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11
LES KISS
What was the focus this week?
The boys are extremely disappointed with the
way things went last time out. So the focus for
this week’s game is on making sure that we
deliver to the level of expectation that is placed
on this jersey and to what the Ulster Rugby
badge is worthy of.
Zebre defeated Edinburgh on home soil, a
boost for them this season?
Yes, they had a good win over Edinburgh a
number of weeks ago, which I’m sure will give
them a lot of confidence. They have been a hard
team to beat a number of times this season
and we have to be wary of them and aware of
their skills set. If we don’t perform up to par our
expectation this evening it will be a very tough
challenge.
The Italians have a good set piece, they are very
dangerous from broken field play and they have
a lot of very aggressive and quick players, so our
one-on-one tackling needs to be spot on tonight.
How is your squad looking?
The squad is slowly being able to add to its
depth with the return of some players. It’s great
to have Chris Henry and Louis Ludik back fit
this week, but unfortunately not so for Rodney,
Roger, Cavey, Ricky and Al O’Connor. Luke
and Gilly return from Ireland camp whilst Stuart
McCloskey is very close to a return and will cover
24th man for us tonight. Lorcan Dow, John
Donnan and Aaron Cairns are also injured
for this weekend. Ross Kane joins Marcell
Coetzee, Pete Nelson and Matty Rea
on the long term injury list. Stu Olding
was called into Irish camp this week
and has injured his hamstring which
will put him on the sidelines this
weekend.
Rory, Hendy, Trimby, Paddy and Jared will be
strapping up for Ireland on Saturday against the
Wallabies. Most of them will be on a rest week
for the Cardiff match but will be available to play
against Clermont the following weekend.
I am sure you felt a huge amount of pride for
your players out in Chicago?
I spoke to the guys that were involved with Ireland
when they got back. I thought they put in an
incredible performance against the All Blacks, we
are so proud of the Ulster boys that were involved
in that historic occasion. It was great to see
Ireland achieve a win in front of huge support in
America. A game I’m sure they will never forget.
LES KISS
DIRECTOR OF RUGBY
UPDATE