Commenting on the postponement of Friday night’s match against Scarlets, Ulster Defence Coach Jonny Bell said: “The players were left frustrated as they were completely prepared both mentally and physically for a tough fight and to have it (the match) called off at the last minute was very disappointing for them.” The team, however, were straight back into training on Saturday morning and now have an extended week leading into the fixture in Italy.
The number of key players away on international duty is of course another disruption, but one that the Ulster coaching staff have become well accustomed to. “It creates a huge opportunity for other players to step up to the mark and put their hands up for selection and also allows them to get valuable game time in positions that they would otherwise not be able to play,” continued Bell, who is hopeful some may be released from international camp for the weekend.
“We are very happy to have these experienced players back in our squad whenever they’re made available. The fact that Joe Schmidt rates those players so highly is a massive feather in their caps, it will give them the confidence to perform both at club and international level.”
Next year, Ulster could find themselves with a further man missing on Ireland duties, as Jared Payne becomes eligible for selection, possibly in the outside centre jersey. This is not a decision for the Ulster coaches to be making, they can however assist Payne by giving him game time at 13, but it is ultimately up to Joe Schmidt to decide if he wants Payne to play. Bell said: “Jared is a hugely talented player and can play across the board in centre, wing and full back. Cave has been playing exceptionally well for us, he is arguably playing the bet rugby of his career at the moment.”
With the absence of Tommy Bowe through injury and Andrew Trimble through Irish selection, a space has been cleared for Michael Allen to show what he is capable of. “Michael has done really well, he has been frustrated due to the high standard of wingers that we have, but given a chance in the form of an injury or a player away on international duty, he can really show what he is capable of. He provides the strength in depth that the Ulster team require competing against the best teams in Europe.”
Next season with the absence of John Afoa, David Humphreys has recruited Brumbies prop Ruaidhri Murphy into their ranks and they hope that he will make a big impact when he plays for them next season. It is believed that Murphy will bring the physicality and the aggression that Ulster need defensively into their game, along with the open game that he would have played at the Brumbies. “He is a pretty mobile tight forward, so I think he will bring that mobility and that energy.”
Ulster are training well despite a few setbacks in terms of squad availability and harsh weather conditions, but the men are making full use of the resources open to them, moving between training at Pirrie Park and Jordanstown University to ensure that their players are fully fit and ready for the game on Sunday.