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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”