Ulster and Exeter Chiefs clash in European Challenge Cup semi-final with final berth at stake

Key facts

• Ulster host Exeter Chiefs at Affidea Stadium in Belfast in the European Challenge Cup semi-final.
• The winner will play Montpellier or Dragons in the final in Bilbao on 22 May.
• Exeter won the European Champions Cup in 2020; Ulster's last silverware was the 2006 Celtic League.
• Exeter are without suspended Ethan Roots, and injured Greg Fisilau, Paul Brown-Bampoe, and captain Jack Yeandle.
• Ulster miss Australia prop Angus Bell and centre James Hume due to injury.
• Dafydd Jenkins captains Exeter; Rob Baxter names a changed XV with Scott Sio returning at loosehead.
• Kick-off is at 17:30 in Belfast, broadcast live on Premier Sports.

High stakes in Belfast as both teams chase historic final

Ulster and Exeter Chiefs meet at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast for the European Challenge Cup semi-final, with a place in the final on 22 May in Bilbao on the line. Neither side has ever reached the competition's final, adding extra weight to Saturday evening's encounter. Exeter, winners of the European Champions Cup in 2020, are seeking a return to continental glory. Ulster, who have not lifted silverware since the 2006 Celtic League title, see this as a chance to end a 19-year trophy drought.

Early exchanges marked by missed penalties and disallowed try

The opening 20 minutes saw both teams struggle to convert pressure into points. Ulster missed a penalty and had a try from Mike Lowry ruled out after a TMO check. Exeter's Henry Slade then missed his own penalty attempt. Ulster won a penalty metres inside the Exeter half, leading to a brief scuffle before Jack Murphy kicked into the corner. Exeter battled through mauls and looked set for the opening try, but the referee called them back for a forward pass.

Exeter's director of rugby expects a physical battle

Rob Baxter, Exeter's director of rugby, acknowledged the challenge ahead. 'This weekend is going to be a pretty big challenge. At their stadium, I imagine with a good crowd in, and after they rested and rotated a lot last week to prepare for this game, we’re expecting a pretty full-blooded, tough game of rugby,' he said. Baxter added: 'Ulster will certainly be expecting to set the physicality of the game early. They will think they can boss large areas of the game but my expectation is that we will turn up and set a different level of intensity at the start of the game to make it a very competitive encounter.'

Team changes and injury absences shape line-ups

Exeter made several changes to their XV, with Dafydd Jenkins leading the side. Scott Sio returns at loosehead, while Bachuki Tchumbadze packs down at tighthead. Max Norey earns a start at hooker after a strong second-half performance against Gloucester last weekend. Ulster are without Australia prop Angus Bell and centre James Hume due to injury. Exeter are missing suspended back-row Ethan Roots, while Greg Fisilau is being monitored for a knee issue. Paul Brown-Bampoe is unavailable as he continues return-to-play protocol after a head knock, and captain Jack Yeandle is also absent.

Key match-ups and tactical decisions

Christ Tshiunza starts at openside flanker for Exeter, with Tom Hooper on the blindside and Ross Vintcent at number eight. The half-back partnership of Stephen Varney and Harvey Skinner, who have 24 try assists between them this season, will be crucial. Len Ikitau starts at inside centre with Henry Slade outside him. Ben Hammersley comes in at full-back, allowing Campbell Ridl to move to the wing alongside Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Exeter have selected a traditional 5-3 split on the bench, with front-rowers Joseph Dweba, Ethan Burger, and Josh Iosefa-Scott among the replacements.

What lies ahead for the winner

The winner of this semi-final will face either Montpellier or Dragons in the final in Bilbao on 22 May. Both teams are aware that a victory would not only secure a place in the final but also mark a significant milestone in their respective histories. For Exeter, reaching the final would be another step in their European journey after their 2020 Champions Cup triumph. For Ulster, it would be a chance to end a long wait for silverware and restore pride in a club with a rich tradition.

The bottom line

• Ulster and Exeter are both seeking their first European Challenge Cup final appearance.
• The match is being played at Ulster's home ground, Affidea Stadium, in Belfast.
• Exeter are without several key players due to suspension, injury, and return-to-play protocols.
• Ulster have not won a trophy since 2006, while Exeter won the Champions Cup in 2020.
• The final is scheduled for 22 May in Bilbao, with the winner facing Montpellier or Dragons.
• Early in the match, both teams missed penalties and had a try disallowed.