Ulster Beats Racing 92 61-7 in Challenge Cup Opener

Ulster launched their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign with a commanding 61-7 victory over Racing 92 at Affidea Stadium in Belfast on Friday night, scoring nine tries in a dominant display that highlighted their attacking prowess.

The Irish province, under head coach Richie Murphy, overcame an early setback to overwhelm the French visitors, who fielded a much-rotated squad. Racing struck first in the seventh minute when flyhalf Antoine Gibert intercepted a pass from James Hume and raced in under the posts, converting his own try for a 7-0 lead. Ulster responded swiftly, leveling the score on 14 minutes through a well-worked move that saw Hume assist Jacob Stockdale for the fullback's first try, which Jack Murphy converted.

The first half remained tight, with Racing threatening through winger Wilfried Hulleu, who was stopped short by Zac Ward, and a disallowed try for center Vladi Ashvetia after a tackle from Robert Baloucoune. Captain Will Rowlands' effort near halftime was also ruled out by the television match official for obstruction, preserving Ulster's momentum. Four minutes from the break, hooker Rob Herring powered over from a driving maul, with Murphy's conversion giving the...