Brian: My focus was on game
SURGE: Ruan Pienaar goes on the break
ULSTER head coach, Brian McLaughlin was keen only to talk about onfield matters after last night’s try scoring bonus point 30-12 win over Dragons which put the club on track to get a top four finish in the PRO12.
Missing several players on international duty or injury, plus the late withdrawal of Paddy Wallace, McLaughlin paid credit to his squad who brought a great energy to the pitch, worked hard for each other and kept going right to the end to finally get the fourth bonus point securing try.
“We probably let four chances go in the first half, which was a little disappointing, but again we were coming back from a three-week break and conditions were not great out there.
“But in the second half we did better and we kept the intensity and energy there.”
McLaughlin refused to be drawn on questions about events during the week or even last night’s television interview by his boss and chief executive officer, Shane Logan, simply stating that from his point of view he just wanted to focus on the important things.
“The rugby is the most important thing and that is making sure the guys are in the right place and kick on in PRO12 and making sure that whenever our opportunity comes at Thomond Park in April we are ready for that.
“That is my focus, that is the players’ focus and that is exactly what we want.”
The number of missed chances spurned by the side did give McLaughlin some concern, but he said it was all about building the side up to the level it was at last month.
McLaughlin had no further injury concerns from last night’s game but said that skipper, Johann Muller, was likely to miss the game in Cardiff next Friday night.
“He has a minor tear to the calf and we will monitor it closely. We just do not know how long it will be, but he is definitely out for next week.
“However, we are hopeful of having Darren Cave back in next week, which is a plus.”
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
