Ulster Rugby v Wasps

EUROPEAN RUGBY CHAMPIONS CUP PREVIEW

ULSTER V WASPS EUROPEAN RUGBY CHAMPIONS CUP 2017/18 POOL 1 ROUND 1 AT KINGSPAN STADIUM

CURRENT STANDINGS - -

LAST TIME 15 26 17.08.17 KINGSPAN STADIUM

EUROPEAN CUP RECORD

ULSTER FORM GUIDE

WASPS FORM GUIDE

WIN DRAW LOST

WIN DRAW LOST

6 5 1 0

6 1 5 0

PLAYED WINS LOSSES DRAWS

TOURNAMENT

TOURNAMENT

MATCH FACTS

Wasps have won five of the six meetings between the clubs (L1), however, the two have not met in Europe since the 2001/02 season. Ulster's victory against Wasps in 2001/02 was their first against Premiership opposition in Europe. Including that match, Ulster have won 13 of their last 17 games against English opposition at Kingspan Stadium (L4). Wasps have lost six of their last seven games away to Irish provinces, including two such matches last season - against Connacht (pool stage) and Leinster (quarter-final). Ulster lost their last home game in the Champions Cup, how ever, they've not lost consecutive home games in the pool stage of the competition since 2007/08 . David Humphreys - current Gloucester Director of Rugby and a European Cup winner with Ulster in 1999 - scored 37 of Ulster's 42 points in their only win against Wasps in 2001, a record for the highest individual points tally in a European Cup match (1 try, 1 conversion, 4 drop goals, 6 penalties). Ulster had the best lineout success rate in the competition last season, claiming 96% of their throw-ins. Only Leinster (31) scored more tries in the pool stage last season than Premiership runners-up Wasps (28). No player beat as many defenders in the pool stage last season as Ulster's Charles Piutau (28); the former All Black also topped this chart in 2015/16 but whilst playing for Wasps. Wasps' Ashley Johnson and Ulster's lain Henderson were two of just four players to make 50+ carries and 50+ tackles in last season's pool stage, along with Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors) and Clermont's Remi Lamerat. Tommy Bowe (28) needs just one try to move level with Dafydd James as the fourth top try scorer in European Cup history, while teammate Andrew Trimble is just two tries behind on 26.

MATCH PREVIEW

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