It would be wrong to say the beginning of Ulster's European campaign was a particularly positive run, with the province suffering three defeats in the first three rounds of action. However in adversity there was reward for the efforts in Rounds 2 and 3, with losing bonus points proving vitally important.
Despite the odds, Ulster found a way. The province now looks forward to competing in it's fourth Heineken Champions Cup playoffs stage, in the past five seasons. And they don't come bigger than interprovincial rivals, Leinster, who sit atop the BKT URC table and are seen by many as the top club side in world rugby.
The story of Pool B
Round 1: Sale Sharks 39-0 Ulster
In December's Champion's Cup opener, Ulster got off to a poor start in Pool B, with a heavy defeat away to Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Ulster didn’t go into this game the way they would like, with travel disruption affecting preparations ahead of kick-off. With number 8 Duane Vermeulen having been yellow carded, it was a day to forget as the province drew a rare blank against a Sharks side who were in the mood.
Round 2: Ulster 29-36 Stade Rochelais
Ulster aimed to bounce back from their opening defeat by taking on the reigning champions La Rochelle. The fixture was moved from Kingspan Stadium to the Aviva Stadium after a pitch inspection.
With the blow of losing out on home support, the match was played in a virtually empty Aviva Stadium and Ulster got off to a poor start with the French side putting on a ruthless display. To make matters worse, skipper Iain Henderson was sin binned for a penalty offence. Ulster went into half time 29 points down.
The province came out fighting in the second half and scored four tries through captain Iain Henderson, John Cooney, Duane Vermeulen and Tom Stewart. Cooney secured a second losing bonus point with a late penalty. Ulster came away from the match feeling disappointed but could take pride in a spirited second half that ensured two losing bonus points to show for their efforts.
Round 3: Stade Rochelais 7-3 Ulster
Eager to turn things around after two opening defeats, Ulster travelled to the intimidating atmosphere of Stade Marcel Deflandre, home of La Rochelle, to try and get their first win of the competition.
In difficuly windy, rainy conditions the Ulstermen put up a gritty fight against the powerful French side.
Nathan Doak's penalty sent the side 3-0 up in the second half but Ulster couldn't see out the powerful French side, led by their French international captain, Gregory Aldritt. With the clock in the red, replacement prop Joel Sclavi powered over the line to break Ulster hearts.
The province came away with an important losing bonus point, that would prove vital for qualification to the last 16 and could take pride in the impressive debut appearance of Ulster academy prospect, Harry Sheridan.
Round 4: Ulster 22-11 Sale Sharks
Seen by many as a turning point in Ulster's season, the recent frustrations of Europe and the URC were banished at Kingspan Stadium in a tough, well earned win. The win was significant as it confirmed Ulster's progression into the last 16 stage, at the expense of Sale Sharks and Clermont Auvergne.
Tries from Rob Lyttle, Rob Herring and Duane Vermeulen got the job done for the home side with John Cooney and Nathan Doak adding the extras.
The Next Stage
Should Ulster beat Leinster, the province will advance to the Quarter Final stage of the competition and would face the winner of Leicester Tigers v Edinburgh Rugby, which is being played on Friday 31 March (kick-off 8pm).
The Quarter Finals will take place across the following weekend, from the 7-9 of April. (Dates and Fixtures to be confirmed).
The Semi- Final stage will be held across the weekend of the 28-30 April. (Dates and Fixtures to be confirmed). The semi-finals will be played in Europe and the highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home country advantage.
The two winners of the semi-finals will secure a place in the final, which takes place on the Saturday 20 May at the Aviva Stadium.
