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Ulster hit back to beat Montpellier and claim quarter-final spot
By PA
Ulster came from behind to earn a 40-17 victory over 14-man Montpellier and book their place in the last eight of the European Challenge Cup.
The visitors went into the half-time break 17-7 down as tries from Paul Willemse and Aubin Eymeri helped Montpellier surge into the lead, but Paul Addison touched down just before the half-hour mark to claw them back into the contest.
The major turning point came just after half-time as try-scorer Willemse saw red for a high tackle on Addison. Ulster took advantage of the extra man as Robert Baloucoune, Roger Wilson, David McCann and Stuart McCloskey all went over to set up a clash with Clermont in the quarter-finals.
Sharks scored seven tries as they cruised to a convincing 47-3 win over Zebre at Kings Park Stadium.
Tiff Eden slotted a penalty to give the Italian side an early lead but that was as good as it got as they failed to add to their score.
Vincent Tshituka flew over the whitewash for the first try of the game and Werner Kok and Corne Rahl scored two more to give Sharks a commanding first-half lead.
They showed no mercy after the break as Aphelele Fassi, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ethan Hooker and Curwin Bosch tries secured a comfortable victory.
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Latest Comments
There are a number of commercial avenues that arise from having a draft. Draft day in itself is a large commercial event that draws huge revenues from broadcasters and sponsors.
The context you added is “rugby’s current interest levels” but I don’t see how interest levels wouldnt be stimulated by a draft if it was done correctly. We already have fairly robust player movement in Super Rugby - a draft is really just adding in some structure and showmanship to the whole thing.
Your suggestions for a draft make sense - I would set the pathways alongside the U20s programs (min age of 20) but I wouldnt cap it, I would also allow players to come from any pathway - club, university and provincial competitions.
Go to commentsI know JGP and Lowe never played for the All Blacks but they were both multi year super rugby players. At the time Lowe was closer to ABs but I’m sure JGP would’ve made it at some point.
Either way those examples are terrible. Born, grew up and went though a development system where they became professionals. The barrier to represent another nation should be higher. Maybe the 5 year rule stops it, let’s see.
With the stand down, wonder if you could make it tier 1 > tier 2 only for switching? I’m guessing that’s the whole intention rather then say Sotutu going to England or Hodgman going ABs > wallabies.
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