Ulster Rugby defeated Stade Francais 22‑15 at Belfast’s Affidea Stadium, securing first place in Pool C of the European Challenge Cup. The victory boosts Ulster’s knockout prospects, showcases their balanced forward‑back play, and marks a key milestone in head coach Richie Murphy’s rebuilding plan.
Match Summary
The game began with both sides testing each other’s defenses. Ulster broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when inside centre Iain Henderson dove over after a crisp line‑break from fly‑half Nathan Doak. A penalty by Mathieu Bastareaud reduced the gap, but Ulster’s disciplined defense kept the pressure on the French side.
Key Scoring Moments
- 12’ – Iain Henderson try: Early lead set the tempo for Ulster.
- 30’ – Jacob Stockdale try: High ball catch inside the 22, a swift run, and a sideline finish extended the lead to 14‑3.
- 48’ – Stade Francais penalty try: French comeback narrowed the score to 14‑10.
- 62’ – Nathan Doak penalty: Long‑range kick restored a seven‑point cushion.
- 78’ – Final Doak penalty: Sealed the 22‑15 victory.
Ulster’s Recent Form and Coaching Impact
Under head coach Richie Murphy, Ulster has blended traditional forward power with expansive back‑line attacks. This approach was evident throughout the match, with quick ball at the breakdown enabling swift sweeping moves. The win marks the province’s third consecutive pool victory, positioning them strongly for the knockout stages.
Strategic Highlights
- Hybrid style balances set‑piece dominance and open‑play creativity.
- Effective breakdown work generated clean ball for the backs.
- Defensive resilience limited French scoring opportunities.
Implications for the Season Ahead
Leading Pool C offers Ulster strategic flexibility for squad rotation ahead of a demanding United Rugby Championship schedule. The victory also lifts squad morale and provides a benchmark for Murphy’s development plan. However, injury concerns persist, with prop Tom Stewart exiting the match due to a suspected rib strain.
Depth and Rotation
- Emerging front‑row talent such as Toby McKee can cover potential gaps.
- Rotation options allow key players to stay fresh for upcoming URC fixtures.
Looking Forward
Ulster’s next test comes against Leinster in the United Rugby Championship. A strong performance will reinforce their status as a dual‑track contender, capable of a deep Challenge Cup run while vying for URC playoff positions. Continued commercial momentum, highlighted by rising ticket sales and popular Challenge Cup merchandise, supports the province’s long‑term ambitions.
