Ulster reach Champions Cup last 16 as Bordeaux thrash Sharks

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.

As a blistering second-half display saw Bordeaux claim top spot in Pool 1 and home advantage in the following round in April, thanks to Damian Penaud’s record six tries.

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