Ulster Rugby vs Treviso

From Ulster’s perspective the injuries to Ian Humphreys and Sam Windsor were inopportune, but Peter Nelson has demonstrated his range of talents by slotting in comfortably at out-half, and there’s a chance that Humphreys may be able to play some part tonight. Similarly, Andrew Trimble’s disappointment at missing out so cruelly on World Cup selection was compounded by another injury setback, and his coach will be delighted he’s returned to full training. Doak has been enthusiastic about the addition of Joe Barakat to the coaching team, and the engaging Austrialian is making a real impression with his particular examination of the collision area, and those ‘new pair of eyes’ will prove invaluable as the season progresses. The defeat at the early table-topping Scarlets was not what the team and management wanted, of course, but just three points separates Ulster from the leaders, and after this evening’s clash – which is the sole focus just now – the team will return to action in a fortnight in Edinburgh before Cardiff visits Kingspan Stadium, before visits to Limerick and to the Dragons. That block of successive games offers continuity and by early November the squad will have been thoroughly extended and with the depth of talent at Kingspan the target will be to contend for the top of the table and to be in prime form and health for the exacting opening exchanges in the Champions Cup – first in France against Oyannax on 14 November followed six days later by the renewal of the rivalry with English kingpins Saracens. Those are indeed for another day, but what a tasty table of rugby feasts stretch out from this evening’s primary concern – the Guinness PRO12. Ulster will be quite properly concentrating on its performance and on stepping back on to the winning track. But wouldn’t it be great for all who love and are excited by rugby to roar home Ulster tonight as a palate-teasing starter before Ireland’s World Cup date with the Italian national side on Sunday? We’d all like a pizza that!

ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST @RODNAWN1

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