In an encounter that swung dramatically in momentum, Richie Murphy’s side combined first-half attacking ambition with late defensive resolve to emerge victorious in Belfast.
With an all Irish-Qualified match day 23, Ulster showed the best of their talent in the first half, with some superb attacking plays and gritty defence.
Ulster began the contest with clear intent, immediately testing Stade with width, tempo and precision. From the opening minutes, the hosts played with ambition, moving the ball swiftly across the pitch and asking questions of the French defence. That early pressure told almost immediately when a flowing backline move sent Tom O’Toole surging onto a short pass going over for the try. Jack Murphy added the conversion to give Ulster a 7–0 lead inside three minutes.
The early score set the tone for a dominant first quarter. Ulster controlled territory through intelligent kicking from Murphy and Nathan Doak, while the pack laid strong foundations at the breakdown. Stade struggled to exit cleanly and were repeatedly forced back into their own half as Ulster recycled quickly and attacked with confidence.
That dominance was rewarded again midway through the half. After sustained pressure from a scrum inside the Stade 22, Ulster shifted the ball wide with pace, eventually sending Baloucoune over once more near the corner. Although the conversion was missed, Ulster’s control was evident at 12–0.
Ulster continued to play expansive rugby, stretching Stade across the width of the pitch. Stuart McCloskey and James Hume punched holes through midfield, while Zac Ward and Jacob Stockdale posed constant threats out wide. A superb attacking sequence appeared to result in a third try under the posts, but it was ruled out for a forward pass following TMO review.
Undeterred, Ulster responded almost immediately. Another slick backs move carved Stade open, with McCloskey finishing strongly in the corner after crisp hands across the line. Murphy’s excellent conversion from wide right pushed the lead out to 19–0.
The hosts were not finished there. Moments later, Rob Baloucoune produced a stunning break from halfway, weaving through defenders before offloading to Doak, who finished under the posts to cap a breathtaking spell of attacking rugby. Murphy converted to send Ulster into the break with a commanding 26–0 advantage.
Half-time: Ulster 26 – 0 Stade Français
Stade emerged after the interval with renewed intensity and quickly shifted the momentum. Increased physicality at the breakdown and power from the French pack began to challenge Ulster’s previously secure platform. After sustained pressure close to the Ulster line, Stade were eventually rewarded when tighthead prop Melikidze powered over. Foursans converted to reduce the deficit to 26–7.
Ulster suddenly found themselves under pressure as Stade’s bench injected fresh energy. A cleverly executed cross-field kick soon caught the Ulster defence short, allowing Laloi to ground the ball despite heavy pressure. Although the conversion was missed, the visitors had cut the gap to 26–12 and belief began to grow.
The match tightened further when a third Stade try followed from a rolling maul, with Peyresblanques peeling off the back to score. Foursans added the conversion to bring Stade within seven points at 26–19, setting up a tense final quarter.
Ulster had chances to regain control, but errors crept in and a potential try was ruled out for obstruction following TMO review. Stade continued to press, dominating possession and territory, while Ulster were forced into prolonged defensive sets.
In the closing stages, Ulster’s defensive resolve came to the fore. Turnovers at crucial moments, a held-up ball over the line, and immense collective effort from the pack ensured Stade were kept at bay. As the clock ticked into the red, Ulster absorbed wave after wave of pressure before a Stade knock-on finally brought the contest to an end.
While Ulster dazzled in the first half with some of their most fluent attacking rugby of the season, the second half demanded grit, resilience and composure. Surviving a late Stade resurgence, Ulster not only claimed victory but secured top spot in Pool 3, a significant achievement that underlines their growing belief and momentum in European competition under Richie Murphy.
Full-time: Ulster 26 – 19 Stade Français
Player of the Match - Bryn Ward
Another impressive display from the Academy forward, who was powerful in his carrying and work around the contact. Showed impressive energy levels with Stade pushing forwards in the second half.
Scorers
Ulster:
Tries – O’Toole, Baloucoune, McCloskey, Doak.
Cons – J Murphy (3)
Stade Français: Tries – Melikidze, Laloi, Peyresblanques.
Cons – Foursans (2)
Teams
Ulster Rugby:
15\. Stockdale, 14. Baloucoune, 13. Hume, 12. McCloskey, 11. Z Ward, 10. Murphy, 9. Doak, 8. Ward, 7. Timoney, 6. McCann, 5. Sheridan, 4. Iain Henderson (C), 3. O'Toole, 2. Stewart, 1. Crean
Replacements: 16. Herring, 17. O'Sullivan, 18. Wilson, 19. Dalton, 20. Reffell, 21. McKee, 22. Flannery, 23. Postlethwaite.
Stade Francais:
1\. Iscaro, 2. Garcia, 3. Melikidze, 4. Azagoh, 5. Botha, 6. Scelzo, 7. Hirigoyen, 8. Tanga, 9. Abadie, 10. Henry, 11. Etien, 12. Vili
13\. Ward ©️, 14. Laloi, 15. Ibo
Replacements:
16\. Peyresblanques, 17. Lux, 18. Abramishivili, 19. Turagacoke, 20. Halaifonua, 21. Motassi, 22. Foursans, 23. Ezeala