RUGBY/Connacht v Ulster:ON ONE of those wild, wild nights in the west, three-quarters empty and the pitch ringed by a dog track, the Sportsground can look a grim place. But it's a mighty venue when a clear day gives way to an Atlantic sunset and it's jammed to the rafters for an "interpro".
Not only Ulster will be grateful the forecast is set reasonably fair. In latter times the Sportsground boasts one of the best pitches in the league and, with an increased emphasis on scoring tries, Connacht have ceased doing rain dances. Given referee Alain Rolland is also in town, there should be no excuses for either side.
In truth, Connacht have enjoyed better “interpro” nights against Leinster and Munster in recent times, whereas Ulster have won the last eight meetings, their average winning margin 21 points.
It must be a mental/fear thing. Connacht fans and supporters alike dip into a siege mentality when hosting Leinster and Munster, whereas the league table targets Ulster and puts the pressure on to win. As Ulster are just as mindful of the latter threat, invariably their heads are set right and not complacent.
This season, Ulster seem even better equipped for this latest sortie to Galway. The arrival of Johann Muller alone underlines that. Curiously however, the Springboks lock has been omitted from the match-day 23, along with compatriot Robbie Diack, as coach Brian McLaughlin has “opted to rotate some of the pack”.
This has been partially offset by Rory Best returning to the starting line-up to captain the side.
Recent signings Tim Barker and Pedrie Wannenburg are also recalled, while Dan Tuohy returns from injury to join BJ Botha and co on the bench. Another curious choice is Paddy Wallace at outhalf “as part of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup player management programme”, with Niall O’Connor moving to the bench.
By contrast, Eric Elwood seeks to continue the feel-good factor around the Sportsground by retaining the same starting line-up which ended their two-year winless away run in the league. The only change in the 23 sees Darragh Fanning promoted for Tiernan O’Halloran.
Recent history favours Ulster.
CONNACHT: G Duffy; T Nathan, N Ta’auso, K Matthews, F Carr; I Keatley, F Murphy (capt); B Wilkinson, S Cronin, J Hagan, M Swift, B Upton, M McCarthy, R Ofisa, M McComish. Replacements: A Flavin, R Loughney, R Sweeney, A Browne, S Conneely, C Willis, M Nikora, D Fanning.
ULSTER: J Smith; P Emerick, D Cave, I Whitten, A Trimble; P Wallace, P Marshall; B Young, R Best (capt), T Court, T Barker, R Caldwell, Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry, P Wannenburg. Replacements: A Kyriacou, BJ Botha, P McAllister, D Tuohy, W Faloon, I Porter, N OConnor, D McIlwaine.
Recent meetings: (07-08) Connacht 13 Ulster 30; Ulster 18 Connacht 6; (08-09) Ulster 53 Connacht 13; Connacht 12 Ulster 14; (09-10) Connacht 6 Ulster 30; Ulster 41 Connacht 10.
Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU).
Formguide: Connacht – 40-17 v Dragons (h), 33-35 v Scarlets (a), 19-17 v Glasgow (a). Ulster – 27-26 v Ospreys (h); 22-15 v Aironi (a); 29-21 v Edinburgh (h).
Betting (Paddy Powers): 13/8 Connacht, 20/1 Draw, ½ Ulster. Handicap odds (Connacht + 5pts) 10/11 Connacht, 22/1 Draw, 10/11 Ulster.
Forecast: Ulster to win.
