Ulster 47-13 Benetton: Hosts return to winning ways in URC return

Ulster went into game boosted by the return of Ireland internationals Henderson, Nick Timoney and Jacob Stockdale. However, they suffered a late blow and were forced to reshuffle when captain Henderson was withdrawn from the line-up shortly before kick-off.

Early in the game, the home side’s injury list grew further after Matthew Dalton, Henderson’s replacement, was substituted.

Baloucoune’s try on 10 minutes gave Ulster the lead and stood after a television match official (TMO) check but, after registering a superb assist for the try, Nathan Doak missed the conversion.

Umaga then converted a penalty for the away side which had been awarded for an offside.

After Jude Postlethwaite had done well to find space, Kok put Ulster further ahead before Doak landed the conversion.

As the even start to the first half continued, a TMO check concurred that Benneton’s first try, scored by Bernasconi, was good and Umaga added the conversion.

The away side went ahead just before the break when Umaga’s penalty from distance kick flew between the posts.

After a slow start to the second period, Richie Murphy’s side went ahead once again after Hume scored after a nice passage of play in the Benetton 22.

Kok then registered his second try of the evening near the corner after a great work from Postlethwaite to drive Ulster forward.

Onisi Ratave received a yellow card in the 63rd minute before the hosts were awarded a penalty try for the Benetton winger’s deliberate knock-on trying to stop Baloucoune’s pass.

Ulster’s impressive second half performance continued as Harry Sheridan and Baloucoune rolled over the line, and Jake Flannery added both conversions to give the home side a very comfortable advantage at the final whistle.