The short version
- Ulster defeated Zebre 40-21 to earn a bonus point in their European Challenge Cup campaign.
- Academy graduate Henry Walker scored two tries on his first competitive start for the province.
- The team now faces three consecutive away matches in the URC, including games against South African sides.
Ulster opened their European Challenge Cup campaign with a decisive victory over Zebre in Parma, securing a bonus point through a comprehensive six-try performance. The win establishes an early advantage in the competition for the Irish province, who demonstrated both offensive depth and defensive resilience against a tenacious Italian outfit. By controlling the tempo and capitalizing on set-piece opportunities, Ulster managed to build a substantial lead before weathering a second-half surge from their hosts.
The match began with intense pressure from Zebre, whose line-out play created dangerous chances in the opening exchanges. However, Ulster’s defense held firm, repelling early attacks and preventing any immediate scoring threats. This defensive solidity allowed the visitors to settle into a rhythm, transitioning smoothly from containment to attack as the first ten minutes progressed. The ability to withstand initial pressure proved crucial in setting the tone for the remainder of the contest.
Henry Walker emerged as a standout performer on his first competitive start for Richie Murphy’s side. The recent academy graduate scored two tries in the first half, showcasing significant promise in the front row. His first try came after a period of tight play, breaking the deadlock and signaling Ulster’s intent to dominate possession. Walker’s second score followed shortly thereafter, extending the lead and highlighting his immediate impact on the senior team. His performance underscored the value of integrating young talent into high-stakes matches.
Jacob Stockdale also contributed significantly to the scoring tally, crossing for a try that extended Ulster’s advantage to twelve points. His effort came after a strong team move, illustrating the cohesive nature of the visitors’ attack. Although a potential score by Nathan Doak was ruled out due to a knock-on, Stockdale’s finish ensured that the momentum remained firmly with Ulster. By halftime, the province had established a 19-0 lead, effectively neutralizing Zebre’s attacking efforts and limiting them to half-chances.
Zebre mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, beginning with a try from Giovanni Licata following a scrum. The conversion by Giacomo da Re brought the hosts back into contention, reducing the deficit and injecting energy into their play. However, Ulster responded quickly through David McCann, who marked his first time captaining the side with a try of his own. This response restored the 19-point advantage and demonstrated the leadership qualities required to maintain control under pressure.
The match grew tighter as Zebre capitalized on a numerical advantage after Jack Murphy was sent to the sin-bin shortly after coming on as a replacement. Alessandro Ortombina scored for the hosts, taking full advantage of the disciplinary setback. Despite this setback, Ulster maintained their composure and continued to apply pressure. Mike Lowry added another try for the visitors, finishing off a patient move that highlighted the team’s ability to break down defenses even when outnumbered.
Zebre refused to concede, with Giovanni Montemauri scoring a try that temporarily threatened Ulster’s bonus point status. The score brought the hosts within striking distance and raised the stakes in the final minutes. However, Martin Moloney responded swiftly, crossing for a try that restored the crucial three-try buffer. This late effort sealed maximum points for Ulster, ensuring they left Parma with a perfect result from their opening fixture.
With the Challenge Cup paused until December, Ulster’s attention now shifts to a challenging run of away fixtures in the United Rugby Championship. The province faces three consecutive trips, beginning with a double-header against South African teams, the Bulls and Stormers. These matches will test the squad’s depth and endurance, particularly after the physical demands of the European opener. The performance against Zebre suggests Ulster is well-prepared for the rigors of international travel and competition.
The victory highlights the effectiveness of Ulster’s current strategy, blending experienced internationals with emerging academy talent. Walker’s success in his debut start indicates a promising future for the province’s forward pack, while Stockdale and McCann provided stability in the backline. As the season progresses, maintaining this balance will be essential for sustaining performance levels across multiple competitions. The bonus-point win serves as a strong foundation for what promises to be a demanding campaign ahead.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Six-try Ulster secure bonus point against Zebre
