By his own admission, Dan Tuohy is "massively disappointed" not to be involved in Ireland's Rugby World Cup quarter-final this weekend.
Speaking after Leinster’s Mike McCarthy was selected ahead of him, Dan said: “I thought that I had acquitted myself well in pre-season but these things happen. I have another focus and that is playing for Ulster and this game against Edinburgh.”
Dan will be aiming to turn that disappointment into determination and success at BT Murrayfield. Now in his seventh season at Ulster, he knows what to expect from the Scottish oufit.
“They don’t really hide what they do,” he says. “They don’t play a great deal in their own half, they’ve got a lot of imports and those South African type players are big physical men. They play a simple game plan that is very effective for them. I’m sure they’ll be looking to implement that against us. They are a team who back themselves at home.”
Ulster played Edinburgh in pre-season, losing 23-10 at Goldenacre. However, Dan believes that result will have no bearing on tonight’s game:
“Pre-season is pre-season and those results ultimately don’t matter. What’s important is the PRO12. We wanted to start with a 100% record but having lost to Scarlets, we are two wins from three. Most players are fit and injury free so we’ll be looking to progress now over the next couple of weeks before the lads come back from the World Cup.”
The disappointment of losing at Parc Y Scarlets was compounded by the fact that Ulster didn’t even take a losing bonus point from West Wales.
Dan says: “You back yourself to win all of your league games but going away you’re inevitably going to lose some. That’s what was most disappointing about the Scarlets match - we didn’t get anything from the game. Obviously, you never aim to lose but if you are going to, then you need to ensure you get at least a losing bonus point. Those added points really add up and make a difference at the end of the season.”
Dan is now carrying some of the leadership burden while other senior players like Rory Best, Chris Henry and Tommy Bowe are away:
“I’m into my 30s so I’d be one of the more experienced players within the group. When all the senior players are here I’d still have a fair amount of leadership. It’s enjoyable. Whenever I was younger I always enjoyed experienced players showing me the ropes and giving me a few pointers so if I can help some guys out there’s no harm in doing so.”
Dan Tuohy - a leader and a hugely experienced player with a point to prove. Whatever his personal disappointment, having him in the squad tonight can only be good for Ulster.
Speaking after Leinster’s Mike McCarthy was selected ahead of him, Dan said: “I thought that I had acquitted myself well in pre-season but these things happen. I have another focus and that is playing for Ulster and this game against Edinburgh.”
Dan will be aiming to turn that disappointment into determination and success at BT Murrayfield. Now in his seventh season at Ulster, he knows what to expect from the Scottish oufit.
“They don’t really hide what they do,” he says. “They don’t play a great deal in their own half, they’ve got a lot of imports and those South African type players are big physical men. They play a simple game plan that is very effective for them. I’m sure they’ll be looking to implement that against us. They are a team who back themselves at home.”
Ulster played Edinburgh in pre-season, losing 23-10 at Goldenacre. However, Dan believes that result will have no bearing on tonight’s game:
“Pre-season is pre-season and those results ultimately don’t matter. What’s important is the PRO12. We wanted to start with a 100% record but having lost to Scarlets, we are two wins from three. Most players are fit and injury free so we’ll be looking to progress now over the next couple of weeks before the lads come back from the World Cup.”
The disappointment of losing at Parc Y Scarlets was compounded by the fact that Ulster didn’t even take a losing bonus point from West Wales.
Dan says: “You back yourself to win all of your league games but going away you’re inevitably going to lose some. That’s what was most disappointing about the Scarlets match - we didn’t get anything from the game. Obviously, you never aim to lose but if you are going to, then you need to ensure you get at least a losing bonus point. Those added points really add up and make a difference at the end of the season.”
Dan is now carrying some of the leadership burden while other senior players like Rory Best, Chris Henry and Tommy Bowe are away:
“I’m into my 30s so I’d be one of the more experienced players within the group. When all the senior players are here I’d still have a fair amount of leadership. It’s enjoyable. Whenever I was younger I always enjoyed experienced players showing me the ropes and giving me a few pointers so if I can help some guys out there’s no harm in doing so.”
Dan Tuohy - a leader and a hugely experienced player with a point to prove. Whatever his personal disappointment, having him in the squad tonight can only be good for Ulster.