With Ulster sitting in 5th position in the BKT URC table, a win against Ospreys would be the perfect way to kick off the next phase of the season after the disappointment of two recent European defeats against Toulouse and Harlequins last month.
Ulster Rugby Assistant Coach, Dan Soper, told media at the pre-match media briefing, that the break offered a good opportunity for the team to review and re-set.
On the international break
"It feels like a long time ago, from the Harlequins match and we have moved on. We had a tough week, we came in after the defeat, there was obvious disappointment with everyone, but we have had a couple of good weeks training and that’s in the past now. We'll take our learnings from it and now we are just excited to get started into the second phase of our season.”
On giving Ulster a half-time report card
“I left teaching six years ago so I have gave up giving out grades! We have performance markers we are going after, some parts of our game we are going really well in, we are in a good position in the league, we could be better and we will going after the second half of the season to climb the league into the home play-off positions.
We know if we want to be a top four team, we need to improve. We are being realistic about that and are not kidding ourselves, some parts of our game haven’t been good enough but we are all excited to get going at the weekend.”
On Ospreys challenge
“I think they are the in-form Welsh team at the moment, their record at home is really impressive, when you look at them as a team, they are really impressive and they understand what they want to do and how they want to play.
It’s going to be a difficult afternoon for us, I’m certain about that but we are all really excited for the challenge.”
On using the time to train
"It’s a good opportunity for us. When you train week after week there are some things you can’t do if you want to try and add some layers to your game.
It’s very much about being ready for the weekend and you might only have one full session in the week. This week for example, you can get three proper sessions in and get after it. We will be prepared for the weekend."
Ulster tighthead prop, Marty Moore, told the press conference that the squad have had some difficult conversations following the losses last month but are looking to put things right in the upcoming weeks.
On returning to training
“Initially it was been tough as we didn’t have a game to try and rectify things. I think we have got through a good basis of work to see us through to this weekend. I think the work that the team put in will be shown at the weekend.”
(The break) doesn’t happen too often, usually we complain about not having games or quick turnarounds! But it’s been good to allow your body the time to rest and refresh so it’s not been the worst."
Reviewing performances
"A lot changes quickly as we were one of the in-form teams and then we had two bad games which changed things. It’s easy to forget the levels we have shown in performances before that, I think as players we know where we should be.
We had some hard conversations in the days following those performances, it is what it is at this stage. As a professional it’s hard to take something from those when the basics were letting us down."
Self-reflection
"I can only speak for myself but I don’t feel I lack confidence but I feel more angry that last game could be the perception of me, so I want to grasp the opportunity to right that wrong."
On the challenge this weekend
"We have had tough battles with them down the years. Away to Ospreys is always a very attritional game and low-scoring, but hopefully this weekend is different. When I think back to other games, it’s a tough day, one that is always relied upon set-piece and territory battles."
Ulster back-rower, David McCann, echoed his fellow teammates words, as he said the squad have reviewed recent performances and want to get their season back on track.
Looking forward
" Obviously, a couple of results didn’t go our way. It’s sport at the end of the day and it’s about how you reflect on that and improve. We’ll be looking to do that this weekend in Wales."
On trying to be more consistent
"We have had some big wins and then some big losses, if you look at those games there are clear factors in why there has been those inconsistencies. I think it's trying to get consistent habits in our breakdown, our kick-chase and when we do that right we get a good result. When we aren’t at the races you can see that."
Player responsibility
"I think there is a big onus on the players, it’s us on the pitch and us out there putting out the product. We have a responsibility in that sense and we drive where the team ends up so we are looking to do that."
Academy players stepping up
"If you look at the composition of the team, we rely on our academy and younger players. You need to have that competitiveness coming through, that ultimately makes people in positions play better. We have the players and want to see them push through."