Montpellier v Ulster | Match Report

Ulster will look back at this final and it will leave a bitter taste in their mouth as they seemingly were not able to fire a shot and realistically be in with a chance of winning from as early as the 38th minute. Montpellier on the other hand executed a perfect defensive strategy followed by sublime work by the forwards on both sides of the ball.

The URC side scored early as Nick Timoney went over but they conceded three minutes later as Gabriel Ngandebe helped level things. It was an arm wrestle until the 32nd minute where Montpellier forced a little daylight between te sides and then went into half time after another try with the score at 26-12. 

The second half saw the Top 14 based side continue to pile omn the pressure and with 30 minutes to play already held a 40-12 lead which all but ended the contest as Ulster were unable to gain a foothold. Often they would work phase after phase and lose ground being forced into compunding errors that often resulted in points for Montpellier.

The loose trio of Nouchi, Bocognee and Vunipola were arguably the difference on the night. Ulster were unable to get their big 12 and 13 into the game and this meant that Ward and Baloucoune get no ball to work with. 

The final score being 59-26 and an embarassing end to the season for Ulster while Montpellier will take this confidence back into the Top 14 where they sit second on the table