Ulster secured a shock win earlier over Champions Cup holders Toulouse, with help from an unlucky red card and a hat-trick from Robert Baloucoune.
The Ulster flyer showed just why he is regarded as one of the top talents in Irish rugby, while also showing Andy Farrell that he may have been worthy of some game time in the Six Nation Championship just gone.
Toulouse began the game in imperious fashion, with second-row Emmanuel Meafou crashing over after just six minutes while Thomas Ramos added the extras.
Soon after came the most crucial moment of the game when Argentinian winger Juan Cruz Mallia was sent off for taking out Ben Moxham in the air.
It was the correct call by referee Wayne Barnes but extremely unlucky for Mallia as there was clearly no malice intended and his eyes were firmly fixed on the ball.
Ulster took advantage, and hit back swiftly with Baloucoune’s first try of the day after 13 minutes.
However, like many teams down to 14 men, Toulouse rallied and managed to reach half-time with a 13-7 lead, courtesy of Ramos’ fine boot.
But the home side could not hold out, and Baloucoune finished off his second try of the afternoon after a powerful break from the ever-brilliant Stuart McCloskey.
The Ulstermen open things up 🔥
Excellent hands to work it wide and Robert Baloucoune gets his second of the match 👏@UlsterRugby back in it 💪#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/Ir7RLtXcnJ— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 9, 2022
Toulouse had a try chalked off by the TMO, before Andrew Warwick came off the bench to score Ulster’s third try of the afternoon.
Just seven minutes later Baloucoune struck the killer blow with an intercept try when Toulouse were threatening in the Ulster 22.
ROBERT BALOUCOUNE HAT-TRICK 🤩
The long pass was easily read by the winger to intercept and find open grass ahead of him 🏃♂️💨@UlsterRugby in dreamland ✨#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/XCuLy8eltD— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 9, 2022
The score opened up a wide 26-13 lead for the away team but they will be kicking themselves for letting in a last minute try to leave a final score of 26-20. Toulouse even found time to launch another attack for the win but knocked on and Barnes blew up to the relief of Ulster.
This, of course, is only the first leg of their round of 16 clash and the two sides meet again next Saturday at the Kingspan Stadium.
See Also: Watch: Toulouse Man Sent Off For Shocking Tackle In The Air On Ulster Winger
