'We've to make sure this is not another false dawn': Best urges Ulster to back up big performance
The Ireland captain had to wait a long time to taste victory for Ulster, and he’s intent on repeating the feat on Sunday.
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The Ireland captain had to wait a long time to taste victory for Ulster, and he’s intent on repeating the feat on Sunday.
The Australian playmaker, “a warrior through and through”, bade farewell to Belfast ahead of his return to the Brumbies later this month.
Pool 1 is now topped by Ulster after a three-try win over the powerhouse French outift.
Wiehahn Herbst was a late withdrawal from the squad, so Ross Kane has been drafted in from A duty to take a place among the replacements.
The Ireland captain has won many more Tests than provincial ties in the past year.
17-0 down at half-time, it was a huge result for Ulster in the Pro14 at Kingspan Stadium.
Meanwhile, Darren Cave will win his 200th cap for his province on John Cooney’s return to Galway.
The northern province will be aiming to make it back-to-back wins over Quins in the Champions Cup.
Ulster had led Bernard Jackman’s men by 12 points before Gavin Henson inspired the Dragons comeback.
Rory Best will take a place on the bench alongside the returning Chris Henry.
Injuries in Les Kiss’ pack have fast-tracked the Dubliner to the extent that he was the senior man in the back row last weekend.
‘Any time there’s been an opportunity to look away I was still on the edge of the Irish set-up and I didn’t want to go away and miss out on that.’
‘That’s our challenge — to make sure we turn up and respect the 80 minutes with our best effort.’
Rory Best was left analysing Ulster’s breakdown shortcomings rather than celebrating his 200th provincial cap.
The Ulster and Ireland captain doesn’t feel Ireland has a deep enough talent pool to simply toss Simon Zebo aside.
Les Kiss has kept some of his big talents in reserve for Sunday’s meeting with a very heavy-duty La Rochelle side.
Second-half tries from Stockdale and McCloskey ensured the hosts got off to a winning start.
However, the Ulster director of rugby also insists there is plenty for room for improvement with his young star.
The 21-year-old Ireland international’s try finally tilted the contest Ulster’s way.
Chris Henry, Kieran Treadwell and Jacob Stockdale are also in harness for the season’s first inter-pro.
The luckless Springbok has managed just five games since moving to Ulster.
Jono Gibbes’ side face Connacht on Friday night.
A late intercept try sealed the northern province’s fate, but the writing was on the wall long before that.
Andrew Trimble set to equal Roger Wilson’s appearances record.
Nick Timoney was man-of-the-match with two tries to his name.
Les Kiss and Bernard Jackman have both made a raft of changes to winning teams.
Driven by the memory of the late Nevin Spence, Les Kiss’ Ulster pulled off a stunning victory last night.
With the sides level after 77 minutes, the replacement hooker crossed after brilliant work from Bowe and Marshall.
‘How do you get to a point where you are better than the distractions or the hits that come from the side?’
The northern province take on Northampton in their final pre-season match tomorrow night.
After ‘an eventful’ summer with no shortage of socialising in and out of rugby circles, Ulster’s powerhouse lock intends to play with a smile on his face.
Logan also revealed that the northern province will play 11 home matches and 10 away in the season ahead.
The second and back row represented Leinster through age grades and up to ‘A’ level.
Vern Cotter is assembling quite the crop of Galacticos in the south of France.
‘We’re gonna work their b*****ks off’, says Les Kiss while other teams are preparing for the tail end of the season.
The hooker and lock have been nursing respective shoulder and elbow injuries in recent weeks.
Chris Henry and Jared Payne remain injured as the northern province attempt to snatch the fourth play-off place out of Ospreys’ claws.
With Saracens posing a potential distraction for Munster, Trimble’s side can keep the pressure on Scarlets and Ospreys with a rare win in Limerick.
‘There is no point is saying that Saracens is not at the forefront of our minds,” admits the prop.
Ex-Leinster prospect Nick Timoney is in line to make his debut for the northern province when the Cardiff Blues visit.