Ulster open European campaign with decisive win

Stockdale and McCloskey score to see off Wasps 19-9 in Belfast

INPHO
Published 14th Oct 2017

Two tries in two minutes helped Ulster to a 19-9 victory overs Wasps in the first round of the European Rugby Champions Cup.

After a lacklustre opening half during which John Cooney kicked a penalty, the province burst into life after the break.

Jacob Stockdale continued his tryscoring run in the 54th minute after good work by Charles Piutau.

The full-back broke the Wasps line after an Ulster maul, and his pass released the winger to score in the corner.

Stockdale then turned provider just 2 minutes later, firing a pass back infield to Stu McCloskey who bulldozed over from close range.

The visitors began to feel the pressure as the clock ticked down, and their indiscipline saw Josh Bassett yellow carded for a high tackle in the 74th minute.

Christian Leali'fano kept his cool to slot 2 late penalties and deny Wasps a losing bonus point.