Ulster Rugby v Scarlets

Bryn Cunningham could see when wrenching him from a frighteningly-talented Leinster Academy. McFarland had restored something of the natural order in being able to install the indomitable Rory Best at hooker, Iain Henderson at lock, while Addison, Stockdale and Stuart McCloskey have been impressing for Ireland in recent weeks and know that talent needs application and focus. Before last week’s game, McFarland, tellingly, insisted that though European games had a different sense of occasion he did not expect players to be more motivated to perform: any game in an Ulster shirt should command total respect and commitment. To achieve consistency and for the club to compete and to win trophies – and that is overdue – his statement had, perhaps, a nuanced message to his charges and to fans. McFarland was explicit, while recognising the distinctive flavour of Europe, and he was right. When Munster come calling next weekend he’ll demand his squad applies itself and prepares just as emphatically as it as for last weekend and – critically – this evening. Jonathan Davies, that superb Lions centre, was in fine form last week but Addison was operating on a different plane, so that will be just one match- up which will be intriguing, and Wales hooker Ken Owens will be hurting still from the loss at Parc y Scarlets. Top-class players litter the visitors’ panel tonight, but McFarland’s determination to successfully gel gifted youngsters with established, proven international players was positively repaid seven days ago – though that’s a long time in rugby! An Ulster victory at home would achieve two things: relevant European competition going into 2019, and evidence that real progress is being made in restoring the club to the rank of consistent contenders for honours. It’s an important game, yes. The players have reason to believe, and the supporters will pour into the stadium relishing a unique occasion under the lights, allowing themselves justifiable hope of going home full of seasonal cheer. Winning this evening is not a ‘given’, but there are genuine, realistic ambitions for tonight and the future.

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