Press Notes: Ulster v DHL Stormers

Ulster Defence Coach Jonny Bell and winger Rob Lyttle look forward to a crunch encounter in Round 13 of the BKT United Rugby Championship with DHL Stormers.

Ulster take on the reigning URC champions at Kingspan Stadium this Friday, hoping to build on an impressive Champions cup victory over Sale Sharks.

It's the South African side's first visit to Belfast and Ulster will be keen to get their first win over the Stormers after being narrowly beaten in a regular season game and a playoff semi final last season.

Tickets for Friday's game are available via the link below:

Jonny Bell on...

Momentum

"We have the reigning champions coming to town, so it’s all about us. I thought that the home crowd were unbelievable in the Sale Sharks game, even before the game they were so vocal so we want to make them proud this weekend. We want momentum to build, we are in the URC again and need a good win.

"Stormers know it’s a crucial game for them too, they are in good form, so will be confident and want to move the ball around."

Stormers threat

"They are going to be a very difficult animal. Sale Sharks have a huge power game where they wanted to get at us physically but these guys play a very mixed game.

"They are powerful but move really fast around the pitch so we need to control the ball well when we have it and make sure that we are smart defensively."

Team spirit

"I've been incredibly proud of how the guys have coped during this 10-week block of games. The margins are so fine, you can be a decision away from losing a game or winning.

"When you lose it's about making sure you don’t lose too much confidence, stick to your process and come through it.

"It's about us doing it week in week out and there is no bigger test this weekend."

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Rob Lyttle on...

Previous Stormers experience

"We played them a couple of times last year. They are good outfit, a dangerous team, so we know what we are facing and we can control and handle them."

Weather

"I think it was nearly 30 degrees when we played them in South Africa so this week will be easier conditions, maybe that favours us.

"We have to be secure tactically and not kick easy balls back to them because that’s what they feed off."

Importance of winning

"Its very big game, as we want that home semi final in the URC and we want to aim for that.

"The Sale win has gave us a boost of confidence and we owe the Stormers one after last year. Last week means nothing if we don't back it up.

Upcoming break in schedule

"This match will finish off this block of games, after this game we get 10 days off so I'm going to have a bit of family time and maybe do some farming with my dad!"