Harry Williams faces a myriad of problems in plotting Ulster's defence of the Heineken European Cup. Injuries to key players ahead of today's opening game against Bourgoin in the Stade Pierre Rajon offer an obvious handicap but it is the Ulster coach's quest to rediscover last season's winning formula that possibly perplexes him more.
Williams correctly pointed out at the beginning of the domestic season that his squad had been strengthened considerably, Paddy Johns, Spencer Bromley, Tyrone Howe, Niall Malone and Riaz Fredericks adding greater bite to a winning concoction. Far from developing on their wonderful success, Ulster appears a pale imitation of last season's colourful champions.
Maybe the fresh whiff of European competition will re-ignite their purpose, focus and desire. Bourgoin await, straining to avenge Ulster's defeats of French teams, lowering the tricolour three times. Five successive victories this season suggests that Bourgoin are perfectly placed to exact retribution.
Williams is without first-choice centre partnership Jonathan Bell and Riaz Fredericks through injury; yet Jan Cunningham and Niall Malone are fine footballers, the former in particular developing considerably during last year's odyssey. International flanker Andy Ward is also confined to the sidelines but his absence is offset by the depth of quality in the back row.
Ulster's Achilles heel has been their scrummage which has been shaky at best. Williams is hoping that the introduction of 22-stone Fijian international Joeli Veitayaki can add the necessary ballast. Set-piece play in general will need to be considerably improved upon, particularly against a French side.
Ulster must turn to familiar faces, full back Simon Mason and his peerless goalkicking, captain and catalyst David Humphreys and former Irish captain Paddy Johns: they must inspire those around them. This is a hugely difficult pool and therefore victory could transform Ulster's season and provide the impetus they desperately seek.
Today is also about performance. Ulster boasts an opportunity to send out a warning to those who covet their crown. That may not be achieved in victory but it would be a mental fillip to tide them through later battles.
FIXTURES - POOL C: Today: Bourgoin v Ulster, Stade Pierre Rajon. Tomorrow: London Wasps v Llanelli, Vicarage Road. Fri Nov 26th: Ulster v London Wasps, Ravenhill. Sat Nov 27th: Llanelli v Bourgoin, Stradey Park. Fri Dec 10th: Ulster v Llanelli, Ravenhill. Sat Dec 11th: Bourgoin v London Wasps, Stade Pierre Rajon. Sat Dec 18th: Llanelli v Ulster, Stradey Park. Sun Dec 19th: London Wasps v Bourgoin, Vicarage Road. Jan 7/8/9 TBC: London Wasps v Ulster, Vicarage Road. Sun Dec 9th: Bourgoin v Llanelli, Stade Pierre Rajon. Fri Jan 14th: Ulster v Bourgoin, Ravenhill. Sat Jan 15th: Llanelli v London Wasps, Stradey Park.
THE TEAMS
ULSTER: S Mason; J Topping, J Cunningham, N Malone, S Bromley; D Humphreys (capt), S Bell; J Fitzpatrick, A Clarke, J Veitayaki; P Johns, G Longwell; E Miller, T McWhirter, D O'Cuinneagain. Replacements: S Coulter, T Howe, M Edwards, D Topping, M Blair, S Best, R Weir.
BOURGOIN: G Davis; E Tuni, J McLaren, S Glas, L Leflamonde; A Peclier, L Balue; R Magellan, J Martin-Culet, O Milloud; L Nalet, J Daude; J Frier, P Raschi, A Chazalet (capt).
Referee: R Dickson (Scotland).
Odds (Paddy Power): (Handicap Bourgoin 18 pts) 5/6 Bourgoin, (Handicap Ulster +18 pts) Ulster 5/6. Draw: 16/1.
Previous meetings: none.
Last five matches: Bourgoin: WWWWW. Ulster: LWLLW.
