The United Rugby Championship encounter between Ulster and Cardiff concluded with a dramatic finish, as Ulster secured a narrow 19-17 victory. The winning penalty kick, executed by Ulster scrum-half John Cooney in the closing moments of the game, was steeped in controversy, leaving Cardiff to grapple with a bitter defeat.
The contentious denouement unfolded as Cardiff prop Rhys Carre was penalised for a deliberate knock-on, a transgression vehemently denied by the player. This led to Carre’s sin-binning following his protestations to referee Mike Adamson. Cooney capitalised on the penalty, clinching victory for Ulster with a successful kick from in front of the posts.
Prior to the controversial climax, Cardiff suffered a setback when their number eight, Taulupe Faletau, sustained an injury in his comeback match. Faletau, an international for Wales, seemed to be nursing another arm issue, compounding Cardiff’s challenges in the match.
Theo Cabango made an impact for Cardiff by scoring a brace of tries, with Tinus de Beer converting both and adding a penalty. Ulster’s lone try came from David McCann, with crucial penalties from Nathan Doak and a conversion from Cooney proving pivotal in their slender victory.
Cardiff seized an early advantage with Cabango’s try, while Ulster struggled in the initial phase of the match. However, Ulster managed to rally with Doak’s penalty, narrowing the deficit and regaining momentum.
The second half witnessed Cabango adding to his tally with a second try, extending Cardiff’s lead. Ulster encountered further difficulties when Jacob Stockdale was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, but they navigated through this setback without conceding.
Ulster’s resilience shone through as they orchestrated a comeback, with McCann’s try and Cooney’s successful conversions propelling them into the lead for the first time in the game. Despite Cardiff’s efforts to regain control, Cooney’s long-range penalty kick further increased Ulster’s lead, setting the stage for the controversial conclusion that ultimately secured their victory.
In the dying embers of the game, Ulster’s relentless pressure culminated in Carre’s penalisation, paving the way for Cooney’s match-winning penalty kick. Despite Cardiff’s valiant efforts, they were unable to overturn the result, and Ulster emerged triumphant.
The match epitomised the competitive spirit of the United Rugby Championship, showcasing the resilience and determination of both teams. The spirited display and gripping denouement made for a captivating contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.