Marcel Coetzee says hard work paid off as Ulster make away gains at Ospreys

Ulster’s talisman scored one of his side’s three tries at the Liberty Stadium, was dynamic with ball in hand in attack and produced a rip on his own try line to prevent the Welsh region getting a losing bonus point.

Coetzee was delighted to win the first away game of the season and believes if Ulster want to be competing for silverware their form on the road will have to improve this term.

“That is a culture that we want to change at Ulster, in the past it really didn’t go to well when we are on the road and you are kind of out of your comfort zone,” said the No8.

“We have said if we want to be a consistent team and get a home play-off spot we have to be consistent on the road and the whole mind set has changed around that.

“We had a few factors in the week that could have played a role in our preparation but it is a credit to the character of the guys just bouncing back from that, everyone was ready to go and buzzing, that is pleasing for a player and the management,” he added.

“There is a good feeling - it is never easy being away and we managed to get the win and particularly the manner of it.”

It was a disappointing end to last season for the team and Coetzee personally as he missed the European Cup quarter final.

He said: “It was frustrating to miss Toulouse but it gave me time to condition and get that rehab properly done because I don’t want to sit with niggles every week.

“My body feels really good and we have a break coming up now and that just gives me time to work on my weaknesses and slowly but surely build your foundations.”

David McCann made his debut in the win over Benetton while Marcus Rea got his first start against the Ospreys and Coetzee feels the both young back rows have a bright future.

“They are going well, even their attitudes in training and the two games they have played,” he said.

“I thought Dave was unbelievable last week and he just showed he is one for the future.

“Marcus has a relentless work rate on him and even when he played against Leinster he was phenomenal and those guys are being rewarded with some game time; they really give their all for the team and it is nice just to see them flourish.”

Coetzee wants to add to his 30 Springbok caps be in the Rugby Championship or against the British Lions next summer.

“The government has to make a call on whether South Africa are going to participate in the Rugby Championship,” he said.

“I hope for the green light - it would be phenomenal and to be picked would be unbelievable but you never know until you get that phone call or media press release.

“I think you just have to be consistent with your performances for your club and then you can just build it from there.”

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