Belfast, Northern Ireland – Ulster delivered a dominant second-half performance to defeat Racing 92 61-7 in their Champions Cup clash on Saturday. Despite a first-half intercept try from Racing’s Antoine Gibert, Ulster responded with a relentless display of attacking rugby and staunch defence.
This marked Ulster’s first time starting a campaign in the second-tier European competition, even though they had previously dropped into the Challenge Cup after the pool stages in 2021 and 2024. Racing,currently 11th in the Top 14 table,fielded a team without French internationals Romain Taofifenua and Gael Fickou,seemingly prioritizing domestic commitments.
Jacob Stockdale scored Ulster’s first try after 15 minutes, showcasing the sharp passing implemented under new attack coach Mark Sexton. Rob Herring added another five minutes before halftime, following a penalty against Racing’s Will Rowlands. Ulster led at the break despite Racing creating better opportunities, aided by crucial defensive efforts from Robert baloucoune and Nick Timoney.
Ulster seized control early in the second half with tries from Tom O’toole and Tom Stewart, securing a bonus point. The arrival of Wallaby prop Harry Bell as a substitute ignited the crowd, but it was Scott Wilson who extended Ulster’s lead.
A late surge saw five further tries in the final 13 minutes, with Jake Flannery, a brace from Zac Ward, and a second from Stockdale completing the rout. The final score of 61-7 reflects Ulster’s complete victory.
