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WHEN SOLLY IS THE HARDEST WORD
EARLY December, the winter has announced itself, and what fans and
teams cherish now is the warmth of winning.
ROD NAWN
For Ulster supporters the last fortnight has been
chilly, a European reverse to Saracens in Belfast then
disappointment in attritional defeat at Leinster last weekend.
Professional sport is as rewarding as it is demanding,
and with the plaudits which accompany success there is
nothing more certain than the criticism which is spawned by
a few losses and less-than-convincing performances.
Tonight Ulster finds itself determined to regain its form and
its verve, and to quell the fears and concerns of a vocal
few. While Alan Solomons brings his Edinburgh panel to
Kingspan Stadium in confident mood, the Scottish capital
supporters happy that their side is proving truly competitive
in the Guinness PRO12.
‘Solly’ was, of course, in charge at Ulster in the early years
of the new millennium, and his tactical nous, his knowledge
of the game and his international reputation, means that Les
Kiss and Neil Doak realise all-too-well that this evening’s
clash will demand that the players are focussed, diligent
in the set piece particularly, and aware that Edinburgh’s
ordered defence will be breached only by hard work,
inventiveness and energy.
After a bonus point win over the Dragons last week tonight’s
visitors have shown this season that after Solomons’ careful
reshaping of his squad the Scots are now a considerable
force. Reaching the European Challenge Cup Final last
season was proof that the Head Coach’s single-minded,
sometimes apparently stern, preparation of his players on
and off the field is reaping dividends.
Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Greig Tonks, Tom Brown, the
precocious Chris Dean, Alasdair Dickinson and Fraser
McKenzie are flourishing in a set-up bolstered cleverly by
the acquisition of overseas talents at which Solomons in
particular is a specialist.
The Australian Toolis twins, Alex and Ben, Willem Nel – with
whom Solomons worked in South Africa – and Cornell du
Preez, skipper Mike Coman and John Hardie, both New
Zealand-born flankers, have given real depth to the pack,
while those such as Kiwis Will Helu, the vastly experienced
wing, and the versatile Phil Burleigh, have added pace and
power in the backline.
Solomons’ arrival at Murrayfield in 2013 followed the failure
of Andy Robinson and Michael Bradley to furnish the club
with a consistency which would make Edinburgh more than
occasional ‘spoilers’ at the rugby party’s top table. The
investment in the Head Coach – and in his judgement –
would appear to have been a sound one, his calm authority
just what was required in an environment in Scotland which
had been as turbulent at club level as it was fractured in the
international sphere.
Ulster has already had direct experience of the rejuvenated
Scottish outfit, a 16-10 defeat at BT Murrayfield in October
one of a series of victories which put Edinburgh in early title
contention. Greig Tonks kicked superbly that night, and
flanker Hamish Watson’s try capped a hugely impressive
personal display.
Ulster’s response was fiery if sometimes lacking discipline,
and once more Solomons’ reputation for astute attention
to detail and pragmatic rugby won the day – and four vital
points.
The contest this evening promises to be just as tight, with
those fabled ‘small margins’ the decisive elements. Ulster
have faced a superb Saracens side in Europe, and on its
travels to Dublin last weekend got involved in a battle of wills
as much as skills with a Leinster team anxious to put two
chastening Champions’ Cup losses behind it.
The critics have not been slow to pounce on a side which
is under-performing, but there is no justification in any
carping about the application in training or on match day.
New Director of Rugby Les Kiss is inevitably going to take
some time to make his emphatic imprint on the side’s style,
but he and coach Neil Doak have been wrestling with injury
problems, re-integrating the World Cup contingent and,
candidly, with a distinct lack of form in individual cases.
The power of the collective has always been a characteristic
of Ulster and despite every effort it just hasn’t consistently
demonstrated itself this campaign, though with some try
bonus wins at Kingspan Stadium, and just shy of the Top
Four, it is folly to see genuine crisis. The enduring gifts of
Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Ruan Pienaar and Paddy
Jackson guarantees that the side’s attacking instincts will
always be nurtured, while Rory Best, Wiehahn Herbst,
Dan Tuohy, Nick Williams, Roger Wilson, Chris Henry and
Robbie Diack would enhance any club side with their
talents in the loose and tight.
So, with that core of quality, and a squad which includes
Stuart McCloskey, Luke Marshall, Rory Scholes, Peter
Nelson, Craig Gilroy, Louis Ludik, Paul Marshall, Callum
Black, Rob Herring, Sean Reidy and so many other hugely
committed and talented players, the season is not lacking
in promise.
The home crowd this first Friday in December can play its
part too, and perhaps the famous stadium has not often
enough echoed to the sustained ‘roar’ of old. Opponents
will testify to what a packed Belfast ground can contribute
when it is in the mood, and as Ulster steadies itself for a
renewed assault in the PRO12 and in Europe the fans can
play a major role.
Alan Solomons guided his then charges to the Celtic
League title in 2004, and its modern equivalent – the Pro
12 – has been tantalisingly close in the last few seasons.
The league this year is perhaps more fiercely competitive
than ever, with a superbly-organised Connacht setting the
pace, and with the following six sides, Ulster and Edinburgh
amongst them, all within striking distance.
This evening’s combatants have both accumulated 23
points from eight outings, Ulster the more prolific scorers,
Edinburgh boasting the statistically better defence.
There are intriguing match-ups to savour, not least at the
set piece if hookers Best and Ford renew their rivalry.
Lions both their accuracy out of touch will be key, because