ULSTER 20-13 LA ROCHELLE
It has been 386 days since Rory Best felt like what it was to win in an Ulster jersey. Had been anyway.
The Ulster captain has missed a slew of fixtures for his home province over the past year – due to injuries, Ireland duty and a late return after the Lions Tour – but the hooker had lost eight games on the bounce.
With Ulster needing to turn over a dangerous, free-scoring La Rochelle side to give themselves a chance of reaching the Champions Cup knock-out stages, Best and his teammates delivered.
The 35-year-old was absolutely immense for his side. Jacob Stockdale and Nick Timoney scored tries after Best got the Ulster comeback going. The hosts had been 6-0 down and clinging on but a yellow card flashed at Paul Jordaan, midway through the first half, proved crucial.
Best powered over to get the Ulster response rumbling and Stockdale created a score from an improbable position. Scrumhalf John Cooney missed both conversion but he made no mistake with a convesrion after Timoney bulled over and he added a penalty to make it 20-13.
Whether they were in the frying pan or setting fire to La Rochelle’s defence, Best was at the heart of it all. He won two crucial turnovers, landed six tackles, was solid in his lineout throwing and a pure menace at the breakdown.
Even when Ulster were in danger of conceding a try, from a rolling maul, Best came in from the side and conceded a penalty. One suspected he knew exactly what he was up to.
Ulster were dogged and ravenous in defence for the final quarter and held out for a crucial win. Best got a great reception from the home fans when he was brought off, on 72 minutes, and the social media response was equally effusive.
https://twitter.com/iamjohnegan/status/952187463983882240
Just like for @IrishRugby @RoryBest2 is the heart beat of this @UlsterRugby team one more try lads
— Odran OBrien (@Outhalf) January 13, 2018
Rory Best – ballhawk.
Brilliant positional instinct.
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) January 13, 2018
Ulster are playing some stuff! Rory best has been immense this first half! As good as he’s ever been! Showing real character and leadership! Another great European game! #ChampionsCup
— Declan Toner (@DeclanToner) January 13, 2018
Watching Rory Best is an absolute masterclass in top class forward play. Physical, courageous, aggressive and loads of intelligence. #ULSvLAR
— Paul O'Brien (@WestCorkPaul) January 13, 2018
The old stager is still the best Irish hooker in the game.
We’ll need him in the Six Nations but this was Ulster’s day. It was Best’s day.
