Jonny Bell on...
Lions review
We were bitterly disappointed, we have reviewed things and it was a game we wanted to win, a game we thought we could win but after the first half we gave ourselves an uphill battle and couldn’t really get going. We had a lot of turnovers, missed tackles and gave them that bit of oxygen they needed to get home.
The boys fought tooth and nail to get back into it, we did well to get that bonus-point.
Previewing the Bulls
The Bulls have more refinement to their shape, they have big forwards and fast backs. The Bulls will bring a mixture of power and pace, the Lions although they have big forwards they tend to want to get the ball very fast to their backs and are very dangerous off transition. They are different but have some similarities.
We have a huge task, the boys are excited for that challenge at Loftus to face up to that, face some big ball carriers, they are a big set-piece team so we have to be on our metal there. Their backs like to get one on ones and are dangerous. A great challenge.
Key areas
When you play the likes of the South African teams and you try to go toe to toe with very big men, you have got to be technically good. We are never going to win a battle of size, we need to be smart, bring our level of physicality, we have to be technically good and be sharp in our carrying, our tackle, getting two men in those tackles and making sure our post tackle work is up there, otherwise you are just giving big carriers one on ones and that’s what they want, to release their backs into space.
On mood this week in camp
You have to freshen up, get the guys feeling positive again. There’s also the physical toll of playing out here in South Africa so you have to make sure we are fresh. The mood has been good.
We want to be difficult to play against, we are setting that challenge as a team. Against the Lions we weren’t hard enough to play against but that’s the challenge.
Mike Lowry on...
Vodacom Bulls challenge
We have to learn pretty quickly and flip the page quickly. We have reviewed and need to learn quickly.
Bouncing back
It’s very important, you can see how close the league is going to be this year, every point will matter come those play-off positions. There’s no team that’s looking like they are unbeatable so ever point will matter. We want to get back to winning ways and build some good momentum with a win this weekend.
Playing at altitude
The last time I had played in Johannesburg was definitely the toughest, just with how hot it was. I think that added another factor, especially with the altitude. I don’t think it gets easier with altitude, the only way I can prepare for it is not thinking too much and let the lungs take the damage on it.
No matter if it’s altitude or not, all the games are incredibly tough, incredibly physical and then you add on that layer – it can play a big part in how you play.
On the tour benefits
When we saw that we were coming to South Africa so early, I thought it was brilliant because we have a young group, new players coming in and it’s a great way of getting the players to bond. We have been playing traitors every night, it involves the whole squad and it gets narrowed down to one, so it’s a bit of a survival game and is a great way to bring out everyone's personality.
On South African brand of rugby
The first time you play South African teams you are shocked by the physicality aspect of their play. The conditions also add to that and they know what we might struggle with so they target that and we target over things. It’s also different when they come to us. I think each region plays a different brand.
James McNabney on…
On breaking into the Ulster senior team and getting gametime
I’m delighted to have been selected, I’ve had Richie before at Irish Under 20s and enjoy working with him, we have always had a good relationship. I feel I have had a good pre-season and I have lasted through it injury-free and am enjoying becoming part of the group now.
What is it like being away with the senior team?
I’ve had great craic so far on the tour, I have really enjoyed it because everyone mixes in well. There’s a bit of an age gap with the forwards, between some of the older lads and younger lads, but I feel we are bridging it very nicely and I’m enjoying the craic both on and off the field.
Is it daunting being a young player and playing?
Jimmy Duffy told me that if you’re good enough, you are old enough, and that’s something that has stuck with me. I don’t like to look too far ahead. Hopefully I get selected this weekend, take it one game at a time and put my best foot forward.
On last season's break through
I got a few caps, obviously through injury I probably got picked but I took my chances. I had two good games but felt against Bath in the Champions Cup I didn’t quite perform the way I should have or what I would have liked. I then picked up an injury and hadn’t made it back in since then but pre-season has given me another opportunity.
Bouncing back from Lions
We were gutted we got beat. We didn’t play very well against Glasgow but grinded to get the win, we weren’t at our best against Lions but were happy to at least get a losing bonus-point out of it. We need to be better and build.
Traitors fun
Kyle Alexander, one of our physios has taken charge of running the 'traitors' game, and it’s been great craic in the group. I’ve actually been ‘killed’ and voted out so I think I said too much within the circle and got myself knocked out but everyone is getting involved. It’s nice to feel part of the group.