Andy Ward attacks against Treviso

Ulster dominated possession from the start, running the ball from everywhere and opting to kick penalties to the corner in a desperate pursuit of tries.

But the majority of the first half proved a frustrating experience for the 1999 champions, with the attacks hampered by over-eagerness and persistent offside offences by the Treviso backline.

Indeed Treviso, completely against the run of play, took the lead with a penalty by Simon Mason, a veteran of Ulster's Cup-winning side.

But David Humphreys calmed the home side's nerves with three penalties and when Mason was sent to the sin bin just before the break, Ulster struck with tries by Gary Longwell and Neil Doak.

Solo effort

The second half started in splendid style for Ulster, with Tyrone Howe touching down within two minutes and the stage was set for the floodgates to open.

Man-of-the-match Doak, who must have imnpressed watching Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan danced his way over for a great solo effort.

Then the move of the match saw Howe come off his wing to run in his second try, which Wallace converted from the touchline.

Desperate Italian defence conceded a penalty try in the 55th minute from an Ulster driving maul and then Adam Larkin, a substitute for Sheldon Coulter, scored with his first touch.

Treviso were again reduced to 14 men when replacement Carlo Checchinato was sent to the sin bin in the 66th minute.

But it was not until injury-time that Ulster were able to score again, with a delighted Ryan Constable grabbing his second.

Leinster have already qualified for the quarter-finals while Munster are expected to claim their place on Saturday.