Rugby

Cormac Izuchukwu’s Hat-Trick Powers Ulster Past Exeter

Cormac Izuchukwu’s hat-trick powered Ulster to a crucial 50-14 bonus-point victory over Exeter Chiefs, keeping their hopes of reaching the Investec Champions Cup knockout stages alive. Despite falling 12-0 behind early, Ulster mounted a strong comeback, drawing level at half-time after a high-scoring first half which saw both teams share six tries. Exeter Chiefs initially surged ahead with two tries from Paul Brown-Bampoe and Ross Vintcent.

However, Ulster responded with two close-range tries from Izuchukwu and Dave McCann to equalize at 12-12. Both teams played an error-prone but expansive game with Rus Tuima’s try for Exeter answered quickly by Ulster’s Nick Timoney, leaving the score level at half-time. In the second half, Ulster dominated. They started strongly, earning a scrum penalty that set up their first try of the half with John Herring scoring after a powerful maul.

Ulster continued their onslaught with Cormac Izuchukwu completing his hat-trick and Ben Carson and McCann adding further tries, putting the home side 35 points clear. Despite a late try from Exeter’s Zack Wimbush, the Chiefs were well-beaten. The result sees Ulster draw level on points with the Sharks but still behind on points difference. This dominant win over Exeter could prove a turning point in their season even if they fail to progress to the knockout rounds.

With Ulster’s fate now in the hands of the Bordeaux-Sharks match, they need a 29-point win for Bordeaux to advance. Exeter, on the other hand, suffered another heavy defeat, maintaining a dismal record of just one win from 14 games this season.

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