Ulster Rugby v Munster

Ulster’s depth in playing resources is growing but is trumped, currently, by the visitors tonight. However, at a stage of the year when selections in this troika of Inter-Pros – Connacht and Leinster are imminent opponents - are particularly important, given the welfare management programme for internationals. Both coaches would bristle at any suggestion that some players will be particularly key for some matches, but it is a truism that some games are perceived, and approached, as more important than others. It’s unlikely that either the home side or the men from Munster regard this fixture as anything other than a ‘must win’, so McFarland will probably aim to have Rory Best, Jordi Murphy, Will Addison, Stuart McCloskey and John Cooney on duty this evening. Twelve months ago Ulster’s form was non- existent, the mood on and off the pitch uncertain, but somehow a typically combative Darren Cave inspired an unlikely but briefly uplifting home win. It didn’t prove anything more than brief relief from the unsettled mood which had descended firmly above Kingspan Stadium. The omens for the hosts tonight are far more favourable: Stockdale is apparently unstoppable, Addison, McCloskey, Henry Speight and Louis Ludik know the defensive arts and how to swiftly transition to blistering attack, and Cooney is a master of the scrum-half craft – what a treat a contest with Murray might provide! Billy Burns proved a perfect ‘10’ last week, his boot a creative appendage to splendid game management. Up front, Best’s feats are approaching the mythic, while Marcell Coetzee, Murphy and Sean Reidy are just three of a pack which has rediscovered the art of the maul and become a ferocious unit in the set piece. These are two well-organised sides, each with its sprinkling of stardust. Fabled visiting fans who’ve travelled far will add to the holiday atmosphere. But all Ulster supporters want for Christmas is, well, more!

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