Physical Montpellier end Ulster's fairytale bid

MATCH REPORT: Montpellier’s immense physicality and relentless forward power proved far too much for Ulster as the French side stormed to a commanding 59-26 victory in the Challenge Cup final in Bilbao on Friday night.

The Top 14 heavyweights dominated the collisions, imposed themselves at set piece and punished Ulster’s defensive lapses to secure a third Challenge Cup crown, adding to their triumphs in 2016 and 2021.

For Ulster, meanwhile, the defeat extended a trophy drought that has now stretched beyond two decades, as hopes of ending their long wait for silverware were swept aside by a ruthless Montpellier performance.

There was a sense of inevitability about the result. Montpellier arrived as one of the form teams in France, whereas Ulster could only finish ninth in the United Rugby Championship.

Ulster grabbed the first try of the final in the third minute thanks to captain Nick Timoney and it was a dream start for the Irish.

And just like that, three minutes later, Ulster were cut open and Gabriel Ngandebe sprinted through for a simple finish. Ulster’s lead didn’t last long.

When Montpellier turned the ball over, they were attacking close to Ulster’s 22m. Arthur Vincent’s kick forced Ulster into a line-out five metres from their line.

Tom Stewart’s throw was long and Montpellier were gifted an easy try as Domingo Miotti cantered over in the corner to stretch their lead to 14-7.

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But it was Ulster who scored next. A Montpellier line-out ended up in Ulster’s hands, Zac Ward had a break and the ball ended up in the hands of lock Cormac Izuchukwu, who spotted a gap and went for it.

Montpellier was back on the horse, galloping towards the Ulster red zone, and it ended with big captain Billy Vunipola forcing his way over. Miotti took the French to a 21-12 lead.

It just showed the power of the monstrous Montpellier forwards. There were three entries into the 22 and three tries.

Ulster had no respite, as the French powered their way straight back into their half, trying to get themselves into another attacking position after Miotti pinged it into the corner.

Ticking towards halftime, that was a big moment for Montpellier. Ulster conceded a penalty in their defensive effort but the French kept marching on to secure their fourth try. There was no stopping the brute power.

Heading into halftime, Montpellier turned the ball over, kicked into touch, and ended an extremely difficult half for Ulster.

The second half got underway and quickly Montpellier worked it well through the hands. Donovan Taofifenua popped a little grubber kick through for N’Gandebe, but Mike Lowry was there to save the try.

However, the French work it out left from the kick-off and Donovan Taofifenua produced a world-class diving finish in the corner to stretch their lead to a comfortable 33-12.

It was a huge mountain to climb for Ulster to get back in the game.

To rub salt further into the Irish wounds, Montpellier ran onto the ball with pace once more, the ball was won back and this time it was Lenni Nouchi who bashed through tackles to score their sixth try.

Montpellier had blown Ulster away in the first nine minutes of the second half, and it was a test of character for Ulster from there.

They got tails up a bit after Robert Baloucoune found a tiny gap after a lineout, and no one could stop them en route to their third try.

But there was just no stopping the power of the French as they steamrolled over minutes later after bringing on some replacements.

Ulster were staggering like a boxer out on his feet, barely hanging on with 20 minutes still to go.

And the French were not done yet. Three minutes later, their forwards were at it again, as they barrelled over for their eighth try, this time it was Wilfrid Hounkpatin writing his name on the scorers’ list.

There is no substitute for power.

But to their credit, Ulster kept on punching. And they were rewarded eight minutes before halftime. Mike Lowry sneaked over, and Jake Flannery converted, but still trailed 26-54.

Probably a fair reflection of where these two teams are. Montpellier is one of the best teams in the Top 14 this season and Ulster can only finish ninth in the United Rugby Championship.

Just to emphasise how impressive this Montpellier is, they never stopped playing, scoring once more with a minute left on the clock.

Player of the Match: Alex Becognee – the flanker put in a massive shift with nine turnovers, a try, and an overall power game.

Scorers:

For Montpellier:
Tries:  Ngandebe, Taofifenua 2, Vunipola, Becognee, Nouchi, Erdocio, Hounkpatin, Vincent
Cons: Miotti 5, Coly 3

For Ulster:
Tries: Timoney, Izuchukwu, Baloucoune, Lowry
Cons: Doak 2, Flannery

Teams

Montpellier: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Gabriel N’Gandebe, 13 Arthur Vincent, 12 Auguste Cadot, 11 Donovan Taofifenua, 10 Domingo Miotti, 9 Ali Price, 8 Billy Vunipola (captain), 7 Alex Becognee, 6 Lenni Nouchi, 5 Tyler DuGuid, 4 Florian Verhaeghe, 3 Mohamed Haouas, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Enzo Forletta.
Replacements: 16 Lyam Akrab, 17 Baptiste Erdocio, 18 Wilfrid Hounkpatin, 19 Adam Beard, 20 Marco Tauleigne, 21 Leo Coly, 22 Thomas Darmon, 23 Jon Echegaray.

Ulster: 15 Mike Lowry, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 James Hume, 12 Jude Postlethwaite, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Nick Timoney (captain), 6 Dave McCann, 5 Cormac Izuchukwu, 4 Harry Sheridan, 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Tom Stewart, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 James McCormick, 17 Eric O’Sullivan, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Charlie Irvine, 20 Bryn Ward, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Ethan McIlroy.

Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant Referees: Andrea Piardi (Italy), Craig Evans (Wales)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)