Baloucoune hat-trick not enough as Ulster lose hectic clash with Lions  

A total of 80 points and a dozen tries were scored at Ellis Park but Richie Murphy's side saw their winning start to the season come to an end

REACHING OUT: Robert Baloucoune of Ulster dives over to score his third try during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and Ulster at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by Shaun Roy/Sportsfile

URC: Lions 49 Ulster 31

Rob Baloucoune's hat-trick wasn't enough to save Ulster as the province  suffered their first setback of the United Rugby Championship season, slipping to a 49-31 defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg.