Lions Hand Ulster Their First Defeat at Ellis Park

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Ulster Rugby suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday, falling 49-31 to the Lions at Ellis Park in a lively United Rugby Championship match.

Rob Baloucoune’s impressive hat-trick was not enough to secure victory for the Irish side, who held a narrow lead of 19-17 at halftime. Baloucoune scored two early tries, along with a touchdown from James Hume, as Ulster battled for a fourth consecutive win.

Despite Ulster’s strong start, the Lions responded with seven tries, powered by strong performances from Chris Smith, who contributed 14 points through penalties and conversions. The Lions overwhelmed the visitors in the second half, running in five unanswered tries.

Ulster coach Richie Murphy noted the challenges posed by the high altitude and heat of Johannesburg, where temperatures reached almost 30 degrees. “We’re in that game for 55, 60 minutes and let it get away from us in the end,” Murphy said. “Our error count was too high, inviting the Lions into the game.”

In addition to Baloucoune’s stellar performance, Ulster managed tries from McCann and Hume, but it was not enough to stave off defeat. The Lions took advantage of Ulster’s depleted lineup, missing key players including Jacob Stockdale and Stuart McCloskey, who were on international duty.

Baloucoune’s return from injury promoted praise from Murphy, who described his performance as “incredible.” He added, “Having Rob back is fantastic. He got through another full game, which is exciting for us.”

Ulster’s battlefield adjustments included a last-minute lineup change, with Bryn Ward stepping in at back row after Juarno Augustus was ruled out due to injury. Murphy acknowledged the challenges faced by the altered lineup but highlighted their effort in a tough environment.

The defeat leaves Ulster with six points from their two matches in South Africa, following an earlier bonus-point win against the Sharks. They now face a lengthy wait before their next match against Benetton in Belfast on November 28.

Despite the disappointment, the performance showed promise for the season ahead. Murphys said, “Six points is a decent return, but we’re still hurting today. It’s really important that we flick the switch and get back to winning ways.”