The Front Row Union Sport - United Rugby Championship: Ulster 38 Benetton 34

United Rugby Championship: Ulster 38 Benetton 34

Apr 29, 2024

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On Friday evening 5^th placed Benetton were the visitors to Kingspan Stadium to face 10^th placed Ulster. Both sides needed to claim a win in their fight to finish in the top 8, in the United Rugby Championship, to qualify for the European Champions Cup next season.

Ulster got off to a poor start conceding a Tomasso Menoncello try after 6 minutes, to put Benetton 5-0 up.

Player of the match, John Cooney, had a perfect night, from the kicking tee

Ulster settled and replied on 16 minutes when Player of the Match John Cooney fed Tom Stewart to dot down under the posts. Cooney’s conversion gave Ulster a 7-5 lead.

Jacob Umaga‘s 24^th minute penalty goal restored Benetton’s lead at 8-7 before Reuben Crothers burrowed over. Cooney’s conversion had Ulster 14-8 up after 33 minutes.

Jacob Stockdale evades the Benetton defence to run in

On the stroke of halftime Jacob Stockdale was put away and ran in from 40 metres to score, beside the posts. Cooney converted and Ulster led 21-8 at halftime.

Umaga’s try, after 47 minutes reduced the deficit to 13-21, before Will Addison‘s 50^th minute try, out wide, on the right and Cooney’s conversion moved Ulster out to 28-13.

Benetton responded with tries by Toa Halafihi, 56 minutes, and Ivan Memer, 63 minutes, both converted by Tomas Albornoz to bring Benetton back to 27-28.

**Robert Baloucoune** produced a try saving tackle on Jacob Usage

Ulster steadied the ship. Cormac Izuchukwo‘s try on 67 minutes, converted by Cooney, and a 74^th minute penalty goal by Cooney put Ulster 38-27 up.

Benetton had the last say when Albornoz took a quick penalty, to score under the posts. His conversion pulled Benetton back to 34-38, as the final whistle sounded.

After Friday’s and Saturday’s results Ulster move up to 7^th place, ahead of Benetton on points difference. Ulster may rue the concession of a try bonus point and losing bonus point, come the end of the season.