IAN HUMPHREYS may have commandeered many of the headlines by contributing all his side’s points in their 16-11 victory over Clermont Auvergne but the Ulster outhalf recognised the merit of sharing the plaudits elsewhere.
The Irish province earned their win by dint of the industry of the pack.
Stephen Ferris was correctly awarded the man-of-the-match accolade for a typically robust display in attack and defence but there were others who were only marginally behind him in terms of influence.
One or two lineout problems notwithstanding, Rory Best was brilliant; so too Dan Tuohy and Tom Court while Chris Henry underlined his versatility in discharging his duties conspicuously well in the slightly more familiar role of openside flanker. In truth the whole pack met the physical nature of the challenge with great appetite.
Darren Cave acquitted himself capably in corralling and on one or two occasions escaping the clutches of Aurelien Rougerie, despite swapping roles with the excellent Andrew Trimble in the second half. Ulster’s bench also contributed handsomely, in particular Adam D’Arcy.
Humphreys admitted: “Darce was brilliant. He made a break from nothing. I think they had a four-on-two (defenders to attackers). He handed off Regan King and fortunately I was just in the right place to finish it. Tonight just proved how good our forwards are; they were all over the pitch, brilliant. They whole squad fronted up.
“We knew it was going to be a big physical battle but I don’t think we took a backward step anywhere. We controlled the game pretty well. What was pleasing was our patience. We didn’t get frustrated when we were behind and just kept playing the way we wanted to and fortunately got the break.
“It was a great win to reach our target. It was slightly disappointing that we let them have a bonus point. We had a couple of chances to kick on and get a few more points. You have to win your home games and we have managed that in this match. No one is going to want to come here. We have proved over the last few years that it is a tough place to come, regardless of the conditions.
“We have played in the bad weather, the good weather and beaten the top teams (in both). Going forward it gives us a lot of confidence for next week. The buzz is always here on European nights and the crowd was awesome.
“Confidence is a massive thing in sport. We know when we have our team out we can beat anybody. Even when away we have the quality to beat anybody. We are travelling to Welford Road full of confidence and thinking we can get in the game.”
The last sentiment is a reference to Ulster’s next game as the travel to the Leicester Tigers from where Humphreys returned to his native province. Four years have elapsed since he wore the Tigers jersey and he is not given to maudlin recollection.
“A lot has happened since then. Most of the boys I was friendly with have moved on. There will be a bit there but there’s nothing really in the back of my mind. I am just enjoying playing here (with Ulster). This is my team now. I have no feelings towards Leicester now. I look to see how they have got on obviously (in terms of results). I had a great time there but I want to go and get the win.”
Victory over Bath at the Recreation Ground in last season’s Heineken Cup and decent record in pre-season friendlies against English teams have given Ulster a greater belief. Humphreys explained: “It’s just a matter of breaking down mental barriers. All of sudden we’re not thinking of giving it a rattle or that we might get close or manage a losing bonus point.
“We are thinking why can we not get the four points? We got to the quarter-final last year and pushed Northampton hard and but for a few mistakes could have won that game. Teams are now realising that these (Ulster) boys can play a bit. It is just a matter of us believing it.”
Saturday would be a good time to reinforce that supposition.
