Match Reports

Match Report | Ulster 31-15 Racing 92

17th December 2023

In a touching tribute prior to the match, Ulster Rugby held a moment of applause for the late Dr Syd Millar CBE, which was observed impeccably by all in Kingspan Stadium.

Ulster started brightly and on the front foot, with good possession in the Racing 22. A 5m tap and go penalty got the Ulster maul going and flanker Nick Timoney muscled his way over the Racing tryline to give Ulster an early lead after four minutes. John Cooney made no mistake from the tee, making it an early 7-0 lead.

Ulster had struggled in recent weeks with the scrum side of the game but tonight the front row showed what they had been working on in the week, with an excellent performance in the set-piece.

Making his first European home start, Steven Kitshoff, put on a brilliant display alongside Rob Herring and Tom O'Toole, with tidy work in the scrum and the loose.

The crowd had plenty to cheer about in the opening exchanges of the match, one highlight was Jacob Stockdale landing a crunching tackle on Henry Arundell that the crowd loved.

Racing were fighting Ulster for field position, and showed their class at times with quick ball along their backline, the French scrum half, Le Garrec in particular was a constant buzz of energy for the Parisian side.

Ulster landed their second blow of the half after 24 minutes when another 5m tap and go penalty was kept alive, with scrum half John Cooney expertly finding Stuart McCloskey, who swivelled for an excellent finish. Cooney's kick kissed the posts but was good and Ulster went 14-0 up against the French giants.

Racing thought they had scored a slick attacking try from a Le Garrec line break however a TMO check would rule it out after confirming a crossing offence.

The setback didn't prevent Racing from getting their way into the match, as a smart cross field kick from Gibert found Imhoff, who then fed Le Garrec on the wing, who showed quick speed to dot down for the away side's first try of the contest.

Another key moment before the half was when James Hume made an outstanding tackle on the Racing captain, Fickou, as the frenchmen looked to score a quick second in Ulster's 22.

Ulster's defensive work then flipped into a devastating attack, as Jacob Stockdale had a brilliant line break, to find Timoney on the support line, who then fed Cooney inside, who was stopped just short of the Racing tryline.

The ball was kept alive and Hume fired out a delicious pass to Matty Rea, the number eight, finding himself out on the right wing of all places to gleefully score.

Cooney's conversion ensured the Ulstermen went into the break on top at 21-5.

HT: 21-5

Five minutes after the restart, Ulster's accuracy in possession gained them more entry into the Racing 22. Another 5m tap and go penalty was awarded and Nick Timoney added to his collection for the night, bulldozing his way over from the maul. Cooney nailed the kick to send Ulster into a 28-5 lead.

Racing got themselves back in the points with Tarrit finishing off phases of pressure, however the kick was missed after a fantastic charge-down from John Cooney, which made the Grandstand roar infront of him.

Ulster showed an all round display in the game, with the gritty defensive work no doubt pleasing head coach, Dan McFarland.

Wing Rob Baloucoune is known for his try scoring, but there was no doubt his defensive work saved a certain try near the hour mark, with the Enniskillen man stopping the Racing winger in his tracks.

Jacob Stockdale almost added to his collection of oustanding scores against Racing, as he intercepted a pass in the Ulster 22 and broke at speed, only to be brought down around the halfway line.

The effort of the players was being felt in the atmosphere, as Kingspan Stadium rose to deafening levels.

In a familiar story, hooker Tarrit scored from a ruck for Racing minutes later, only for a combined Cooney and Lowry charge down to help Gilbert miss his conversion.

Ulster gained territory in Racing's half and a few metres short of the 22 were awarded a penalty. Cooney nailed the kick once more and it stretched Ulster's lead to 31-15.

The closing moments of the match had Kingspan Stadium in raptures, with big moments such as replacement Harry Sheridan winning an important scrum penalty and Mike Lowry showcasing his amazing speed and agility in an exciting line break before he was hauled down.

With some defensive work in the closing minutes, Ulster kept hold of possession, ran down the clock and Nathan Doak gleefully booted the ball out to end the contest.

The home crowd roared after another huge European home win, that came off the back of a disappointing three game losing streak.

The fact it was against one of the best sides in Europe, and the leaders of the French Top 14, showed Ulster can take on the top sides around and beat them.

A top performance from Dan McFarland's side that will be remembered for a long time.

FT: Ulster 31-15 Racing 92

Player of the match - Stuart McCloskey

The centre was one of many outstanding players on the night. McCloskey was a monsterous presence all night, full of slick passing, excellent tackling and making sure Ulster had excellent gainline speed, as they punched holes in the Racing rearguard. He also showed great awareness to spin his man for the second try of the night. A big performance from a big player.