Ireland trio see Ulster through Ospreys storm to Challenge Cup last 8

Ulster hung on to defeat Ospreys 28-24 and reach the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup.

In difficult Belfast conditions caused by Storm Dave, the hosts took an early lead as Cormac Izuchukwu crashed over.

The advantage was cancelled out by Reuben Morgan-Williams’ try for Ospreys in the ninth minute, and the scrum-half then sent in Dan Kasende.

Dan Edwards extended their advantage with a penalty, but Ulster reduced the deficit to 17-14 at half-time as David McCann touched down.

The Belfast side took the lead five minutes after the break through Jacob Stockdale before Nick Timoney strode away into the corner for Ulster’s fourth try.

Ulster could not take advantage of Jac Morgan’s sin bin and they were down to 14 men themselves with just over 10 minutes remaining after a high tackle from Jack Murphy led to a penalty try, but a score which would have given Ospreys the lead was ruled out for a forward pass.

Ulster Rugby:15. Ethan Mcilroy, 14. Werner Kok, 13. James Hume, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 10. Jake Flannery, 9. Nathan Doak, 1. Angus Bell, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O’Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. Dave McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Juarno Augustus
Replacements:

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Tom Stewart, 17. Sam Crean, 18. Scott Wilson, 19. Charlie Irvine, 20. Bryn Ward, 21. Conor McKee, 22. Jack Murphy, 23. Zac Ward

Ospreys: 15. Jack Walsh, 14. Daniel Kasende, 13. Owen Watkin, 12. Keiran Williams, 11. Luke Morgan, 10. Dan Edwards, 9. Reuben Morgan-Williams, 1. Gareth Thomas, 2. Sam Parry, 3. Rhys Henry, 4. Rhys Davies, 5. Ryan Smith, 6. Huw Sutton, 7. Jac Morgan (c), 8. Morgan Morris
Replacements:

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Efan Daniel, 17. Steff Thomas, 18. Tom Botha, 19. James Fender, 20. Harri Deaves, 21. Kieran Hardy, 22. Evardi Boshoff, 23. Iestyn Hopkins

Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe
TMO: David Rose