Ulster Rugby vs Ospreys

having confidence in me and me growing as a player, so I think it’s starting to come together nicely and I just hope that I can keep building on it.” In recent years Jackson has struck up one of the best half-back partnerships in the game between himself and Ruan Pienaar. Jackson is quick to note the tinge of sadness that came with the announcement of the Springbok’s departure at the end of this coming season, but is also determined to make the most of the games they have left together: “Ruan has been a massive influence on me. It’s strange to think we’ve been playing together for so long. I think in the past he would’ve struggled to get any chat out of me, being nervous as a young kid, so I like to think as I’ve grown I’ve hopefully taken a bit of pressure off his shoulders as well. It seems to work nicely between both of us. I’ve learned a hell of a lot from him, especially kicking wise and how to run the game. I think the more I’ve grown the more he has been able to focus on his own game so I think it’s been a great partnership and I’ve loved playing with him since I started here. I don’t want to think about it (Ruan’s departure) too much now, as I’m sure he doesn’t, so we’re just looking forward to playing together a bit more. Hopefully we’ll both stay injury free, continue our partnership and have a successful season.” It is Ospreys next up for Ulster and, despite a disappointing loss to Leinster last weekend, Jackson is under no illusion as to how testing the Welsh side will prove to be: “They didn’t have the best result last weekend so we know they’ll be coming out looking to remedy that. I fully expect there to be a backlash from them, especially with the players and experience they have. It’s definitely going to be a tough game for us. It’s going to be a close one, we’re expecting it to go the full 80 minutes and we’re prepared for that.” “THE LADS DID REALLY WELL AGAINST THE DRAGONS AND TREVISO SO IT MADE MY JOB A BIT EASIER COMING INTO A WINNING ENVIRONMENT”

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