Ulster Rugby vs Llanelli Scarlets

ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST @RODNAWN1

who might or might not be released for club duty only join the Kingspan training itinerary late in the preparations. It’s not just coincidence that the wonderful, truly admirable position into which Pat Lam has guided Connacht at the top end of the PRO12 has been relatively unmarked by the requirements of Joe Schmidt and his management team. Would Ulster swap with the Westerners? No, of course not, because the fans have thrilled to the side providing spectacular moments and games courtesy of quality players who have earned and deserved the invitation to the international table. The announcement last week of the imminent arrival of Springbok back-rower Marcell Coetzee fulfilled Kiss’s promise that only the best would be joining the squad as the quest to realise a vision beyond the immediate expectations is pursued by the team headed by Operations Director Bryn Cunningham. The visitors to Kingspan Stadium this Sunday afternoon have been confronted by many of the factors related to Six Nations’ calls which – to the mature credit of Kiss and Wayne Pivac – are never used as an easy explanation of sub-par performances. For Ulster fans, who do have very high expectations and have shown patience in the restructuring not just of a team but of a stadium and professional club structure the envy of Europe, the focus will always be on urging the players towards success. And perhaps next month, when panels are restored and some players make such welcome returns to the fray, the entertainment quotient will rise. But it’s probable that the capture of an end-of- season Guinness PRO12 semi-final spot, and the real belief that a trophy is within touching distance after one of the most competitive league campaigns for years, will help to draw the best out of what is an exceptional group of players and coaches. For those whose conviction might be fading, or concern growing, just look at how well the last few weeks have been negotiated in terms of results. There is another big finale to the season in prospect. Believe!

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