Ulster 24-24 Cardiff

Ulster and Cardiff played out the first draw of the Pro12 season in a game that puts the province's top 4 position in jeopardy.

The visitors took the lead through a 9th minute penalty. The opportunity came on the back of clumsy Ulster defending at the breakdown on the 22, and the resulting kick was easily knocked over by Gareth Anscombe.

Ulster hit back almost immediately. With the referee playing an advantage after a high tackle on Charles Piutau, Ruan Pienaar collected the ball from the resulting ruck, and slotted a grubber kick in behind the Welsh line. Paddy Jackson came through at pace, and after some soccer-style dribbling he touched down under the posts before adding the conversion.

Cardiff hit back with a try of their own in the 23rd minute. There appeared to be a forward pass in the buildup play among their backs as they worked their way down the Ulster flank. They moved the ball to the far side, and Sam Warburton crossed after several phases involving the forwards. Anscombe added the extras to put his side ahead.

Just before the half hour mark, Ulster had the chance to level things with a straightforward penalty. However, captain Rory Best opted for a kick into the corner, and from the resulting lineout, Cardiff conceded a penalty try which Jackson converted.

Just 7 minutes into the 2nd period, Cardiff made the most of some slack Ulster defending to score under the posts. Quick hands saw Ray Lee-Lo touch down with Anscombe doing the rest with the kick.

Ulster found an avenue back into the game when the returning Nick Williams conceded a penalty that was slotted by Jackson to make it 20-20.

On the hour mark, Cardiff’s Lee-Lo added his second try of the night. The centre broke through some half-hearted Ulster tackling just outside the 22, and he raced clear to touch down and send his side into the lead. Anscombe nailed another conversion, and Cardiff pulled ahead with 20 minutes remaining.

Ulster fought back though with a switch of play catching the Welsh backline off guard, and Luke Marshall drafted past a few defenders to run clear from the 22 and score Ulster’s third try. Paddy Jackson added the conversion to send the game into the final 10 minutes sitting level at 24 points apiece.