RUGBY:Im really enjoying watching our provinces figuring out what to do with the ball in hand, writes LIAM TOLAND

MUNSTER, ULSTER and Connacht are in the top four of the Magners League. Clearly, two of the three are vastly improved. The Sportsground tomorrow will be a real barometer. For the first time in the history of the league both Connacht and Ulster will arrive to the fixture with much greater ambition. Pressure for the third Irish provincial slot over past seasons has made this a dogfight cup match. Tomorrow will see a major step in the evolvement of both provinces’ rugby. Especially in this new era of possession rugby.

Ulster, by virtue of their three from three start, are arguably the most improved. Their use of the ball is a major reason for the improvement. The contest for possession of the ball is one of rugby’s key features. These contests occur throughout the game and in a number of different forms; in contact, in general play and when play is restarted at scrums, lineouts and kick-offs. The contests are balanced in such a way as to reward superior skill displayed in the preceding action.

Over the preceding seasons possession of the ball has been a negative. Last weekend Munster were most comfortable on the ball, maintaining it for vast tranches of time but Ulster are beginning to find their rhythm. Although a ruck ball is a failure of sorts, it is here where I have noticed their vast improvement. Each and every Ulster ball carrier looks for the offload but where it is not “on” they will avoid the double tackle and hit the deck. Whether it is their small man Paul Marshall or their bruiser Stephen Ferris, watch how they contort themselves into the long body of feet first and long arms back towards their support.

They are managing at times to end up parallel to the touchline, but feet first. This makes the already tough task of ball stealing almost impossible. It also gives the scrumhalf a very crisp service and dictates a long period of possession.

A very interesting consequence of this added time in possession over the past weeks has been the exposure of our traditionally non-natural ball carriers to the ball. Heretofore ball-carrying in the forwards was restricted, in the main to our top-class powerhouses such as David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip, Ferris and John Muldoon.

The speed of the ball means it has to be shared about more equitably. Hence players like Ulster’s Tom Court and Munster’s Mick O’Driscoll have enjoyed much more flow, which will only improve them and many others.

Over time this will create much needed confidence in their natural footballing ability, which in most cases has remained dormant. For many seasons, probably dating back to underage forwards who weren’t obvious carriers and simply didn’t or weren’t allowed.

Victor Costello was long known for his power off the scrum. This tool was worn to death and became relatively easy to defend as he became pigeon-holed. As the professional era evolved he was encouraged to use his pace and power outfield, particularly off short lineouts. Running in the middle of traffic, at full flight in the centre position tested his skills. But with time and encouragement he became incredible at a skill more associated with an international centre.

I’m not sure there are many athletic freaks like Costello about but for those players not used to carrying the ball the new rules will afford them a wonderful opportunity to get on it, embrace it and enjoy it.

If Ulster are the most improved team then which player is most improved in Ulster? Secondrow Ryan Caldwell is certainly worth a look. Irish rugby has many exciting secondrows. But we must be careful not to over dilute them with foreigners.

One such arrival and Ulster captain could be the making of Caldwell. At 6ft 7in and 16st 9 lbs, Springbok Johann Muller may not be the biggest secondrow about but after captaining South Africa against New Zealand in 2007, he in the ideal foil for Caldwell. Not once in Ravenhill last weekend did Caldwell look like doing something daft.

Unfortunately in the past he would find himself with alarming regularity spoiling brilliant work with silly errors. Against Edinburgh he was athletic, very active and carried ball. In a sense he is in the Donncha Ryan (five caps) mould of athleticism but was forever consigned to the too risky to risk category. With Muller beside him, not any more.

Obviously Connacht will have plenty of possession and Ulster still suffer from a drop in concentration after key scores. Edinburgh’s Tim Visser’s 46th-minute try was one such example. Quick play once again caught the defence out. Outhalf Niall O’Connor made the perfect crossfield kick to Andrew Trimble which resulted in an Edinburgh penalty.

The quick tap catches out the ball-watching Caldwell in midfield and Visser scutches out around him. O’Connor missed Visser, as did Marshall and Paul Emerick, but Visser should have been stopped far from the Ulster try line by Caldwell.

Trimble, too, has improved. His speed of feet has improved no end on the ball, but it is the combination of his balanced feet and power that make his defence awesome. At full pace, he is chasing box kicks and smashing the receiving player.

This is far from easy to achieve and takes very nimble balance. Alongside him, Jamie Smith at fullback has the spark to be brilliant on the counter-attack. Due to his size and ambition he will continue to make mistakes but be patient. Both himself and Connacht’s Fionn Carr have real potential and although not directly facing each other, will come into contact throughout the match.

Ultimately, possession stakes will decide this season’s competitions. In doing so it may forever change the fitness levels and even physiques of our players. But in the meantime I’m really enjoying watching our provinces figuring out what to do with the ball.