The Durban man may still rate the Super 14 in the Southern Hemisphere way up there, but the tighthead prop is excited about the prospect of playing against Stade Francais tomorrow.

Denied by injury the opportunity to go on and play in last year’s World Cup final which South Africa won, Botha said the Heineken Cup was the pinnacle for many of the players in the Northern Hemisphere.

“Rugby players want to pit themselves against the best. Certainly when we go out against Stade Francais this weekend that will be the case,” said Botha.

“The top clubs in Europe are playing in the Heineken Cup. It is a big competition and these are the games you really look forward to during your season.

“You get the chance to test yourself against the best and that helps lift both the individual and the overall team game.”

Botha added: “We all know the reputation Stade Francais have, but we will be lifting ourselves up for the game. There is no need for motivation.

“They are a great side, they are top of their league and we just have to go out and do what we have to. We have prepared well this week and it is a case of going out and giving it a real go.”

The South African arrived in Ulster with a huge pedigree and from the first game against Scarlets, the tighthead prop showed his credentials.

But he has been targeted by referees in games and most onlookers are of the opinion it is because he is so good in the front row, making life a misery for even some of the top international props in the British Isles, that he is getting ‘pinged’ at the set piece.

Botha added: “I do not think it is a personal attack and I do not know about it being that I am so good as you say. Referees blow what they see. I just have to get used to that, learn quickly in a game and adapt.

“There are small, really minor things, especially at the breakdown, which I am finding myself being penalised for, which would not happen back home. I just have to make that adjustment.”

Ulster went through four games without a win, but Botha never had any doubts about his decision to come and play for Ulster.

“I know the guys and I know the coaches and management. There is a process in place and it will take a bit of time.

“There are a lot of new players in this team, there are new combinations and it will take a little bit of time for that to all come together. Everyone knows where everyone else is going and that helps.

“It is extremely important to know that there is a process taking place and that it will happen.

“For me that makes it really exciting and I am looking forward to this first season as well as the season to come after that.”