Ulster to face Bordeaux in Champions Cup last 16

After Bordeaux defeated Sharks 66-12 to reach the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup, Ulster are now on point difference.

Richie Murphy’s side’s bonus-point 52-24 win over Exeter Chiefs on Friday night moved them level with fourth-placed Sharks on five points.

On Sunday, they needed already-qualified Bordeaux to beat Sharks by 29 points to have any chance of progressing on points difference.

Before Bordeaux fought back to take a 19-12 lead at half-time, the Sharks made a strong start in France.

Damian Penaud scored a tournament-record six tries as a blistering second-half display as 47 unanswered points saw Bordeaux power past Sharks.

With a better points differential of -61 than -87, the Sharks’ -87 resulted in Ulster leapfrog them into fourth place.

The victory gave Bordeaux the lead in Pool 1 and home advantage against Ulster on April’s first weekend.