ROBBIE READY TO GRAB HIS CHANCE
Ulster's Robbie Diack
ULSTER loose forward Robbie Diack insists the distraction of the off field coaching situation will not affect the players when they run out at Ravenhill to face the Dragons in the Pro12 League tomorrow night (7.05pm).
“The squad is in high spirits and obviously we are aware of what’s happening and we just have to focus on the next few months and that is our situation and that is Brian’s situation,” said Diack.
“The squad is very excited at the moment we have the Heineken Cup quarter final against Munster and all the league games coming up, you do hear about these off field things in the newspapers but we really can’t let that affect us. All that matters is how we play on the pitch.
“The preparation has been good, we have had a couple of weeks off but we have trained really hard in those weeks and concentrated on things that we haven’t done so well in the past.
“It’s been good we’ve done a lot of running and a lot of preparation, everyone is excited and there are a few getting an opportunity including myself with the Ireland guys away.
“I can’t wait to play again and put my name up for selection. It’s been difficult as I have been on the bench a lot and only been involved in a few games and it has been a bit demoralising but I suppose that’s the life of a professional sportsman.
“You get your opportunities but the strength and depth of the loose forwards that Ulster have at the minute is so vast and when guys are playing so well it is difficult to get your chance.
“Now that I have got my chance, it is important for me to take it and use it.”
The Dragons represent Ulster’s first outing since Clermont and Diack admits there was mixed emotions after the game in France.
“We went there to win and get a home quarter final, there was a lot of disappointment in the changing room after the game but we were just delighted that we had got into the quarter finals on our own doing and we didn’t have to rely on any other teams to do us a favour.
“The players do need a bit of downtime but it’s always the case when you have a couple of weeks off you’re a little bit rusty in the first 10 minutes, there is a passion and eagerness to get out there and play the game.”
The Dragons beat Ulster at Rodney Parade in September and as they only lose a couple of players to the international set up Diack is expecting a tough night.
Diack added, “The Dragons have a lot of depth but they have lost a few good ball carriers to Wales, they are going to be strong and very physical, we had a look at them and it’s going to be a huge upfront battle, the set piece is going to be very important and if we get that right hopefully we can get a win.
“I was on the bench at the Dragons, it’s a difficult place to go but our performance was below par but we know where we can improve, we know their strengths and where we have to cancel that.”
During the World Cup Ulster won three from six matches without their internationals and that means there is little room for error although they have their southern hemisphere contingent available.
“It’s disappointing to lose them but with the depth in our squad there is a lot of trust in the players coming through,” he said.
“New players coming through often have that added eagerness to play well and I include myself in that group. I know I need to go out there and make an impression and play for the team.”
Fixtures
Today
RaboDirect PRO12
Leinster v Benetton Treviso 7.05pm
Glasgow v Scarlets 7.05pm
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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
