In bright, dry conditions in Belfast, Richie Murphy’s side combined physicality, control and clinical finishing to overcome a determined Exeter outfit and continue their impressive European run.
Spurred on by the loud home support, there was a feeling of excitement in the air about the prospect of reaching a final.
The opening exchanges were fiercely contested, with both sides testing each other physically and defensively. Both sides looked dangerous going forward, with Nick Timoney making an important defensive contribution as he chased back to thwart Ross Vintcent's early break into space.
Ulster thought they had struck first on 14 minutes when Michael Lowry crossed the line after a sweeping move, but the try was ruled out following a TMO review for foul play in the build-up.
The home side were then put under some pressure from Exeter, who had set up a five metre lineout with a kick to touch.
Ulster's maul defence was strong, and after a series of phases, the province were able to force a knock on and clear their lines.
From there, Ulster continued to apply pressure and made it count on 26 minutes.
After a series of powerful close-range carries from the forwards, South African number eight, Juarno Augustus, forced his way over from a tap-and-go move to score the opening try. Nathan Doak converted to give Ulster a 7–0 lead.
Exeter responded quickly, capitalising on a period with Ulster reduced to 14 men following Jacob Stockdale’s yellow card for a high tackle on England international wing, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
On 30 minutes, number eight Ross Vintcent powered over from close range after sustained pressure, with Henry Slade adding the conversion to level the score at 7–7.
Ulster regained control before the break, showing composure to manage territory and possession. Ulster went for their second try and attacked the Exeter whitewash, however Rob Baxter's side managed to hold it up on that occasion.
With penalty advantage, Tom Stewart tapped and went, but the ball was knocked forward in a hefty tackle.
Their efforts were rewarded on 39 minutes when Doak slotted a penalty to edge the hosts back in front at 10–7 before the half-time whistle.
Half-time: Ulster 10 – 7 Exeter Chiefs
Ulster emerged for the second half with renewed intent and quickly extended their lead. An important turnover from Cormac Izuchukwu gave Ulster the platform to venture into the Exeter 22.
On 46 minutes, a well-worked attacking move saw Jack Murphy burst through from close range to score after strong carries from Stuart McCloskey and the forward pack. Doak added an excellent conversion from the touchline to make it 17–7.
With momentum building, Ulster struck again on 57 minutes. Following sustained pressure inside the Exeter 22, replacement back, Ethan McIlroy, made metres into the Exeter Chiefs 22 with his break down the right flank. Tackled metres from the tryline, he shielded the ball for Nathan Doak, who then fed David McCann. The energetic flanker produced a powerful finish, driving over the line despite multiple defenders to score.
The conversion was missed, but Ulster had opened up a 22–7 advantage.
The home side continued to dominate territory and set-piece, and their control was further rewarded on 65 minutes.
A well-executed rolling maul saw Tom Stewart peel off the back to score, capping a clinical period of play. Doak converted to extend the lead to 29–7.
The home support were loving what they were seeing from the team, and it was infectious as Ulster fought for every ball and were aggressive in their work all over. A late turnover from Ethan McIlroy and a determined try-saving tap down from Nathan Doak summed up the fight being shown throughout the team, knowing a place in the final was within their grasp.
Exeter continued to fight and managed a late consolation in the final minutes, with Campbell Ridl finishing in the corner after a quick attacking move. The conversion was missed, but it proved to be the final act of the match.
Full-time: Ulster 29 – 12 Exeter Chiefs
It was a performance built on physical dominance, clinical execution and defensive resilience.
Ulster controlled key moments throughout and responded impressively to Exeter’s challenges, particularly during periods of adversity.
With momentum firmly on their side, Ulster now look ahead to a Challenge Cup final appearance in Bilbao later this month and a shot at winning silverware.
Attention will turn next to two vital URC matches at home, with South African side, DHL Stormers, and Glasgow Warriors coming to Belfast, with Richie Murphy's side firmly in the fight for the top eight of the league.
Player of the Match - Juarno Augustus
A powerful performance from the South African forward, who was a menace around the breakdown for Ulster. He powered his way over for the province's opening try to break the deadlock and was a constant threat against Exeter with his carrying and defensive efforts.
Scorers:
Ulster:
Tries – Augustus, Murphy, McCann, Stewart.
Cons – Doak (3)
Pens – Doak (1)
Exeter Chiefs:
Tries – Vintcent, Ridl.
Cons – Slade (1)
Teams
Ulster Rugby:
15. Mike Lowry, 14. Zac Ward, 13. Jude Postlethwaite, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 10. Jack Murphy, 9. Nathan Doak, 1. Sam Crean, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. Dave McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Juarno Augustus
Replacements:
16. James McCormick, 17. Eric O'Sullivan, 18. Tom McAllister, 19. Charlie Irvine, 20. Bryn Ward, 21. Conor McKee, 22. Jake Flannery, 23. Ethan McIlroy
Exeter Chiefs:
15. Ben Hammersley, 14. Campbell Ridl, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Len Ikitau, 11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 10. Harvey Skinner, 9. Steve Varney, 1. Scott Sio, 2. Max Norey, 3. Bachuki Tchumbadze, 4. Dafydd Jenkins (c), 5. Andrea Zambonin, 6. Tom Hooper, 7. Christ Tshiunza, 8. Ross Vintcent
Replacements:
16. Joseph Dweba, 17. Ethan Burger, 18. Josh Iosefa-Scott, 19. Rus Tuima, 20. Finn Worley-Brady, 21. Tom Cairns, 22. Will Haydon-Wood, 23. Nick Lilley