Despite a brilliant hat-trick from Rob Baloucoune, Ulster were unable to secure a fourth straight win as they fell 49-31 to the Lions in a thrilling United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter at Ellis Park. The high-scoring match showcased attacking flair from both sides, but a dominant second-half display from the hosts proved decisive.

Ulster Lead at Half-Time

Winger Baloucoune’s first two tries, combined with a smart score from James Hume, allowed Ulster to take a 19-17 lead at the break, chasing a fourth consecutive victory. Baloucoune, who has battled injuries over the past two seasons, added a third try later in the match to secure a try bonus point for the Irish province.

Ulster’s early-season momentum, however, was halted in the Johannesburg heat and altitude, as the Lions scored five second-half tries to claim the maximum five points. Chris Smith was pivotal for the Lions, contributing 14 points through kicks, while the likes of SJ Kotze, Eduan Keyter, Ruan Venter, Renzo du Plessis, Henco van Wyk, and Conrad van Vuuren crossed the try line.

Ulster Missing Key Players

Ulster faced challenges in team selection, with Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey, Iain Henderson, and Nick Timoney absent on Ireland duty. A late fitness test failure from Juarno Augustus forced a reshuffle, giving debutant Bryn Ward a start in the back row alongside Tom Stewart, who switched from hooker to openside flanker.

The opening exchanges saw Ulster trade blows with the Lions as Kotze and Keyter scored for the hosts, sandwiching Baloucoune’s first try. Hume then brought Ulster level with a clever finish under the posts after a chip from Jack Murphy.

Lions Surge in Second Half

Even with the Lions temporarily reduced to 14 men following Asenathi Ntlabakanye’s yellow card, they edged ahead through Chris Smith’s penalty. Ulster regained the lead just before half-time thanks to Baloucoune’s superb finish in the corner, but the second half belonged to the home side.

After Venter restored the Lions’ lead, Baloucoune scored his third try, and further tries from du Plessis and Ulster’s Dave McCann were overshadowed by late scores from Van Wyk and Van Vuuren, sealing the Lions’ victory.

Ulster’s Autumn Break Ahead

Ulster finish their South African tour with six points from two matches, having earned a bonus-point win over the Sharks in Durban last week. They now face over a month before returning to URC action against Benetton at home on 28 November, aiming to regain their early-season momentum.

Match Summary

Lions 49 – 31 Ulster

• Lions Tries: Kotze, Keyter, Venter, Du Plessis, Van Wyk, Van Vuuren 2
• Conversions/Pens: Smith 4/2
• Ulster Tries: Baloucoune 3, Hume, McCann
• Conversions: Doak 2, Flannery

Referee: Ben Connor (WRU)