Ulster got off to the perfect start in their Champions Cup campaign with a 19-9 win over Wasps at the Kingspan Stadium on Friday night.
There was not much to talk about from the first 40 minutes as both sides struggled to find any sort of fluidity in attack in part down to the adverse weather conditions, but Ulster were always a threat any time the ball was in the hands of Charles Piutau and Jacob Stockdale.
It was no surprise then in the second half when Ulster scored the only try of the game that both were involved as the Kiwi put the Wasps backline on the back foot before feeding Stockdale who powered over in the corner.
Try time!
Ulster duo Charles Piutau and Jacob Stockdale speed past the Wasps defence to notch an impressive try. #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/HR7ycwPDrg— BT Sport Rugby (@btsportrugby) October 13, 2017
A super score, Stockdale is someone we are looking forward to seeing more of in an Ireland shirt.
It was Piutau who was the talk of social media after the game as he was the standout performer on the night, with one of his few errors also providing an outstanding bit of commentary.
"I suspect even Da Vinci dropped his brushes every now and then"
Rare Charles Piutau mistake brings a classic @andNickMullins one-liner... pic.twitter.com/So3s5MrleR— BT Sport Rugby (@btsportrugby) October 13, 2017
Those who tuned in were quick to praise Piutau for his influence on the game, and the result.
To think that Piutau probably wouldn't get in the All Blacks (even if they selected overseas players) is alarming.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) October 13, 2017
Charles Piutau is a gem. Jacob Stockdale and him have such a brilliant understanding, Stockdale will improve massively playing with him.
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) October 13, 2017
How good is Charles Piutau?! Wasps have been heroic given their circumstances but their former player is on
— Alex Spink (@alexspinkmirror) October 13, 2017
Loving the combination between Piutau and Stockdale. Will do wonders for Stockdale
— BallHandling Hooker (@BHHooker) October 13, 2017
Piutau is just better than everyone else.
— Arwel Jones (@agjones92) October 13, 2017
Great start for Ulster who, face an away trip to La Rochelle in round two.
