Ulster Rugby v Wasps

CHARLES PIUTAU

Charles Piutau, the New Zealand born fullback and former Wasps player, shares his view on tonight’s challenge.

scoring tries at the moment – it’s great! You knew Christian Lealiifano quite well from having played before in Super Rugby – how do you think he’s settled in and what do you think he’s brought to the team? I think he’s settled in real well considering the time frame he was given and when he got here. He didn’t have much to work with but it shows his quality. I think he’s spoken about it as well, as a person he’s very collected and he’s brought that calmness and composure to the team, which he felt it needed. It’s important to get off to a winning start in the Champions Cup given that there are only 6 games in the pool and some very tough opposition? What is your take on it? I think that every game is crucial in this tournament even more so when you’re at home as you have that advantage. But it’s one step at a time. We’re putting all our effort in and hopefully the results will take care of themselves.

Tonight, we face Wasps, which is sure to be a huge game? Yeah, it’s been an exciting week and it’s a big game for us. Its the first Champions Cup game and against my old team so there’ll be a lot of familiar faces. Having played for Wasps a couple of seasons ago you know the players inside out - what do you think are their main threats on the pitch? I think they’ve got a lot of speed and their back three have got a lot of experience as well with the likes of Willie Le Roux who has a lot of international experience. You’ve also got Elliot Daly now, who has a strong left foot so there’s heaps of strike power there. And their forward pack, they’re very dominant as well, they have a lot of strong ball carriers in the likes of Ashley Johnston and Nathan Hughes. Have the coaches been asking you this week for your insights in terms of how they play or the individuals and what assets they will bring? No, not really. I’ve talked to the back three and the back line about what tendencies the Wasps players have, but the coaches have done a spot-on job in preparing us. Wasps’ have rotated their squad a bit. From an Ulster point of view, has it been difficult to gauge what type of team they will put out or do you have a fairly good idea? In all honesty, whoever comes up for them will be a strong team and they’ll be up for the challenge so whoever is in the team is it will be a great game and should be a good contest. European occasions are always special here at Kingspan Stadium with a large crowd and big atmosphere. I’m sure your looking forward to getting back out on that European stage again? Definitely. There’s always a great atmosphere and the fans, week in week out, show their support. The team is looking forward to coming out to that atmosphere and that crowd. You and Jacob Stockdale linked up well last week to deliver a fantastic try in the Connacht game – how impressed have you been with him and his performances? I’ve been really happy just to see him growing in that way. He’s playing so well and on form which definitely makes my job easier and it’s always nice to see him express himself out there. He seems to always be

CHARLES PIUTAU

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