Ulster opened their Heineken Champions Cup campaign with a 39-0 defeat at the hands of Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium.
England international Tom Curry scored the opening try before Dan du Preez powered over for the second as the hosts led 15-0 at half-time.
Sale added four tries in the second half. Rob du Preez, Tom Curtis, Byron McGuigan and Arron Reed touched down as the hosts ran out comfortable winners.
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Things won’t get any easier for Ulster in round two as reigning champions La Rochelle are the visitors to the Kingspan Stadium next week.
