Following last weekends’ gruelling win over Biarritz, Ulster only needed a win over Italian side Aironi this afternoon to qualify for the knock-out stages for the first time in 12 years. With the pressure on their shoulders, Ulster managed to turn the game around in the second half to defeat Aironi 6 – 43 and book their place in the Final 8 as one of two best placed runners-up.
Ulster looked nervous from the moment they took to the field and after failing to gather the ball from kick off, it looked like their nerves could be their undoing. However the team soon made amends for the early error and placed the Italians under intense pressure.
After failing to roll away after a tackle, Ulster were given the chance to put the first points on the board as Ian Humphreys opted for the posts. Aironi 0 Ulster 3.
Aironi had a chance to level the scores moments later when Stephen Ferris was penalised for the same offence. However the home side chose the lineout, failing to make any ground with the decision.
Fifteen minutes into the game and an infringement from Declan Fitzpatrick provided Aironi with another penalty . . .
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