Relentless La Rochelle too strong for brave Ulster

Ulster succumbed to second half blitz against French high-flyers, La Rochelle, to lose 41-17 at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre.

Christian Lealiifano and Tommy Bowe were the Ulster try scorers, but tries from Kevin Gourdon, Pierre Aguillon and Jason Eaton within six minutes of each other killed any hope that Ulster had of an upset.

Ulster’s first half was a positive. Jeremy Sinzelle capitalised on an Ulster handling error to score the game’s first try but Ulster bounced back for one of their own. Taken out of the Leinster playbook, a loop between Lealiifano and Darren Cave created an overlap for Tommy Bowe. A dummy run from Charles Piutau attracted the attention of two defenders, allowing Lealiifano and Bowe a two on one.

Paul Marshall had only played 81 minutes of rugby prior to this game but his kicking helped put La Rochelle on the back foot in the first half. Ulster’s forwards fronted up which gave Marshall quick ball to release the backs. Piutau used the quick ball to exploit gaps in the . . .

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