Ulster relishing top-of-the-table clash with Leinster
and live on Freeview channel 276
The last time Ulster achieved back-to-back league wins over Leinster was in the 2012/13 season.
Ulster won the first meeting between the teams by 20-10 at the RDS in November when James Hume’s late try sealed the win for the northern province.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHume’s celebration in the RDS was seen as a bit controversial.
But Ulster assistant coach Dan Soper, who coached the Ireland centre to three Schools’ Cup successes at RBAI, doesn’t think Leinster will be using Hume’s bravado as a motivating factor when they arrive in Belfast looking to preserve their four-point cushion at the top.
“I think that is just the enthusiasm of a young man, it was a big game and I suppose that was the moment that James and the rest of the guys actually realised that we were going to win that game and it had been a long time since we’d done it,” said Soper. “It’s not something we encourage or practice, it is just part of the emotion and that is how much the guys have invested in the game.
“They put a huge amount into it and sometimes a bit of emotion comes out like that.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“It is what it is and I’m sure Leinster have many ways to motivate themselves and I don’t know if looking at that type of thing is what they would actually use.”
With the game scheduled to kick off a short time after England against Ireland finishes, Soper admits it’s hard to prep for the game as both teams don’t know if they will get any of Andy Farrell’s squad not going to Twickenham released.
“It is a wee bit of a challenge but the guys that have come back to us the last number of weeks have been exceptional,” he said. “The performances have been exceptional but that is off the back of what they have done in the short time that they have had with us and when they have turned up at training they have made sure they have had their prep and detail sorted and they are able to perform to the level that they have.
“Both teams are going to be in a similar boat with not being sure who is going to be released, we are confident if we do get guys they will be able to seamlessly slot back in, as we have seen over the last few weeks.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“It’s a challenge but the one thing over the last two years has taught us is you have to be adaptable, roll with those punches and you just find a way to make those things work and there will be no excuses around any of that this week.
“We are pretty used to these rugby being played at Christmas or when guys are on a bit of a break, so we’re used to it maybe with neither team being at full strength.
“I don’t think it takes away from it...it’s first and second in the league and there’s a lot to play for, we certainly will be putting out a strong side.”
--
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.
Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.
But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdYou can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk
With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.
Thank you
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.