Ulster Rugby vs Glasgow

Scottish raiders keep on coming to Kingspan Stadium, and Ulster’s mission today is to record a priceless ‘double’ over Glasgow Warriors. A STATEMENT OF INTENT

A win at Scotstoun in the autumn was a real highlight of the season, an evening when the hosts were put to the sword with one of the most complete performances for a long time. After returning to Guinness PRO12 action against Edinburgh last weekend, and getting some much- valued confidence back in an important bonus- point victory, the players know that it must set the pattern for the next five weeks, a period when Ulster’s campaign will be defined. The quest for a Top Four semi-final spot in May is the only priority in town, and it continues in Belfast against a Warriors squad which has been transformed in recent years. The loss last weekend to the resurgent Scarlets was a blow, and the Scots arrive in Belfast with similar incentive to that of Ulster: a win to keep their own semi-final ambitions well-and-truly alive. Particularly under the guidance of Gregor Townsend, Glasgow has developed into one of the most formidable sides in the competition, and that it provides the body of the rejuvenated Scottish national side only evidences its quality. Townsend was one of his country’s most gifted attacking players, capable of true genius, and in moving into coaching he’s done his apprenticeship with his country and with the Warriors, and created teams of imagination but also of pragmatism. He delegates well, so in the darker reaches of the pack he has assistants who offer him a forward platform from which wonderful players like Stuart Hogg, Tommy Seymour – previously of this parish – and Finn Russell to thrive. The Warriors’ pre-eminence in Scotland is such that no fewer than 13 of its squad was in the national match day panel for the opening Six Nations defeat of Ireland, and no doubt Townsend will hope that he gets a few players released to pull on the Glasgow jersey this afternoon. In Scotland's narrow defeat in Paris last Sunday many of his charges were prominent, Jonny Gray, Frazer Brown, Alex Dunbar and two imminent departures from Scotstoun – powerhouse No. 8 Josh Strauss and Edinburgh-bound centre Mark Bennett - bringing a winning mentality to the national side. In most cases those players will be kept out of PRO12 action this weekend.

For Ulster, this is possibly the best time to meet Glasgow when the visitors are more affected by international calls, though like any thoroughly professional club the visitors are constantly strengthening their resources, and – crucially – securing the long-term services of key performers. Ali Price came off the bench when skipper Greg Laidlaw hobbled off, and the scrum-half may well get an outing at Kingspan where his lively, alert style will keep the home back-row on its toes. Ruan Pienaar should be fit to resume today, and that axis at the back and base of the scrum with Marcell Coetzee will be important not just this afternoon but in the ‘must win’ run-in to May’s PRO12 play-offs, a target Pienaar has dedicated himself to help achieve as he reluctantly takes his come into the reckoning to reclaim his Ireland spot against France next week and will not be available, but his partner-in-crime for so long, Tommy Bowe, will make an appearance, and Luke Marshall was also released by Ireland in the hope they’ll get some game time. And while we know we are blessed with the quality of Ulster’s wing three-quarters, Jacob Stockdale’s barnstorming displays giving the coaches a genuine option in that position, wasn’t it marvellous to see Craig Gilroy take his chance off the Irish replacements’ bench in Rome and jink his way to a spectacular hat-trick in the thumping of the Italians? If Les Kiss has a selection dilemma on the wings it’s just as keen for Joe Schmidt with three Ulstermen of proven quality in his panel. As for Paddy Jackson, Ulster supporters will have been unsurprised but thrilled by the out-half’s flawless display against Italy, his perfect return from nine kicks matched by some ingenious handling and decisive passing. That iconic green No. 10 jersey is surely destined to be his in the immediate and long-term future. The Kingspan Stadium crowd was back to its fervent best on Friday of last week, particularly in the free-flowing, try-laden first half against Edinburgh. The first appearance in the white of Ulster of Marcell Coetzee proved leave of Ulster at the end of the season. Andrew Trimble is fit again and will surely

ROD NAWN

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