Ulster Rugby vs Leinster

GILROY STILL EAGER TO LEARN

Ulster flyer Craig Gilroy has stated his desire to push his game on to another level after enjoying a fine couple of seasons in the Guinness PRO12.

Certainly Gilroy and his backline colleagues did just that last time out, with some free-flowing rugby delivering a 47-17 bonus point win in Parma. That game was indicative of how Les Kiss and the coaching staff want to play, and Gilroy says the fine weather allowed the players to showcase the hard work put in perfecting backline moves and structures: “It was a good weekend. We had a lot of support over there and the conditions were good. We got to throw the ball about a bit and for us backs it was nice to run in a lot of tries. We do put a lot of work into the specifics of our moves and our game plan and it’s not every game that you get the chance to run them so smoothly, so it was very rewarding.” The squad then had a two- week lead in time to this the toughest fixtures of the year so it helps having that extra time to prepare. We’ve had a big couple of weeks in training, but we’ll need it because they’ll be coming to do a job on us. I remember this fixture last year - we beat them - so they are probably still hurting from that. But a lot has changed from then so I’m not sure it will have much of a bearing on the game.” Despite a disappointing European Champions Cup campaign, Gilroy insists that Leinster continues to be one of the best teams on the continent. “In my eyes they are still a very dangerous side and I think they have maintained their reputation as one of the best in Europe. Although they’ve had a few ups and downs this season, they are still top of the league and they are there for a reason. It will be a massive challenge for us and it’s at that point of the season now when there’s two regular season games left and you need every point you can get.” It promises to be eventful! afternoon’s game, something which Gilroy says will benefit both teams . “It’s one of

The 25-year-old scored 11 tries last year to finish as second top try-scorer in the competition after Rhys Webb, while he has crossed eight times during the current campaign to leave him just one behind Connacht’s Matt Healy. His performance in the win over Zebre a fortnight ago further outlined his game-breaking ability. Gilroy’s electric feet and ability to cross the whitewash have made him a huge fans’ favourite at Kingspan Stadium, but the six-cap Ireland international is well aware that he must continue to make strides in his game. “I feel like I’m always learning and always getting better,” claims Gilroy. “I thoroughly enjoyed last season and I’ve had a good run this year too. It’s very small margins between being good

CRAIG GILROY

and being great and so it’s those one percenters that I’ve learned to work on and harness. That could be doing extra work after a pitch session, doing proper recovery, correct diet, things like that, and on top of that having a good mentality.” Gilroy reckons that exposure to big games has also helped to develop his game: “When you’re a bit younger and you’re exposed to those massive games and the big crowds, it can maybe put you off a little bit or distract you. Now that

I’ve played in a lot of big games, it’s less daunting so I can go in more relaxed and I try thrive off it and use it to my advantage.” With competition for places in the backline already fierce, Gilroy expects the arrival of Charles Piutau next season to ramp that up even further. “No one can get comfortable; the depth we have is crazy. We have a lot of people back from injury now and you look at the guys that we’re getting in next year and it’s exciting. Although there is a lot of camaraderie and close relationships within the squad, it can be quite competitive as well and I suppose it’s the individual’s job to do the best they can for the team.”

52