Ulster re-commence their season after the final Six Nations international break with home match against Vodacom Bulls. The province last played at Kingspan Stadium in the 35-5 win over DHL Stormers back at the tail end of January.
A win for Ulster would see them strengthen their position in the league and chase the second placed DHL Stormers. With the potential for a home URC Quarter Final and Semi Final as a reward, Dan McFarland's side know that every match has everything to play for.
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Ulster Forwards Coach, Roddy Grant, has been speaking to the media ahead of the crunch fixture.
On importance of Bulls match
" Every game now is important. We are going into four big games and want to continue the form we showed with two good wins before the break. We feel refreshed, had a good week of training and everybody is raring to go this Saturday.
Bulls are a good side, full of big physical guys and our focus is fully on them."
On URC position
" Top two is our target. There is a big difference between 2nd and 3rd in the big picture, so its very important we are going for that. We’ll try to put ourselves in the best position."
On Ireland's Six Nations success
" I feel there is a buzz from Ireland doing so well, they are the best team in world and we feel we contribute as one of the four provinces. It's great to have our boys doing well and people feel the positive vibe about the Grand Slam."
On Tom O'Toole
" Tom has done really well, he's still young and has a long way to go. He is a great guy, works so hard, has great physical ability and moves well. The confidence he will get from playing for Ireland and being on the right path, he'll want to get even better. Hopefully with ulster and Ireland he can stay on that trajectory."
On the return of Rob Baloucoune
" He's a big player for us, he scores big tries which are proper finisher tries. He is brave, has good game knowledge, speed and he adds dynamism to any back line. It's great to have him back."
Ulster full back Mike Lowry also spoke to the press ahead of the home fixture.
On Ireland's Grand Slam
“It’s a massive motivating factor, you see guys who play with involved and when the internationals come back in it comes into the wider group and motivates all the lads."
On playing at home again
"It has been a while since we have played at home but we have seen what it can do. We had a sticky patch earlier this season but looking back to the Sale Sharks game, the home crowd pushed us over the line. We feel the energy from the fans and give it back. This match is a massive opportunity to put us in a good spot for the URC play offs."
On RBAI winning the School's Cup
"It was great to see my old school do so well! It had been a while since they won it!"