We sat down with Assistant Coach Allen Clarke to find out how he feels the preseason went, what expects from the Saints on Friday and what players he's keeping a close eye on.
How do you feel the two preseason matches went?
They’ve been excellent tests for us, the first against Leinster provided an opportunity for the less experienced players, some of the new recruits and the likes of Louis Ludik & Alan O’Connor who had been injured at the end of last season. We were quite pleased with the rugby we played in the first 60 minutes and got ourselves into a good position to take the lead but unfortunately the greater experience of the Leinster squad saw them take the win.
We knew Exeter would almost be at full strength with most of their English Internationals available and having played a game already against the Scarlets - for us it was the first live hit out for 90% of our starting XV. It was definitely a step up in terms of pace & physicality which we’ll build on this weekend against Northampton in the lead up to our first league game v Dragons on 2nd September. (Tickets available here)
Were there any stand-out young players?
All of the young players who have come into the group - players like Brett Heron, Matty Rea, Jacob Stockdale, Jonny McPhilips, Kieran Treadwell amongst others have added real value. Matty Rea showed up well in both pre-season matches and Brett Herron together with Jonny McPhillips has come in and embraced the leadership role required at outhalf.
How are you feeling about facing the Saints on Friday?
It’ll be another very physical game, it’s the club where I played most of my pro rugby which adds some extra spice! More importantly it’ll be our third & final trial game - so it’ll will be an excellent benchmark of were we are. We'll need to get our building blocks right in terms of set piece, attack and defence to ensure we deliver an 80 minute quality performance.
How are the experienced new players fitting in to the team?
Rodney Ah You and Charles Piutau have been absolutely fantastic - Charles is a top class player & like Rodney a top class bloke. They along with Cavey, Ruan, Rob Herring & Franco are very much to the fore at the moment because of our Irish Internationals are unavailable for selection at this stage of the season. Against Exeter we’d seventeen top class players unavailable due to player management protocols and injury. The new guys have added real value to the group – they’re good people, quality rugby players and importantly enjoy being in Ulster.
This will be our first full season under the leadership of Les Kiss – what direction are things moving under his leadership?
The culture of the group is as good as I’ve known - there’s a tangible drive to be the absolute best we can be thus ensuring we’re at the knock out stages of competitions at the end of the season. Ownership is shared - it’s important everyone is enriching the Ulster Rugby environment at all levels of the game.
With Wiehann Herbst out and Ricky Lutton on a short term injury, how is Rodney Ah You fitting in to the team?
Rodney’s a big character within the group already, he’s established himself as a highly regarded teammate. On the field he’s incredibly determined to grow into a player who performs consistently well for Ulster and in turn challenge for National honours. He’s brilliant to work with, very realistic about where he is and what he needs to work on. I’ve already seen tremendous progress with his scrum understanding & performance – ultimately, that’s how he’ll be measured and he’ll take confidence from doing that job well. I’m excited about what he can become in time - hopefully there’ll be a continuous period in the season when we have Rodney, Ricky & Wiehann all pushing each other & vying for the starting spot.
Tickets are still available for Friday's double header against the Northampton Saints and Canada A - click here now!
How do you feel the two preseason matches went?
They’ve been excellent tests for us, the first against Leinster provided an opportunity for the less experienced players, some of the new recruits and the likes of Louis Ludik & Alan O’Connor who had been injured at the end of last season. We were quite pleased with the rugby we played in the first 60 minutes and got ourselves into a good position to take the lead but unfortunately the greater experience of the Leinster squad saw them take the win.
We knew Exeter would almost be at full strength with most of their English Internationals available and having played a game already against the Scarlets - for us it was the first live hit out for 90% of our starting XV. It was definitely a step up in terms of pace & physicality which we’ll build on this weekend against Northampton in the lead up to our first league game v Dragons on 2nd September. (Tickets available here)
Were there any stand-out young players?
All of the young players who have come into the group - players like Brett Heron, Matty Rea, Jacob Stockdale, Jonny McPhilips, Kieran Treadwell amongst others have added real value. Matty Rea showed up well in both pre-season matches and Brett Herron together with Jonny McPhillips has come in and embraced the leadership role required at outhalf.
How are you feeling about facing the Saints on Friday?
It’ll be another very physical game, it’s the club where I played most of my pro rugby which adds some extra spice! More importantly it’ll be our third & final trial game - so it’ll will be an excellent benchmark of were we are. We'll need to get our building blocks right in terms of set piece, attack and defence to ensure we deliver an 80 minute quality performance.
How are the experienced new players fitting in to the team?
Rodney Ah You and Charles Piutau have been absolutely fantastic - Charles is a top class player & like Rodney a top class bloke. They along with Cavey, Ruan, Rob Herring & Franco are very much to the fore at the moment because of our Irish Internationals are unavailable for selection at this stage of the season. Against Exeter we’d seventeen top class players unavailable due to player management protocols and injury. The new guys have added real value to the group – they’re good people, quality rugby players and importantly enjoy being in Ulster.
This will be our first full season under the leadership of Les Kiss – what direction are things moving under his leadership?
The culture of the group is as good as I’ve known - there’s a tangible drive to be the absolute best we can be thus ensuring we’re at the knock out stages of competitions at the end of the season. Ownership is shared - it’s important everyone is enriching the Ulster Rugby environment at all levels of the game.
With Wiehann Herbst out and Ricky Lutton on a short term injury, how is Rodney Ah You fitting in to the team?
Rodney’s a big character within the group already, he’s established himself as a highly regarded teammate. On the field he’s incredibly determined to grow into a player who performs consistently well for Ulster and in turn challenge for National honours. He’s brilliant to work with, very realistic about where he is and what he needs to work on. I’ve already seen tremendous progress with his scrum understanding & performance – ultimately, that’s how he’ll be measured and he’ll take confidence from doing that job well. I’m excited about what he can become in time - hopefully there’ll be a continuous period in the season when we have Rodney, Ricky & Wiehann all pushing each other & vying for the starting spot.
Tickets are still available for Friday's double header against the Northampton Saints and Canada A - click here now!