Ulster’s Paddy Jackson may have out-scored fellow fly-half Ian Madigan by eight points to six but it was the opposing number ten who came out on the winning side in the Champions Cup.
The match-up between the two Irish playmakers was always going to be a key battle in this fixture.
And when Madigan’s Bordeaux Begles snatched the lead in the final ten minutes of their opening pool game the French side went on to claim a 28-13 victory.
Madigan, who was replaced by Lionel Beauxis after 52 minutes, gave his side the lead in the third minute with a penalty but Jackson converted Andrew Trimble’s try and kicked two penalties to put Ulster ahead.
Tries from Sébastien Taofifenua, Blair Connor and a penalty try gave Bordeaux the win late on but there was further good news for Ulster in the form of Trimble.
Selected as captain on his first start of the season, the Ireland international wing marked his return by bursting through the French defence after being picked out by Ruan Pienaar.
Elsewhere, two-time British & Irish Lion Tommy Bowe and fellow Irish international Dan Tuohy both stepped up their returns from injury with Ulster A appearances against Jersey Reds in the British & Irish Cup, as did Sean O’Brien for Leinster A.
A good win for the Ravens last night and another 80mins. Best of luck to the @UlsterRugby lads… https://t.co/On6ErmEWSa
— Tommy Bowe (@TommyBowe14) October 15, 2016
