Irish internationals shine as Ulster ease past Cardiff

Ulster hit top spot in the United Rugby Championship after running in seven tries to ease past Cardiff 48-12 at the Kingspan Stadium and register their sixth-straight win in all competitions.

Robert Baloucoune scored twice as he crossed in each half, while James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Nick Timoney, Aaron Sexton and Tom Stewart also scored.

Captain Iain Henderson also gained valuable gametime ahead of Ireland's Six Nations trip to Twickenham next week, playing the full 80 minutes.

Cardiff's only points came from Kirby Myhill and James Ratti tries – the latter converted by Ben Thomas.

Ulster took seven minutes to get on the scoreboard when Billy Burns’ cross-kick was picked up by Baloucoune, who scorched the scrambling Cardiff cover to score with Nathan Doak converting.

Doak then made it 10-0, five minutes later, after Willis Halaholo was sinbinned by referee Holly Davidson.

Ulster then scored their second try when Hume intercepted a Jarrod Evans pass and ran in from his own 22 to score under the posts, with Doak again converting.

From defence to attack in an instant! James Hume extended Ulster's advantage with an intercept try against Cardiff #RTERugby #ULSvCAR #URC