doak's penalty, La Rochelle responded with Jurd's penalty. Ulster extended their lead with O'Toole's try following a five-metre scrum. Despite Ward's sin binning for a dangerous clear-out, Ulster maintained composure. Izuchukwu's try, his 50th appearance for Ulster, came after a penalty won by Werner Kok's tackle.
La Rochelle's Cancoriet scored just before halftime, narrowing the gap. In the second half, Ward's second try came after a well-executed 50-22 kick from Jacob Stockdale. Latu's try for La Rochelle was quickly countered by Bryn Ward's pace and finishing ability. Ulster's defense thwarted La Rochelle's attempts to regain momentum, culminating in McCormick's late try.
Looking Ahead
Ulster will face either Benetton or Exeter Chiefs in the semi-finals. Should Benetton win their match, Ulster will travel to Italy; if Exeter prevails, Ulster will host the semi-final. This victory brings Ulster closer to their first European final since 2012 and their first trophy since winning the Celtic League in 2006.
Team Line-Ups
Ulster: Jacob Stockdale; Werner Kok; James Hume, Stuart McCloskey; Zac Ward; Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak; Angus Bell, Tom Stewart, Tom O'Toole; Iain Henderson, Cormac Izuchukwu; David McCann, Nick Timoney, Juarno Augustus.
Replacements: James McCormick, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Bryn Ward, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Jude Postlethwaite.
La Rochelle: Ihaia West; Ugo Pacome; Ulupano Seuteni, Adrien Seguret; Hoani Bosmorin; Diego Jurd, Thomas Berjon (captain); Louis Penverne, Gabin Garault, Karl Sorin; Thomas Lavault, Aleksandre Kuntelia; Edouard Richer, Judicael Cancoriet, Lucas Andjissermatchi.
Replacements: Tolu Latu, Christian Luaki, Joel Sclavi, Alexandre Kaddouri, Nikolozi Sutidze, Oscar Jegou, Sacha Elissalde, Nolhann Couillaud.
