RUGBY: Jared Payne says Ulster are under no illusions about what they have to deliver

The utility back - preferred at fullback option with Ulster - is set to make only his second appearance in the Guinness PRO12 this season when the Irish Province travel to Zebre.

On paper it is a game Ulster are expected to win against the second from bottom side.

From Ulster’s point of view it is a game they must win if they are to stay in the mix for a place in the league play-offs.

In reality it is a potential banana skin for Les Kiss and his troops.

There are three rounds of the regular league season remaining and Ulster lie in fifth place determined to at least play their part in the race for the semi-finals.

With Leinster at home and Ospreys away to follow, the outcome against Zebre could certainly break their season.

Ulster have only lost once to Zebre in seven previous meetings and Payne says it is important not to forget that previous loss in Parma in September 2014.

“Perhaps we did not give them the respect they deserved,” he said. “Certainly we do not travel well (to them). That is something we have talked about this week.”

A win is vital, but Ulster could probably do with taking all five match points by securing the try bonus.

“Yip, we are under no illusions about what we need to do. We are going there to get the win and we will certainly be need to be chasing the bonus point.

“We have just focused on this game, we have a job to do and we have to make sure we go out there and deliver what makes the next week important.

Although Payne featured strongly for Ireland in the World Cup and Six Nations, he admits it has not been a great season for him.

“With the injuries it has not been great, but I do not hide behind that - the body is at the best stage it has been since I was carrying a bit of a dead leg from the Scotland game.

“I did not get any hang on issues as I had from the World Cup so hopefully I get a few more weeks playing on the trot under my belt and perform well.,” added Payne.