Preview | Ulster Women v Leinster Women

A look ahead to Ulster Women's Vodafone Interprovincial Series Round 3 fixture against Leinster at Kingspan Stadium this Saturday, with a place in the interpro final potentially up for grabs. (KO: 4.45pm)

Murray Houston's side will go into the interpro this Saturday knowing that a victory could see them reach the final on the 31st August against Munster at Kingspan Stadium.

Leinster themselves will be hoping to clinch their spot with a draw or victory - so it's all on the line this weekend. Last year's champions have a squad full of Ireland internationals such as Linda Djougang and Hannah O'Connor, and will be coming to try and use their big-game experience.

Ulster have rallied from behind in the first two Rounds to secure four vital points. Round 1 saw Ulster fight back for two losing bonus points against Munster at Virgin Media Park.

Round 2 saw Ulster respond to going behind to Connacht but fighting back in the second half after tries from Lucy Thompson, India Daley and Stacey Sloan saw the province comeback in front of their own supporters for a crucial draw against the Westerners.

The opposition

Leinster will be looking to bounce back after last weekend's defeat against Munster at Virgin Media Park. The away side made the better start in the encounter, however the home side rallied to secure a 32-21 victory.

Tania Rosser's side began the championship in convincing fashion, beating Connacht 38-19 at Energia Park in Round 1.

Team News

Follow our social media channels and website on Friday as we announce the team at 12pm ahead of the match.

Where to watch

Watch live on BBC Sport NI website and BBC iPlayer.

Coaches View - Eric O'Sullivan, Scrum and Defence Coach

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On team's performances

"If you look at the position we were in last year, we would have taken your hand off to be in this position we are in. We have an opportunity going into this last game, we know if we go into this and put in our best performance that it's in our hands. It's something we are very excited for."

On second half comebacks

"I think we have shone that in the last two second halves that we are a great team but we need to do it from the first whistle.

Our bench has brought a great impact so fair play to them, as it's hard to come in and try to change the tempo of the game. I'm still trying to figure it out as a player myself why you don't start off the best at times.

Having clear messages from coaches like myself when we come on will help.

I think we are doing really good stuff throughout the games, it's about our ability to keep backing it up, sometimes we can switch off after a few phases and that's where we can be caught at times, but we are looking to improve on that."

On Leinster challenge

"Throughout their squad they are full of internationals, playing at this level so it's a great challenge, we will learn a lot from it but as long as we can buy into an 80 minute performance - we will put them under a lot of pressure."

On enjoying his coaching role

"I'm learning on the job! It's been great for me to get that different perspective on the game, to see what coaches are looking for and how you go about getting that into team shape and training. It's challenging to try and get your messages across to the group on the spot but it's something I'm hopefully getting better at and I'm really enjoying it."

Get behind the team!

Make sure you don't miss out on this crucial intepro derby against Leinster, as we fight for a place in the final in front of our own supporters!

A ticket for the Senior Women's interpro will also give access to Ulster U18 Girls v Leinster U18 Girls at Kingspan Stadium, which kicks off earlier at 2pm.

Fixture schedule:

Ulster U18 Girls v Leinster U18 Girls (2.30pm)

Ulster Senior Women v Leinster Senior Women (4.45pm)

Tickets can be found below:

Matchday Info

Gates at Kingspan Stadium will be open from 1pm, with limited parking in the main car park on a first come first serve basis. A food vendor will be on site, providing hot food options.

The Clubhouse Bar will be also be open for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options.

For more info on getting to Kingspan Stadium, check out our handy guide here.