Ulster Rugby vs Treviso

ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST @RODNAWN1

David Busby marked his debut with a try against Zebre, and after overcoming a lot of injuries it was due reward for a player who has come through the Academy and has always been earmarked for a fine future in the game. Jacob Stockdale’s try-scoring run continued, and he’s now an established member of the squad. A view of Ulster’s future has to be encouraged by the youngsters developing here. That generation has a part to play, especially during the Six Nations period, but it challenges the experienced to hone their skills and mental approach for what is a demanding three months. Treviso could derail all Ulster’s ambitions if its renowned Kiwi Head Coach Kieran Crowley harnesses his remaining troops as he would intend, but though renowned as attack-minded – wingers David Odiete and Andrea Buondonno and full-back David Sperandio crossed for tries against Connacht five days ago – the Italian club has conceded heavily far too frequently. It’s not being disrespectful to believe that Ulster’s scrum – if it ‘ups’ its game from last weekend – and the array of talented and imaginative players behind will be just too powerful and dominant to allow the Treviso side to flourish. Ulster is ‘cashing in’ at the moment, and though also weakened by international calls it couldn’t claim that Glasgow, Edinburgh, Zebre and Treviso have been less diluted, so it’s absolutely key that the right psychological mood is retained for the next week, and then again when the league resumes at the end of the month at Rodney Parade where the Dragons have too often sunk Ulster’s hopes below the waterline. When that game comes around, expect and insist that Ulster be in the frame of mind, and armed with the tools, to wipe recent history aside and add further momentum to the charge towards a play-off place in May. With a full complement from which Les Kiss and Head Coach Neil Doak can select for the last group of four PRO12 games, everyone must be strong and positive in every way. While taking each game on its own merits the commitment

to realising the potential of this squad, and of offering genuine reward to fans whose loyalty has been spectacular and who only fitfully have expressed frustration, must be complete and thoroughly professional. But this evening, what is needed is a decisive win, a clear mandate for the players, management and supporters to pursue and realise a vision for Ulster which rewards all. Now there’s a rugby slogan to which we can all rally!

ROD NAWN

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