Ulster Rugby vs Toulon

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21 ULSTERRUGBY
And of course there is fascination in the visit to Kingspan
Stadium of players most frequently watched on television plying
their club and international trade in a different hemisphere.
But this afternoon in Belfast, Europe’s champion team of the last
two seasons brings its version of ‘gallacticos’, free-spending -
vastly-ambitious Toulon are in town.
That means Bryan Habana, Mathieu Bastareaud, Matt Giteau,
Bakkes Botha, Carl Hayman, Leigh Halfpenny, the brothers
Armitage, James O’Connor, Frederic Michalak, form just part of
a celestial sporting talent pool, gathered from across the globe
and at great expense.
The Mediterranean city, where the French navy’s main fleet
is based, is a fortress too in rugby terms, and coaching boss
Bernard Laporte – as a player and official a man of great
distinction – is responsible for forging a unit which does not hide
its intention to dominate Europe and further afield.
For supporters it is a genuine thrill to see quality players like
these take to the pitch, but it’s a measure of how far Ulster
has travelled that its ambitions are just as far-reaching, and
its playing resources just as rich as its opponents. And any
trepidation which might have been evident in the ranks 20 years
or so ago has long since vanished. For the current generation
of Ulster players has set new benchmarks itself, most simply
evidenced by the feats collectively and individually of Tommy
Bowe, Andrew Trimble, Rory Best, Chris Henry, Jared Payne,
Luke Marshall, Darren Cave and the ever-expanding list of
internationals available to Neil Doak.
Ruan Pienaar, Nick Williams, Louis Ludik, Franco van der Merwe
and Wiehahn Herbst are just some of those recruited carefully
from abroad, their personal and rugby integration managed in
such a way that no-one doubts their Ulster credentials, and each
week their pedigree is emphasised with performances which
have made them crowd favourites.
Will Lions such as Bowe and Best march out on to the Kingspan
turf in any way in awe of their counterparts, or will Louis Ludik,
Paddy Jackson, Nick Williams, Robbie Diack or Herbst be
daunted by the 80 minutes to come? Not a bit of it!
It’s a nuanced feeling, but there can sometimes – amongst
supporters especially – be a concern that such are the global
‘brands’ of visiting players, such are there proven qualities,
that it is too easily forgotten that wearing the white of Ulster is
a group which commands precisely the same high regard and
respect in the ranks of the most celebrated opposition.
A few short years ago the commitment was made that Ulster
should become a world-class club, with players, management
and facilities to match. The bar was set high, and the challenge
taken up with alacrity. A European Cup Final, PRO12 success
and the arrival and development of players proved this was no
pipedream. Throughout rugby Ulster is perceived as in the top
tier, a thoroughly professional but rooted club with unlimited
ambition.
Stuart McCloskey, Stuart Olding, Craig Gilroy, Andy Warwick,
Roger Wilson, Rob Herring – whether ‘starters’ or springing
from the bench – know they are part of a world-class operation,
bound by a particular passion and dedicated to realising the
talents assembled with precision. These are performers of
international stature, eager to pit their skillsets against the best
and, importantly, confident of shaping events on the pitch.
Of Juan Smith, Michael Claassens, Martin Castrogiovanni and
the cosmopolitan squad gathered on the Cote d’Azur much is
demanded by Toulon, and similarly at Ulster. The totemic Jonny
Wilkinson has left the Stade Mayol, the European dreams of
benefactor Mourad Boudjellal, Toulon born-and-bred realised,
but other challenges remain.
The exotic southern French location, and the apparently infinite
financial rewards, adds to the glamour and the fascination with
the current kingpins in Europe, but the job has to be done on
the pitch. George Gregan was a signature capture and was
amongst those who created a template for success in Toulon.
But it is easy to forget that Ryan Constable, Paul Steinmetz,
Robbie Kempson, Dion O’Cuinneagain, from afar, David
Humphreys, Jeremy Davidson, Mark McCall, Jonny Bell and
Allen Clarke – to name but a very few – inspired just the same
sort of ambitious route map for Ulster Rugby with their lustrous
talents and worldwide reputations.
Today, the first big European occasion in the fully-refurbished
Kingspan Stadium, the players of the recent past will cast not
a shadow but provide the impetus and motivation for the team
which takes the field to lay down the gauntlet to the French.
Admire the opposition, respect it as the players in the home
dressing room will, but have no doubt that not one Ulster player
involved will feel a lesser competitor.
The second game of the group qualifying stage, and it’s already
a critical match for both sides. Ulster might have hoped for
better at Leicester last weekend, but the losing bonus point
and the style and character of the second half at Welford Road
keeps spirits rightly high. The Tigers were never the fatally
wounded side some commentators would have had us believe,
their season is on an upward curve at last.
In the Sunday sunshine at home Toulon powered through the
Scarlets early on, but the Welsh regrouped and exploited any
failings to the full and denied the champions the bonus point win
they craved. Laporte will know that Belfast offers his side a huge
challenge this Saturday afternoon, and Neil Doak, with Jonny
Bell and Allen Clarke, will have prepared meticulously.
Be in no doubt, these are two of Europe’s best outfits going
head-to-head, clubs and players with priority, and victory tonight
will certainly put the winners in pole position to qualify for the
quarter-finals in the New Year.
It’s one of those days to relish: memories of Stade Toulouse
being put to the sword in Ulster’s Cup-winning season of
1998/99, not just once but twice. The mighty Stade Francais has
been humbled – on a Saturday lunchtime memorably - so too
Montpellier and Biarritz, powerhouses of the game in France
and Europe.
Skipper Rory Best will not have to tell his players that the feats of
yore are to be repeated, rather that new standards demand his
troops write new, unique rugby history.
This is an era when rugby in the Province has produced a sleek,
contemporary ‘golden generation’, one firmly bedded in the
affection and support of its supporters, and with individual and
squad goals it is determined to achieve.
The champions of Europe meet their gifted and genuine
contenders for the crown.
What is not to like?
THE STARS ARE OUT
AND TOULON TOO!
Like fans in any sport we are often in thrall to the big names,
the huge reputations of others, too often ignoring ‘our own’.