Robert Baloucoune was very fortunate to stay on the pitch on Friday night against Munster but Ulster will be happy to see the 21-year-old wing bounce back with a spectacular second-half score in the hosts 19-12 win in Belfast.
Baloucoune was yellow carded from the kick-off of his very first interprovincial derby for a reckless challenge on Munster wing Darren Sweetnam but he composed himself upon his return to the pitch and finished off a great team try started by Ireland captain Rory Best.
"The try for Ulster coming at precisely the right moment." Ulster lead Munster 14-6 after 61 minutes following Robert Baloucoune's converted try. #GuinnessPRO14 #ULSvMUN pic.twitter.com/jFbyW5XZfQ
— eir Sport (@eirSport) December 21, 2018
Second-half substitute Best did very well to free the ball to fly-half Billy Burns who in turn passed it on to academy centre James Hume who managed to find some space on the outside.
Hume shrugged off an attempted tackle from Munster second-row Jean Kleyn before drawing in the final few defenders and passing the ball to David Shanahan who ultimately sent a supporting Baloucoune crashing over the try line.
Baloucoune only made his senior debut for Ulster against the Dragons in October after impressing mightily for the Ulster A’s against Connacht A’s in Galway.
The Enniskillen winger said that he’s been enjoying his time with the seniors and added that hard work will hopefully lead for increased opportunities moving forward for him with the seniors.
“I really appreciated the chance to get out there,” Baloucoune told the Belfast Telegraph after his debut against the Dragons.
“The atmosphere was great and I really enjoyed playing. It was just a great experience and I’m looking forward to another chance at it. As long as you work hard, you’ve got the chance to get there. It’s just (been about) gradually progressing up to this stage and now that I’ve got the chance it’s been class.”
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