Ulster Rugby vs Connacht

European ambitions can be tucked away for a few weeks now after a roller-coaster fortnight, and tonight Kingspan Stadium will echo to the roars of encouragement as Connacht come calling in the Guinness PRO12. WIN OR LOSE, LAM IS A WESTERN HERO

And what a game to prepare us for the festive break, Pat Lam’s champions returning to Belfast, form and momentum restored, Ulster determined to build on the encouraging, try-scoring signs of recent weeks. That victory in Cardiff three weeks ago harvested five vital points, the Top Four was within touching distance again, the tumble from the leadership hopefully consigned to the past. Ruan Pienaar is in his pomp, Charles Piutau is a force of nature, Luke Marshall is in rumbustious try-scoring form, Chris Henry is restored and fiery, a try-scoring and creative Tommy Bowe looking the class act we know him to be. But Connacht return to Belfast hoping to repeat the display of resilience and invention which claimed a victory in February which was the platform for its historic assault on the PRO12 title, and arguably fatally undermined Ulster’s own aspirations for that elusive prize. And, incidentally, a very appropriate Christmas gift to fans of rugby generally would be Gerry Thornley’s excellent, hugely readable Front Up, Rise Up: The official story of Connacht Rugby, a story of a Province’s determination to survive despite the plans of a few in real authority, and how players, staff and supporters transformed the game in the West. Coach Pat Lam last year had a game plan, his players carried it out superbly, and suddenly the men from the West were serious contenders, no longer fodder for the so-called ‘big cats’. Last month Lam announced that he will move next year to Bristol – how that man loves a challenge! – but it has not diminished the fealty of his squad to him or his methods: that win in the Champions Cup over Wasps last week was testament to the character, skill and steel which now is part of the Connacht fabric. Ulster go into this evening’s big game with much to be pleased about over the last month, and still much to digest in turning the undoubted world- class quality of its set-up and of so many of its players into silverware. October and November were months when form confidence and a sense of direction seemed to desert a side which had surged early to the top of the PRO12, managing its squad through a list of injury casualties, which would have filled a series

of A&Es! Performances had often been functional, embellished sometimes by fine individual contributions, but the efficient harnessing of limited resources yielded results and leadership of the league. Then along came a sequence of games with few saving graces: a limp surrender in Edinburgh the nadir just before the Autumn Internationals. A loss in Connacht had exposed frailties, the home loss to Munster lacked confidence on an emotional night at Kingspan Stadium, and the Murrayfield reverse on the first weekend of November had alarm bells ringing. There was a growing concern evident on the terraces and in the stands; after the enforced break for the internationals the key had to be found to opening the inhibiting cage within which the real Ulster had somehow managed to lock itself. Zebre in Belfast seemed to offer the obvious recuperative opposition, but the freezing weather put an eleventh-hour stop to that for expectant fans and players anxious and hungry to atone. And so then to Cardiff three weeks ago, and redemption of sorts; a five-try bonus point win on a difficult artificial surface and there were smiles of relief and sincere satisfaction on a group which had clearly worked hard during the recess, come to terms in part with some of the disruptions caused by injuries and by international calls. A week later, in the Champions Cup perhaps we saw the Ulster in which we believe: five more tries, and against France’s best side, Clermont Auvergne at Kingspan, and more tellingly a collective demonstration of high-class skills and of profound character as well as marvellously telling individual contributions from the imperious Pienaar, the inventive, adventurous Paddy Jackson, the genius that is Piutau, and the thunderous power of a midfield which featured Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey and Darren Cave. Chris Henry’s return to a back row which included Iain Henderson and Sean Reidy galvanised the pack, as did the inclusion of the Ireland’s inspirational, history-making captain Rory Best. In a game which, for thrills, entertainment and quality, this arena can barely hope to see again the ‘Clermont Experience’ will live long in the memory, and will also provide long-term belief that Ulster is on the march once more. Defeat in France last

ROD NAWN

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