Ulster Defence Coach, Jonny Bell, told reporters that the prospect of Ulster advancing to the semi-final stages of the Challenge Cup was exciting for the staff and players, however, he added that the performance this Saturday must be an improvement from the Montpellier match.
On Montpellier victory
"We were delighted with a win, we aren’t taking away from anything but of course there’s a big focus on our performance. We felt particularly in that first half, we didn’t get our processes right, and we didn’t impose ourselves the way we wanted to. After half-time we saw an uplift in our attitude, our movement, our speed, our ball retention and that led to a lot of pressure on Montpellier, which led to them losing discipline and picking up a red card and two yellows. We know there are certain things against Montpellier that we need to be better at. The focus was not taking away from result, but we need to be better."
On Richie Murphy's first win as interim head coach
"We really wanted to get that win under our belt, I know Richie and the rest of the coaching staff wanted to. Richie has been fresh in and been excellent with everybody, so we wanted to get across the line. That doesn’t automatically mean we will win this weekend but we have to be better in what we are doing. We have plenty of experience playing against Clermont, we won the last time we played away but they will be a dangerous side."
On Clermont and what improvements he wants to see
"Our breakdown needs to be better and faster, The French have a lot of groundhogs so they will be sniffing for loose balls. We want more urgency around both sides of the ball, speed to get into position with and without the ball and in defence we can be more aggressive with our line speed. You can’t sit off because French sides will punish you. Breakdown has been a big difference, if we keep the ball we can hurt them with our shape.
We know they are difficult at home, have a passionate fanbase, it will be noisy, hostile and they have quality players littered through their squad. We have the ability in the team but we need to get things right."
Opportunity for momentum
"This game gives us a chance to build our performance, if you win and get through to a semi- final its all to play for. Hopefully that consistency will give you momentum going into these big games at the end of the season."
On Luke Marshall's retirement announcement
"I couldn’t speak highly enough of Luke Marshall. I was fortunate enough to work with Luke as he was coming through as an academy player and he is a pleasure to work with. Luke bleeds for Ulster Rugby and he has served this club so well and he will be a success in whatever he goes into. He will be very much missed around the club. He is an understated but influential player in the group. He should be very proud of his career we will wish him all the best."
Ulster scrum-half, John Cooney, told the media briefing that he was excited about the prospect of returning to the Stade Marcel-Michelin this weekend, after a player of the match performance when the sides last met at the ground in 2021.
Cooney also touched on the impact of Richie Murphy on his own game and the recent performances of Nathan Doak at fly-half.
On Montpellier performance
"Delighted with the win but frustrated with how we played in the first half. We were way off, those games can be like that. Our discipline around winning rucks and keeping the ball was poor. We got a stern talking to at half-time from Richie and Hendy.
We knew we would come out better in the second half. We always thought we could get back into that game so the discipline changed on their side and we started to get some penalties. We played better in the second half, our awareness of what we needed to fix was better, aided by the red card and their ill-discipline."
On Richie Murphy impact
"I’ve had Richie since I was 17 years old, he brought me through the academy, under 18s, under 20s – I worked with him at Ireland and now again later in my career, so it’s funny how you go full circle.
I know what he is about, I know how good he is at coaching players, his attention to detail and his skill detail is as good as you will find in the country.
He see things differently, probably things I haven’t been doing or have picked up bad habits that he picks up on straight away, so he’s working on that with me. He’s a hands -on coach, working on your skillset and ability to see pictures, which is hugely important as a half-back."
On Nathan Doak at ten
"I’ve always thought he would be a good out-half… I’m not saying that because I want more game time!
He has a brilliant skill-set, quick passing, a great kicker in hand and off the tee, I’ve always seen him as having the ability to play there.
It’s also been difficult for him because he was in and out of the team, I played ten before and I know the continuity is very difficult if you don’t get the game-time. He’s done really well, I like the control he takes, he’s a bit louder, more vocal, and gets exciting so I’ll gladly be the quiet guy if it helps."
Clermont excitement
"It’s probably the best away ground I’ve ever played in, very loud and it’s a tough place to play in. They are a seriously good side, their breakdown is unbelievable, it’s a perfect game to play."
Ulster hooker, Rob Herring, echoed his teammates' thoughts- saying the team need to sharpen up areas of their performance against a strong Clermont side.
Breakdown focus
"I think there were things throughout the Montpellier game that weren’t good enough, the breakdown being one of them. That’s been a key thing over the last few weeks. Clermont are one of the best jackal teams in the TOP 14 so I think that’s something we have to get right this weekend.
Since Richie has come in, we have been talking about small improvements each week. There were a lot of things in Montpellier that weren’t up to our standards and in another match, you could potentially lose it.”
On playing at Clermont
"It’s up there with the best venues, I love playing there. A great atmosphere, a great energy and it’s one of those places where you want to test yourself. We need to be clear and accurate. Last time we went there we won and it was a great achievement, we’ll be aiming to do the same this Saturday."
On his return from injury
"A little bit rusty, I haven’t put in a complete performance just yet but feeling good fitness wise, I was a bit hesitant with the arm in the first week back but once you get into it, you forget about it. Just trying to chase more consistent performances from myself and this is a big game to do it in."
On guiding young players through hostile atmosphere
" We put a big focus on how we stay in neutral as a squad. I will try have a clear, calm, head. A lot of the squad have been there and we have talked about embracing that aspect of the travel. I think it’s exciting, a great place to test ourselves and hopefully the young lads can thrive."