News

Match Report | Ulster 19-40 Union Bordeaux Begles

14th December 2024

Despite a spirited performance that saw the home side go into the break at half-time after tries from Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, and Werner Kok, Ulster were beaten by a clinical Bordeaux side that took their opportunities in the second half.

Damian Penaud, Guido Petti, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Ugo Boniface were all on the scoresheet for the French side who opened up the margin in the second half.

Ulster captain Iain Henderson made his 50th European appearance for his province, and there were debuts for Zac Ward on the left wing and a debut for replacement full-back, Rory Telfer.

Bordeaux started with intent, and made a dream start to the match when Tatafu went over from a lineout maul.

Ulster hit back soon after, with Stuart McCloskey snatching a loose lineout from the French visitors before Cormac Izuchukwu dived over for a first try of the match for the home side. Doak's conversion made it all square.

Ulster continued to show good attacking intent and the away side started to tot up the penalty count. Flanker, Marko Gazzotti, was sent to the sin-bin for another penalty and soon after, Nick Timoney powered his way over from a 5m penalty to give Ulster a 14-7 lead.

Referee, Gianluca Gnecchi, then awarded the away side a penalty try after a lineout maul in the Ulster 22. Ulster had looked to initially hold the ball up from Lucu, but upon review the penalty try was given and David McCann was sent to the sin-bin for an illegal collapse of the maul.

The fourteen of Ulster surged into the Bordeaux half and the away side recieved two yellow cards in quick succession. First, their loosehead prop, Jefferson Poirot, was given a yellow for kicking the ball in a ruck and a TMO check confirmed a dangerous high tackle on Nick Timoney during the attacking play.

Ulster used their advantage to grab a score before the half was up, with Werner Kok coming in-field from the right wing to find space, before Stuart McCloskey found him with a lovely pass. Kok fended off his defender for an excellent score. It was a first home try for the South African after his summer move from Hollywoodbets Sharks.

Ulster went into the half with a five point lead to show for their efforts.

HT: 19-14

In a second half that started off with a number of scrums, Ulster competed well in the set piece and it was a very tight affair for the opening 15 minutes, with both sides fighting for field position.

However, the French side started to gain attacking momentum and turned the screw.

A clinical move involving their flying backs saw Bielle-Biarrey find Damian Penaud on his right wing, with the French international stalwart running in for the score in the corner.

From there the French side continued to hammer down the pressure. Penaud was at the heart of things again, with a try assist on the right flank for lock, Guido Petti, to run in.

Ulster tried to get front foot ball going, with the energetic Zac Ward chasing down a kick into the Bordeaux 22 to try and gain some good field position.

In the phases after, the French side showed their devastating quality, when Moefana, sprinted into space and speedy wing, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, was found in space to finish.

Replacement prop, Ugo Boniface, scored a late sixth try from close range to seal the victory and end a tough afternoon for Ulster, who now face two BKT URC interprovincial derbies against Munster and Connacht to see out 2024.