Ulster 26-22 Racing 92

INPHO
Author: Alex KeeryPublished 12th Jan 2019
Last updated 12th Jan 2019

Ulster beat Racing 92 in a thrilling European clash at Kingspan as the province took a huge step towards a place in the quarter finals.

Home captain Rory Best had called for an explosive start, and after just 7 minutes Ulster won a Racing lineout inside the French side's 22, and quickly moved it wide through the hands for winger Robert Baloucoune to race into the corner for a try on his European debut.

Jacob Stockdale then continued his run of scoring in every round as he shook off Antoine Claassen to touch down in the left corner, marking his 50th appearance for his home province and send Ulster into a 13-0 lead after just 15 minutes.

After 21 minutes, Racing hit back through Vakatawa, who powered through several weak Ulster tackles to dive in for a try, with Simon Zebo also crossing in the 28th minute to narrow the gap.

Early in the 2nd half, Stockdale added his second with a superb solo effort from inside his own half.

The Ireland winger burst through a tackle before executing a neat chip over the remaining defenders and as is so often the case, the ball bounced in his favour, and he collected to score the province's third try.

Racing quickly hit back again, moving the ball wide after some patient build-up for fullback Brice Dulin to touch down and make it 23-15 to the home side heading into the final 20 minutes.

The French then grabbed a 4th try, as a tired-looking Ulster defence could only watch as some neat hands saw replacement Klemenczak score, with the conversation bringing the gap between the sides down to a single point in the 65th minute.

Ulster had to hold their nerve until the final minute, when Will Addison kicked a penalty to secure a hugely important win.