With the province aiming to make it two home wins in succession after last week's 32-27 bonus-point victory over Connacht, Dan Soper, reflected on the win and gave an insight into preparations into this Friday's match.
Dan Soper on...
Iain Henderson
He failed his HIA on the night and is following the protocols. My thoughts initially were that it didn’t look great, but I’m sure everyone has had a look at it and we all have our own opinions on it but it is what it is. We are trying to keep the game safer, but wasn’t quite the case last Saturday.
Ospreys
They have changed a bit this year. We are expecting a lot of line speed from them and that looks like it has changed from last season, that will be a challenge for us.
Emerging Ireland players returning
They have come back with a real confidence, it has given them a real chance to work with the national team coaches and get some feedback. It’s great that those coaches have worked with them and fed back to us what they think so we work with them and try and help the individual improve. They all seemed to enjoy their time away. They are all now chomping at the bit to get back into the side!
On James Humphreys development
With Jake being out injured, James and Aidan have had the bulk of the time training. James has benefitted from that, getting time training at ten. He has grown in confidence, he has a strong skillset around his passing and kicking game. You could see in the bulls game the pass to Ben Carson the skillset he has.
He is growing in confidence at learning how to drive a team and having the confidence when you have the ten shirt.
League position
When we get to the end of this block we will reflect on the first six games. We will look back at what has went well and what areas do we need to drill down on in that training block. We will have a look at the league table then in terms of how things are panning out. We can only look at it week to week and the league table is out of our control, we only have control of our own results.
After scoring a vital bonus-point try in last weekend's victory over Connacht, David McCann, says that he is looking forward to another opportunity to collect vital points at Kingspan Stadium.
David McCann on...
Bruising derby
It really felt like an interpro, we started fast and physical with our maul and it just kind of built from there really. We definitely have a few bruises after it!
Younger generation stepping up
I feel there is an onus on us and the team. There are still some experienced guys but it is over to us and what we make of it, it’s exciting to be part of it. We had a really tough start to the season so to get the win and five points was vital to us.
We showed good defence and character to grind out in the 22, we can improve in our attack and haven’t fully gotten into our flow. We are taking these experiences and moving forward.
Ospreys focus
Ospreys are a good team, they will come at us around set-pieces and at the breakdown. We want to make sure we control those areas and we will be in a good place to go for the win.
On helping younger players around him
Three or four years ago I made my debut so I understand what that feels like and it’s easy to give younger lads a bit of advice. I tell them to enjoy it and don’t be burdening yourself with too much pressure, I feel that’s relevant to me and I benefitted from that advice in the past.
Two tries in four appearances
I’ve taken them as they have come! They have been close pick and goes but if they keep coming hopefully I can keep taking them!
Versatility
I think as a back-row now you have to do it all and your role can change depending on lineout but you are expected to tackle, to carry and be a nuisance at the breakdown. I am happy to play wherever.
Grit in the team
You can see in people’s eyes that they still think they can win the game. The more you do this and prove it the belief grows. We have finished started and finished strong in the two home games and hopefully we can work on that middle part of the game.
Last year's Young Player of the Season, Harry Sheridan, was up next and he told reporters about how keen he was to get back in the Ulster side after being part of the Emerging Ireland squad in South Africa.
Harry Sheridan on...
On coming back from Emerging Ireland
Buzzing to be back! A few of us are back from the Emerging Ireland tour. We got last week and watched the game against Connacht which was an unreal atmosphere.
It was a great experience for me, I learned a lot from the great Irish coaching staff. It was great to be able to pick their brains, little nuggets of information, little bits that I can take away and bring into my day-to-day here at Ulster. Certain stuff that they are looking for, I wouldn’t have thought of before so I’m looking to evolve and get better.
It puts fire in your belly and I will go into the Ospreys game with that.
The tour was more of an opportunity than others with Simon Easterby becoming the new Ireland Head Coach for IRFU. You want to do everything they want from you, they are clear in what they want each day. I did it to the best of my ability. It was a good tour and good for me to get across what I’m like, both on and off the pitch.
Back to Ulster
While it was great to get on tour and play three matches, the consequence of that was missing three Ulster games. This block now, I’m probably wishing it was a bit longer as we will have some time off after Cardiff before we play again. I’m massively excited for these games and it’s a chance to boost our points hopefully and try get up the table.