Ulster Rugby vs Toulon

THE STARS ARE OUT AND TOULON TOO!

Like fans in any sport we are often in thrall to the big names, the huge reputations of others, too often ignoring ‘our own’.

And of course there is fascination in the visit to Kingspan Stadium of players most frequently watched on television plying their club and international trade in a different hemisphere. But this afternoon in Belfast, Europe’s champion team of the last two seasons brings its version of ‘gallacticos’, free-spending - vastly-ambitious Toulon are in town. That means Bryan Habana, Mathieu Bastareaud, Matt Giteau, Bakkes Botha, Carl Hayman, Leigh Halfpenny, the brothers Armitage, James O’Connor, Frederic Michalak, form just part of a celestial sporting talent pool, gathered from across the globe and at great expense. The Mediterranean city, where the French navy’s main fleet is based, is a fortress too in rugby terms, and coaching boss Bernard Laporte – as a player and official a man of great distinction – is responsible for forging a unit which does not hide its intention to dominate Europe and further afield. For supporters it is a genuine thrill to see quality players like these take to the pitch, but it’s a measure of how far Ulster has travelled that its ambitions are just as far-reaching, and its playing resources just as rich as its opponents. And any trepidation which might have been evident in the ranks 20 years or so ago has long since vanished. For the current generation of Ulster players has set new benchmarks itself, most simply evidenced by the feats collectively and individually of Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble, Rory Best, Chris Henry, Jared Payne, Luke Marshall, Darren Cave and the ever-expanding list of internationals available to Neil Doak. Ruan Pienaar, Nick Williams, Louis Ludik, Franco van der Merwe and Wiehahn Herbst are just some of those recruited carefully from abroad, their personal and rugby integration managed in such a way that no-one doubts their Ulster credentials, and each week their pedigree is emphasised with performances which have made them crowd favourites. Will Lions such as Bowe and Best march out on to the Kingspan turf in any way in awe of their counterparts, or will Louis Ludik, Paddy Jackson, Nick Williams, Robbie Diack or Herbst be daunted by the 80 minutes to come? Not a bit of it! It’s a nuanced feeling, but there can sometimes – amongst supporters especially – be a concern that such are the global ‘brands’ of visiting players, such are there proven qualities, that it is too easily forgotten that wearing the white of Ulster is a group which commands precisely the same high regard and respect in the ranks of the most celebrated opposition. A few short years ago the commitment was made that Ulster should become a world-class club, with players, management and facilities to match. The bar was set high, and the challenge taken up with alacrity. A European Cup Final, PRO12 success and the arrival and development of players proved this was no pipedream. Throughout rugby Ulster is perceived as in the top tier, a thoroughly professional but rooted club with unlimited ambition. Stuart McCloskey, Stuart Olding, Craig Gilroy, Andy Warwick, Roger Wilson, Rob Herring – whether ‘starters’ or springing from the bench – know they are part of a world-class operation, bound by a particular passion and dedicated to realising the talents assembled with precision. These are performers of international stature, eager to pit their skillsets against the best and, importantly, confident of shaping events on the pitch.

Of Juan Smith, Michael Claassens, Martin Castrogiovanni and the cosmopolitan squad gathered on the Cote d’Azur much is demanded by Toulon, and similarly at Ulster. The totemic Jonny Wilkinson has left the Stade Mayol, the European dreams of benefactor Mourad Boudjellal, Toulon born-and-bred realised, but other challenges remain. The exotic southern French location, and the apparently infinite financial rewards, adds to the glamour and the fascination with the current kingpins in Europe, but the job has to be done on the pitch. George Gregan was a signature capture and was amongst those who created a template for success in Toulon. But it is easy to forget that Ryan Constable, Paul Steinmetz, Robbie Kempson, Dion O’Cuinneagain, from afar, David Humphreys, Jeremy Davidson, Mark McCall, Jonny Bell and Allen Clarke – to name but a very few – inspired just the same sort of ambitious route map for Ulster Rugby with their lustrous talents and worldwide reputations. Today, the first big European occasion in the fully-refurbished Kingspan Stadium, the players of the recent past will cast not a shadow but provide the impetus and motivation for the team which takes the field to lay down the gauntlet to the French. Admire the opposition, respect it as the players in the home dressing room will, but have no doubt that not one Ulster player involved will feel a lesser competitor. The second game of the group qualifying stage, and it’s already a critical match for both sides. Ulster might have hoped for better at Leicester last weekend, but the losing bonus point and the style and character of the second half at Welford Road keeps spirits rightly high. The Tigers were never the fatally wounded side some commentators would have had us believe, their season is on an upward curve at last. In the Sunday sunshine at home Toulon powered through the Scarlets early on, but the Welsh regrouped and exploited any failings to the full and denied the champions the bonus point win they craved. Laporte will know that Belfast offers his side a huge challenge this Saturday afternoon, and Neil Doak, with Jonny Bell and Allen Clarke, will have prepared meticulously. Be in no doubt, these are two of Europe’s best outfits going head-to-head, clubs and players with priority, and victory tonight will certainly put the winners in pole position to qualify for the quarter-finals in the New Year. It’s one of those days to relish: memories of Stade Toulouse being put to the sword in Ulster’s Cup-winning season of 1998/99, not just once but twice. The mighty Stade Francais has been humbled – on a Saturday lunchtime memorably - so too Montpellier and Biarritz, powerhouses of the game in France and Europe. Skipper Rory Best will not have to tell his players that the feats of yore are to be repeated, rather that new standards demand his troops write new, unique rugby history. This is an era when rugby in the Province has produced a sleek, contemporary ‘golden generation’, one firmly bedded in the affection and support of its supporters, and with individual and squad goals it is determined to achieve. The champions of Europe meet their gifted and genuine contenders for the crown. What is not to like?

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