Ex-England bruiser shines as Montpellier fry Ulster in Challenge Cup final

Former England number eight Billy Vunipola inspired Montpellier to a 59-26 victory in the Challenge Cup final at San Mames Stadium to ensure Ulster’s long wait for silverware continues.

Vunipola crossed in the first half and was a force for the 49 minutes he was on the field as the Top 14 title challengers’ pack stamped their authority on the match early on and never let up.

Ulster were swamped in defence and lacked the stopping power needed against Montpellier’s heavyweight forwards as their quest for a first trophy since the 2006 Celtic League melted in the searing Bilbao heat.

The 1999 European champions were missing a number of players, including Ireland internationals Stuart McCloskey and Iain Henderson to injury and suspension respectively, and they had been blasted out of contention by half-time.

They struck first through Nick Timoney after full-back Tom Banks had dropped a Nathan Doak kick, but their promising start quickly proved to be an illusion.

Fixture

Challenge Cup

Montpellier

59 - 26

Full-time

Ulster

All Stats and Data

Montpellier’s wings Gabriel N’Gandebe and Donovan Taofifenua ran in tries but on both occasions they were helped by Ulster mistakes, most notably a line-out misfire that was the prelude to Taofifenua touching down.

Just as Montpellier looked like pulling away, Cormac Izuchukwu ran a great line to race through a gap and the second-row had the gas to finish a glorious try in the right corner.

But Ulster were soon back under the pressure with their defence buckling from the weight of their opponents’ forward carries and in the 31st minute they were breached for the third time by the outstanding Vunipola.

Montpellier’s dominance up front continued when a maul was finished by Alex Becognee and early in the second half their scrum went hurtling forwards to harvest a penalty.

There was nothing route one about Taofifenua’s extraordinary flying finish in the left corner and from the restart they were overwhelmed once again, with Vunipola drawing in two tacklers to send Lenni Nouchi over.

Robert Baloucoune hit back with a classy finish after slipping through the midfield but Ulster were battered by another maul with Baptiste Erdocio crossing.

Montpellier were taking full advantage of a defence that had disintegrated, with Wilfrid Hounkpatin the next over.

Mike Lowry crossed with a flourish for Ulster but Arthur Vincent wrapped up an eighth successive victory for the Top 14 heavyweights, who will now turn their attention to completing a league and cup double.