Ulster Rugby vs Edinburgh

WHEN SOLLY IS THE HARDEST WORD EARLY December, the winter has announced itself, and what fans and teams cherish now is the warmth of winning.

For Ulster supporters the last fortnight has been chilly, a European reverse to Saracens in Belfast then disappointment in attritional defeat at Leinster last weekend. Professional sport is as rewarding as it is demanding, and with the plaudits which accompany success there is nothing more certain than the criticism which is spawned by a few losses and less-than-convincing performances. Tonight Ulster finds itself determined to regain its form and its verve, and to quell the fears and concerns of a vocal few. While Alan Solomons brings his Edinburgh panel to Kingspan Stadium in confident mood, the Scottish capital supporters happy that their side is proving truly competitive in the Guinness PRO12. ‘Solly’ was, of course, in charge at Ulster in the early years of the new millennium, and his tactical nous, his knowledge of the game and his international reputation, means that Les Kiss and Neil Doak realise all-too-well that this evening’s clash will demand that the players are focussed, diligent in the set piece particularly, and aware that Edinburgh’s ordered defence will be breached only by hard work, inventiveness and energy. After a bonus point win over the Dragons last week tonight’s visitors have shown this season that after Solomons’ careful reshaping of his squad the Scots are now a considerable force. Reaching the European Challenge Cup Final last season was proof that the Head Coach’s single-minded, sometimes apparently stern, preparation of his players on and off the field is reaping dividends. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Greig Tonks, Tom Brown, the precocious Chris Dean, Alasdair Dickinson and Fraser McKenzie are flourishing in a set-up bolstered cleverly by the acquisition of overseas talents at which Solomons in particular is a specialist. The Australian Toolis twins, Alex and Ben, Willem Nel – with whom Solomons worked in South Africa – and Cornell du Preez, skipper Mike Coman and John Hardie, both New Zealand-born flankers, have given real depth to the pack, while those such as Kiwis Will Helu, the vastly experienced wing, and the versatile Phil Burleigh, have added pace and power in the backline. Solomons’ arrival at Murrayfield in 2013 followed the failure of Andy Robinson and Michael Bradley to furnish the club with a consistency which would make Edinburgh more than occasional ‘spoilers’ at the rugby party’s top table. The investment in the Head Coach – and in his judgement – would appear to have been a sound one, his calm authority just what was required in an environment in Scotland which had been as turbulent at club level as it was fractured in the international sphere. Ulster has already had direct experience of the rejuvenated Scottish outfit, a 16-10 defeat at BT Murrayfield in October one of a series of victories which put Edinburgh in early title contention. Greig Tonks kicked superbly that night, and flanker Hamish Watson’s try capped a hugely impressive personal display.

Ulster’s response was fiery if sometimes lacking discipline, and once more Solomons’ reputation for astute attention to detail and pragmatic rugby won the day – and four vital points. The contest this evening promises to be just as tight, with those fabled ‘small margins’ the decisive elements. Ulster have faced a superb Saracens side in Europe, and on its travels to Dublin last weekend got involved in a battle of wills as much as skills with a Leinster team anxious to put two chastening Champions’ Cup losses behind it. The critics have not been slow to pounce on a side which is under-performing, but there is no justification in any carping about the application in training or on match day. New Director of Rugby Les Kiss is inevitably going to take some time to make his emphatic imprint on the side’s style, but he and coach Neil Doak have been wrestling with injury problems, re-integrating the World Cup contingent and, candidly, with a distinct lack of form in individual cases. The power of the collective has always been a characteristic of Ulster and despite every effort it just hasn’t consistently demonstrated itself this campaign, though with some try bonus wins at Kingspan Stadium, and just shy of the Top Four, it is folly to see genuine crisis. The enduring gifts of Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Jackson guarantees that the side’s attacking instincts will always be nurtured, while Rory Best, Wiehahn Herbst, Dan Tuohy, Nick Williams, Roger Wilson, Chris Henry and Robbie Diack would enhance any club side with their talents in the loose and tight. So, with that core of quality, and a squad which includes Stuart McCloskey, Luke Marshall, Rory Scholes, Peter Nelson, Craig Gilroy, Louis Ludik, Paul Marshall, Callum Black, Rob Herring, Sean Reidy and so many other hugely committed and talented players, the season is not lacking in promise. The home crowd this first Friday in December can play its part too, and perhaps the famous stadium has not often enough echoed to the sustained ‘roar’ of old. Opponents will testify to what a packed Belfast ground can contribute when it is in the mood, and as Ulster steadies itself for a renewed assault in the PRO12 and in Europe the fans can play a major role. Alan Solomons guided his then charges to the Celtic League title in 2004, and its modern equivalent – the Pro 12 – has been tantalisingly close in the last few seasons. The league this year is perhaps more fiercely competitive than ever, with a superbly-organised Connacht setting the pace, and with the following six sides, Ulster and Edinburgh amongst them, all within striking distance. This evening’s combatants have both accumulated 23 points from eight outings, Ulster the more prolific scorers, Edinburgh boasting the statistically better defence. There are intriguing match-ups to savour, not least at the set piece if hookers Best and Ford renew their rivalry. Lions both their accuracy out of touch will be key, because

ROD NAWN

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