HEINEKEN CUP Edinburgh v Ulster: FLYING IN under the radar this season, Ulster's enterprising start with a home win over Bath has set the province up for an unforeseen tilt at the group.
Stade Français loom large on the horizon as pool favourites, but Ulster arrive in Scotland today with more than faint hopes of having their best start to a Heineken Cup campaign in many years.
Edinburgh were comfortably beaten by Stade last week in Paris and will view the Irish team as an opportunity to, as Lions coach Jim Telfer said, “get back on the horse”. Telfer went on to describe Bath and Ulster as “pretty average sides”.
Some might disagree, but Ulster have been punching above their weight in recent weeks, while Bath may yet discover that expansive style that marked them out as an easy-on-the-eye side last year.
The Mike Blair-led Edinburgh have beaten Ulster already this season at Ravenhill, but they will be wary that the visitors three successive victories against Connacht, Scarlets and Bath across competitions makes them a dangerous proposition.
“I don’t believe our recent record against Ulster will affect the outcome of Saturday’s match. This is a different game and they are on form right now,” said Edinburgh coach Rob Moffat.
Unsurprisingly, Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin has named an unchanged starting team for the trip to Murrayfield. The only alteration is to the replacements bench, and sees lock Dan Tuohy return in place of Neil McComb.
While Ulster are slowly building Ravenhill up as a venue that sides are beginning to fear again, their traditional problem over the years has been their inability to win away, although that is an area they have improved.
“We have shown we can win away from home in the Magners League and now it’s time for a Heineken Cup away win,” said McLaughlin. “Although Edinburgh will be up for the challenge at home and we will have to step it up another level again.
“They know their Heineken Cup hopes will be severely hurt if they lose their second game, so they will be going out to stop a run of three straight defeats when they face us.”
The kicking ability of Chris Paterson should insure Ulster stay disciplined, while Phil Godman has been a thorn in many sides with his drop-kicks. But again Ulster will try to play their handling, mobile game in the right areas of the park, something outhalf Ian Humphreys was very adept at against Bath. Along with Isaac Boss’s box-kicking, Humphreys ability to put the ball in preferred areas has made life much easier for the Belfast team.
McLaughlin, with Jeremy Davidson and Neil Doak, have also given the players a confidence and a style that suits.
“If we play to the best of our capability it is a game we are capable of winning, and after the win against Bath, we cannot afford to underachieve at Murrayfield,” said McLaughlin. “Everyone in the Ulster camp is passionate about what we’re trying to achieve, and I guess the players are thriving off that enthusiasm.”
Previous meetings: 1998-99 38-38 (h); Ulster 23-21 (a).
Leading points scorer: Ulster– I Humphreys 16 points; Edinburgh– P Godman 2.
Leading try scorer: Ulster– T Nagusa, W Faloon try each; Edinburgh– B Cairns try.
Betting: Handicap: Edinburgh (-5 points) 10/11, Ulster (+5 points) 10/11. Draw 16/10/09.
Venue: Murrayfield Kick-off: 3.45pm On TV: Sky Sports
Verdict: Ulster win.
