Ulster come so close to shocking Biarritz

Biarritz 25 Ulster 20

A dramatic fightback by Ulster narrowly failed to secure what would have been a sensational victory over the French champions in Heineken Cup Pool Six and now have a mountain to climb to qualify from pool six. “We should have won the game in the final 10 minutes,” admitted McCall. “But it was still a magnificent performance given that we went into the game without David Humphreys, Shane Stewart, Tyrone Howe and Ryan Constable.

“Biarritz have not lost at home this season and we gave them a big scare.”

McCall also claimed Biarritz’s third try should not have been given as substitute centre Jean-Emmanuel Cassin appeared to put his foot in touch as he touched down in the corner.

“It definitely wasn’t a try,” said McCall. “It happened in front of me and we have seen the television replays. But what can you do?”

Biarritz dominated for over an hour but came agonisingly close to throwing it away after Ulster stormed back into the game with tries by Jan Cunningham and Andy Ward.

But Ulster’s rally petered out just as it seemed they would steal victory as Biarritz cemented their place at the top of the pool.

After Dimitri Yachvili and Neil Doak had swapped penalties, Biarritz took control with tries by John Isaac and David Couzinet, the second coming when Ulster were reduced to 14 men following the sin-binning of Andy Ward.

Ulster narrowed the deficit after the break with Doak’s second penalty. Ulster then produced a thrilling comeback. First Cunningham went over and although Yachvili extended the lead with his second penalty, Biarritz had to endure a tense finale after Ward touched down, but held on. Scorers: Biarritz: Tries: Isaac, Couzinet, Cassin. Cons: Yachvili 2. Pens: Yachvili 2

Ulster Tries: J. Cunningham, Ward. Cons: Doak 2. Pens: Doak 2

BIARRITZ: Brusque, Bidabe, Bousses, Isaac, Stcherbina, Peyrelongue, Yachvili, Menieu, Gonzales, Avril, Couzinet, Roumat, Soucaze, Milheres, Versailles.

ULSTER: B. Cunningham, J. Topping, J. Cunningham, J. Bell, Young, Larkin, Doak, Fitzpatrick, Sexton, Kempson, Longwell, Davidson, McMillen, Brosnihan, Ward.