Captain Andrew Trimble has backed Ulster to deliver a much-improved display at Thomond Park, as they chase a spot in the Guinness PRO12 play-offs.
Les Kiss’ squad are unbeaten in their last seven matches, but the 24-24 draw at home to Cardiff on Saturday saw them slip out of the top four.
And while their play-off destiny remains in their own hands, Trimble acknowledges that it will be a challenging run-in over the next few weeks.
“This is the last chance and we've got three cup finals between now and the end of the season,” he said, with the games against Ospreys and Leinster also on his mind.
“We have to show how good we can be because we still believe it,” insisted Trimble, backing his teammates. “A lot of people don't believe it but that's because we haven't proved it, so that's fair enough.
“There's a lot of character in this team, there's a lot of stuff people haven't seen. We know we can be good on our day but we have to be brave. I think if we put ourselves under pressure, it can bring the best out of us.”
That pressure starts with a daunting trip to Limerick on Saturday, to face a Munster outfit that has won 22 of its 26 games this season.
Having visited Thomond Park on numerous occasions before, the experienced winger knows what to expect…
“We've got a small bit of joy, but generally you go down there and encounter a very physical 15. We all know how big a challenge it is - it's an intimidating environment and you have to get yourself ready for it.
“I think very little needs to be said on weeks like this, everybody knows what to expect. If you don't match what they bring to the tablet, you'll be kicked out of the gate. You have to play out of your skin to get a win.
“We have the right respect for the opposition, but we also know what we're capable of. We just have to be tough out there and produce a big performance, because there's no other option.”
Les Kiss’ squad are unbeaten in their last seven matches, but the 24-24 draw at home to Cardiff on Saturday saw them slip out of the top four.
And while their play-off destiny remains in their own hands, Trimble acknowledges that it will be a challenging run-in over the next few weeks.
“This is the last chance and we've got three cup finals between now and the end of the season,” he said, with the games against Ospreys and Leinster also on his mind.
“We have to show how good we can be because we still believe it,” insisted Trimble, backing his teammates. “A lot of people don't believe it but that's because we haven't proved it, so that's fair enough.
“There's a lot of character in this team, there's a lot of stuff people haven't seen. We know we can be good on our day but we have to be brave. I think if we put ourselves under pressure, it can bring the best out of us.”
That pressure starts with a daunting trip to Limerick on Saturday, to face a Munster outfit that has won 22 of its 26 games this season.
Having visited Thomond Park on numerous occasions before, the experienced winger knows what to expect…
“We've got a small bit of joy, but generally you go down there and encounter a very physical 15. We all know how big a challenge it is - it's an intimidating environment and you have to get yourself ready for it.
“I think very little needs to be said on weeks like this, everybody knows what to expect. If you don't match what they bring to the tablet, you'll be kicked out of the gate. You have to play out of your skin to get a win.
“We have the right respect for the opposition, but we also know what we're capable of. We just have to be tough out there and produce a big performance, because there's no other option.”