The heady days of last season are but a memory for Ulster, their European Cup triumph a stark contrast to the current predicament from which the province tries to extricate itself. Back-to-back defeats in the opening two games of this season's European campaign, the more destructive at home to Wasps last time out, means that Ulster go into tonight's match against Llanelli at Ravenhill desperately requiring victory.
Even then the defence of their title would remain tenuous given Wasps' 100 per cent record in Pool C. This match though is as much about pride and is an opportunity to redress the disappointment of two defeats. Coach Harry Williams described the match as `make or break', a fair assessment of a campaign that threatens to disintegrate before Christmas.
Despite the legacy of the disappointment, Williams maintains that the spirit within the squad remains positive and that the players believe that their hopes are not as yet dashed. Vindication of that assertion can only come on the pitch tonight and in this respect Ulster will need to rediscover the fluency and accuracy of last season.
The scope for improvement is significant and will require key individuals, captain David Humphreys, Jonathan Bell, Paddy Johns, Eric Miller and Andy Ward to inspire through deeds. Ulster has played some excellent rugby this season but only in patches, undermined by an inability to convert opportunities and a lack of discipline.
Against Bourgoin in their opening match, Ulster spurned several excellent try-scoring chances, in the Wasps match indiscipline - giving away far too many penalties - facilitated the visitors' victory.
Opponents Llanelli arrive at Ravenhill having lost to Wasps away but having beaten Bourgoin at home and boast a team that contains 11 internationals. All but one of their backline - New Zealand full back Mark Cardey is the exception - boasts international experience, including Tongan centre Salesi Finau.
The Welsh side can also call upon the considerable talent of athletic second row Chris Wyatt and Lion Scott Quinnell. Of interest to the Irish team management will be Llanelli flanker Simon Easterby, the former Ireland Under-21 international who has made a huge impression since moving to Stradey Park.
An excellent ball player, he will view this match as an ideal opportunity to remind the powers that be of his talent. Llanelli enjoys a reputation for an expansive approach and given reasonable conditions can be expected to use their international wings Daffyd James and captain Wayne Proctor.
Ulster needs to ensure that their set plays, particularly the scrumagging, are rock solid and perhaps demand more of a talented three quarter-line. The return of Jonathan Bell in the centres should provide greater physique in defence.
Ulster need to harness the mantle of expectation which the crowd will induce and translate it into a positive mindset: they have the ability, it is up to them to prove that they boast the wherewithal to use it to best effect.
ULSTER: S Mason; J Topping, J Cunningham, J Bell, S Bromley; D Humphreys (capt), M Edwards; J Fitzpatrick, A Clarke, J Veitayaki; P Johns, M Blair; E Miller, T McWhirter, A Ward.
LLANELLI: M Cardey; W Proctor (capt), N Boobyer, S Finau, D James; S Jones, R Moon; P Booth, R McBryde, J Davis; C Wyatt, C Gillies; S Easterby, S Quinnell, H Jenkins.
Referee: S Lander (England).
There are three changes to the Leinster team beaten by Glasgow Caledonians for Sunday's European Cup match against Stade Francais in Paris. Prop Emmet Byrne is ruled out with a back injury and is replaced by international Reggie Corrigan.
St Mary's College second row Malcolm O'Kelly has recovered from an injury which forced him to miss the game in Scotland and returns to partner Robert Casey in the second row. Leo Cullen drops to the bench. A recurrence of a rib injury has forced Peter McKenna to withdraw and he is replaced by Gordon D'Arcy. John McWeeney comes on to a much-changed replacement bench.
New Zealander Stu Forster replaces the injured Brad Free and props Peter Coyle and Angus McKeen are included with Colin McEntee losing out in the reshuffle of replacement forwards.
Munster's injury concerns were assuaged following a training session in Toulouse yesterday ahead of tomorrow's Pool D clash with Colomiers. Jeremy Staunton retains his place at full back despite Dominic Crotty's recovery from injury, but there is one change from the Saracens match with Jason Holland replacing the injured Killian Keane in the centre. Crotty and John O'Neill have been included among the replacements.
