Two tries from South African number 8 Pedrie Wannenberg helped Ulster secure a quarter-final place for the first time in 11 years with a 43 v 6 victory over Aironi.

The Irish side scored six tries in total but go through as runners-up, Biarritz clinching top spot with victory against Bath.

Pedrie Wannenberg scored twice in a man of the match display while tries from Andrew Trimble, Chris Henry and a penalty wrapped up a bonus point before Simon Danielli capped the victory with a late try.

Ian Humphreys also added 13 points, including the opening points of the game with a third-minute penalty to help settle Ulster nerves.

However it was not until the 23rd minute that Ulster found their way over the Italian try line, having come under pressure themselves from the home team.

Wannenberg and compatriot scrum-half Ruan Pienaar combined before sending the ball wide to Trimble who touched down. Aironi responded with a James Marshall penalty before Humphreys kicked over a long range effort on 63 minutes to give his side a 10 v 6 lead at the break.

Wannenberg's brace just after the break highlighted Ulster’s dominance upfront and the forwards won a penalty try just after when Aironi’s scrum collapsed and French referee Christophe Berdos awarded the try.

With the bonus-point in the bag Ulster cruised, Henry and Danielli crossing for late tries.