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A win at Scotstoun in the autumn was a real
highlight of the season, an evening when the
hosts were put to the sword with one of the most
complete performances for a long time.
After returning to Guinness PRO12 action against
Edinburgh last weekend, and getting some much-
valued confidence back in an important bonus-
point victory, the players know that it must set
the pattern for the next five weeks, a period when
Ulster’s campaign will be defined. The quest
for a Top Four semi-final spot in May is the only
priority in town, and it continues in Belfast against
a Warriors squad which has been transformed in
recent years.
The loss last weekend to the resurgent Scarlets
was a blow, and the Scots arrive in Belfast with
similar incentive to that of Ulster: a win to keep
their own semi-final ambitions well-and-truly alive.
Particularly under the guidance of Gregor
Townsend, Glasgow has developed into one of
the most formidable sides in the competition,
and that it provides the body of the rejuvenated
Scottish national side only evidences its quality.
Townsend was one of his country’s most gifted
attacking players, capable of true genius,
and in moving into coaching he’s done his
apprenticeship with his country and with the
Warriors, and created teams of imagination but
also of pragmatism. He delegates well, so in the
darker reaches of the pack he has assistants
who offer him a forward platform from which
wonderful players like Stuart Hogg, Tommy
Seymour – previously of this parish – and Finn
Russell to thrive.
The Warriors’ pre-eminence in Scotland is such
that no fewer than 13 of its squad was in the
national match day panel for the opening Six
Nations defeat of Ireland, and no doubt Townsend
will hope that he gets a few players released
to pull on the Glasgow jersey this afternoon. In
Scotland's narrow defeat in Paris last Sunday
many of his charges were prominent, Jonny Gray,
Frazer Brown, Alex Dunbar and two imminent
departures from Scotstoun – powerhouse No. 8
Josh Strauss and Edinburgh-bound centre Mark
Bennett - bringing a winning mentality to the
national side. In most cases those players will be
kept out of PRO12 action this weekend.
For Ulster, this is possibly the best time to meet
Glasgow when the visitors are more affected by
international calls, though like any thoroughly
professional club the visitors are constantly
strengthening their resources, and – crucially
– securing the long-term services of key
performers.
Ali Price came off the bench when skipper Greg
Laidlaw hobbled off, and the scrum-half may well
get an outing at Kingspan where his lively, alert
style will keep the home back-row on its toes.
Ruan Pienaar should be fit to resume today, and
that axis at the back and base of the scrum with
Marcell Coetzee will be important not just this
afternoon but in the ‘must win’ run-in to May’s
PRO12 play-offs, a target Pienaar has dedicated
himself to help achieve as he reluctantly takes his
leave of Ulster at the end of the season.
Andrew Trimble is fit again and will surely
come into the reckoning to reclaim his Ireland
spot against France next week and will not be
available, but his partner-in-crime for so long,
Tommy Bowe, will make an appearance, and
Luke Marshall was also released by Ireland in the
hope they’ll get some game time.
And while we know we are blessed with the
quality of Ulster’s wing three-quarters, Jacob
Stockdale’s barnstorming displays giving the
coaches a genuine option in that position,
wasn’t it marvellous to see Craig Gilroy take
his chance off the Irish replacements’ bench in
Rome and jink his way to a spectacular hat-trick
in the thumping of the Italians? If Les Kiss has a
selection dilemma on the wings it’s just as keen
for Joe Schmidt with three Ulstermen of proven
quality in his panel.
As for Paddy Jackson, Ulster supporters will have
been unsurprised but thrilled by the out-half’s
flawless display against Italy, his perfect return
from nine kicks matched by some ingenious
handling and decisive passing. That iconic green
No. 10 jersey is surely destined to be his in the
immediate and long-term future.
The Kingspan Stadium crowd was back
to its fervent best on Friday of last week,
particularly in the free-flowing, try-laden first
half against Edinburgh. The first appearance in
the white of Ulster of Marcell Coetzee proved
Scottish raiders keep on coming to Kingspan Stadium, and Ulster’s mission today is to
record a priceless ‘double’ over Glasgow Warriors.
A STATEMENT OF INTENT
ROD NAWN