Ulster Rugby vs Cheetahs

LOUIS LUDIK

We caught up with the South African winger following his return against Ospreys, and to discuss the prospect of playing against his old team-mate and good friend, Ruan Pienaar.

Putting aside the friendly rivalries between the two countrymen, Ludik is well aware of Pienaar’s quality and the danger posed by the Cheetahs, having been defeated by them in October. “He’s a world-class player so we have to watch him, especially if the weather is bad again with rain and wind. Ruan knows how to play those conditions and his kicking game is so dangerous. The Cheetahs pose a serious threat but I’m really looking forward to playing against him.” Ulster are currently placed second in Conference A with 37 points. Leaders, Leinster are fifteen points ahead on 52 and Toyota Cheetahs are in third place, six points behind Ulster on 31. Commenting on Ulster’s position, the South African is focused on getting back to winning ways and putting some extra breathing space between Ulster and the Cheetahs. “Leinster are playing really good rugby but for us it’s just important to get our momentum back. The team has a lot of confidence and, although there was a mishap at the weekend, we’re training really well and need to kick on. “Cheetahs are third at the moment and we need to stretch that gap between them and us and give ourselves a buffer this season going forward. We want to get into the play-offs and once you reach that stage, you want momentum behind you and to feel confident.”

Although it wasn’t the result he was hoping for in Swansea against the Ospreys last Saturday, Louis Ludik was pleased to return to playing after a spell on the sidelines with injury. “It’s great to be back out on the field. It’s always tough when the guys are out there doing so well; you just want to be helping them and enjoying it. I’ve had my fair share of injuries and hopefully they are over and done with!” The 33-year-old knew early in the season that there would be a possibility of former Ulster team-mate, Ruan Pienaar, returning to Belfast but heading to the away changing rooms this time. “When I saw that we were going to play the Toyota Cheetahs at Kingspan Stadium, I thought it was going to be a really interesting game,” he said. “It will be great for Ruan to see the Ulster crowd and I’m sure he will get a great reception but once you step onto the pitch, it’s not that friendly anymore as you want to beat the opposition. “I was on the bench when we played the Cheetahs earlier in the season in Bloemfontein. He went off before I came on so I haven’t played against him in quite a while. It’s always good when you’ve played with someone for a long time and then you play against them. It’s fun to find them at the bottom of a ruck and have that competitive edge with them!”

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