"It's an exciting time at the moment, we're in the middle of a run of crucial games, and none more important than Munster."
Head Coach, Neil Doak, has seen Ulster’s renaissance over the last month, but he says the coaches today have to move on very quickly, to focus themselves and the players on the next challenge.
“We’ve looked closely at the schedule and at our player pool and we’ve every reason to be optimistic about starting the New Year with what would be an important win in the league.
“And that has been one of the really satisfying things, especially at this time of the year, that some of the younger players have stepped up. I can tell you there are a few players with big reputations who realise they have to hit the ground running to battle for the jersey!
“The proximity of the Six Nations means that players want to impress. This period also has challenges with players being called up for international duty, but that allows others to step up.
“Kyle McCall, Alan O’Connor, Rory Scholes, they’re just a few of the players who’ve taken their chances superbly, and it demonstrates that our structures, like the age-level groups and the Academy have made themselves invaluable.”
But Doak insists that the club is well used to the particular demands at this busy time of the season, and that the squad has the quality in depth to maintain a challenge on both the Guinness PRO12 and European fronts.
“Look, we go out to win every game, we prepare as meticulously as possible for each opponent, and though the holiday period does impose extra demands on everyone we know what Munster’s game is all about, we respect what Anthony Foley is doing down there, and he’ll bring a side which will pose problems, but problems we’re ready for.
“And it’s going to be a great occasion, the first home match of 2016 at Kingspan Stadium, the crowd will be in the mood to be entertained, and we want to give them something to cheer.
“There’s been a feeling in the camp that over the last month we’ve done ourselves justice, that we’ve paid the supporters back a little for their support. And, believe me, the players really do get energy when they’re being urged on, like they were against Toulouse.”
Head Coach, Neil Doak, has seen Ulster’s renaissance over the last month, but he says the coaches today have to move on very quickly, to focus themselves and the players on the next challenge.
“We’ve looked closely at the schedule and at our player pool and we’ve every reason to be optimistic about starting the New Year with what would be an important win in the league.
“And that has been one of the really satisfying things, especially at this time of the year, that some of the younger players have stepped up. I can tell you there are a few players with big reputations who realise they have to hit the ground running to battle for the jersey!
“The proximity of the Six Nations means that players want to impress. This period also has challenges with players being called up for international duty, but that allows others to step up.
“Kyle McCall, Alan O’Connor, Rory Scholes, they’re just a few of the players who’ve taken their chances superbly, and it demonstrates that our structures, like the age-level groups and the Academy have made themselves invaluable.”
But Doak insists that the club is well used to the particular demands at this busy time of the season, and that the squad has the quality in depth to maintain a challenge on both the Guinness PRO12 and European fronts.
“Look, we go out to win every game, we prepare as meticulously as possible for each opponent, and though the holiday period does impose extra demands on everyone we know what Munster’s game is all about, we respect what Anthony Foley is doing down there, and he’ll bring a side which will pose problems, but problems we’re ready for.
“And it’s going to be a great occasion, the first home match of 2016 at Kingspan Stadium, the crowd will be in the mood to be entertained, and we want to give them something to cheer.
“There’s been a feeling in the camp that over the last month we’ve done ourselves justice, that we’ve paid the supporters back a little for their support. And, believe me, the players really do get energy when they’re being urged on, like they were against Toulouse.”