Ulster Beats Munster to Reach Heineken Cup Semis; Clermont Wins

Ulster beat Munster 22-16 today to reach the Heineken Cup rugby semifinals, while Clermont Auvergne also secured a spot in the last four.

Craig Gilroy got the only try at Thomond Park in Limerick for Ulster, the 1999 champion, while Ruan Pienaar kicked 14 points and Ian Humphreys scored a drop-goal.

Munster, a two-time winner which was aiming for a record 10th semifinal appearance, had rallied from 19-0 down to trail by nine points at halftime but was unable to complete a turnaround. Simon Zebo touched down, with Ronan O’Gara kicking the rest of the team’s points.

Lee Byrne got Clermont’s try as the French club won 22-3 at Saracens. Brock James scored his team’s other points, with an Owen Farrell penalty the only score for the English hosts.

Ulster will next play Edinburgh, which yesterday upset record four-time champion Toulouse 19-14. Defending champion Leinster completes the semifinal lineup following a 34-3 victory over Cardiff Blues.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: James Cone at jcone@bloomberg.net