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47
ROD NAWN
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!