Ulster v Saracens
Ravenhill, 6.30pm, Live Sky Sports 2
Defining what Ruan Pienaar brings to this Ulster team is calculable both in tangible qualities like game management and place-kicking and also in more abstract ways in terms of the confidence he inspires in his team-mates.
Suffice to say that his presence on the pitch tonight after an injury hiatus is a massive fillip as the Irish province prepare for their first Heineken Cup quarter-final in Belfast since they won European club rugby's premier trophy in 1999.
In the last three seasons Ulster have embarked on road trips at this stage of the competition, including 12 months ago when they were soundly beaten, 27-16, by tonight’s opponents at Twickenham.
A great deal has changed since. The province is in a much better place in terms of injuries manifest in the quick glance at a bench that includes the considerable talent of Craig Gilroy, Iain Henderson and Stephen Ferris to name but three.
Aggressive defence
Saracens are a hardnosed, mentally strong team who pride themselves an aggressive defence that forces turnovers and creates a claustrophobic pressure, an excellent set piece, and the wherewithal to convert chances into points.
But tonight in Belfast Ulster must concentrate inwards. It's about the accuracy of what they do, especially in the scrum, lineout and at the breakdown where Kelly Brown is a real nuisance. If the home side want to neutralise Saracens' big ball carriers like a fit again, Billy Vunipola and his brother Mako, their line speed in defence will have to be sharper than in recent games. Winning the collisions in matches of this ilk is as much about attitude.
Nuances
Ulster at their best, have nuances to their patterns that Saracens do not but to showcase those they must first shade the arm wrestle.
Their coach Mark Anscombe admitted: "We've done our job, got a home quarter-final. It would be disappointing and upsetting if we surrender that mildly here at home. It's going to be a special night, we've got to embrace that and enjoy it."
The raucous home support will stand up but it's the Ulster team that must be counted if they are to prevail.
ULSTER: J Payne; A Trimble, D Cave, L Marshall, T Bowe; P Jackson, R Pienaar; T Court, R Best, J Afoa; J Muller (capt), D Tuohy; R Wilson, C Henry, N Williams. Replacements: R Herring, A Warwick, R Lutton, I Henderson, S Ferris, R Diack, P Marshall, C Gilroy.
SARACENS: A Goode; C Ashton, D Taylor, B Barritt, D Strettle; O Farrell, R Wigglesworth; M Vunipola, S Brits, J Johnston; S Borthwick (capt), M Botha; B Vunipola, J Burger, E Joubert. Replacements: J George, R Barrington, M Stevens, E Sheriff, K Brown, N de Kock, C Hodgson, C Wyles.
Referee: Jerome Garces (France).
Previous meetings: 2000-2001 (pool stage) – Saracens 55 Ulster 25; Ulster 13 Saracens 21. 2005-2006 (pool stage) - Ulster 19 Saracens 10; Saracens 18 Ulster 10. 2012-2013 (quarter-final): Saracens 27 Ulster 16.
Leading points scorers: Ulster – Paddy Jackson 55. Saracens – Owen Farrell 51.
Leading try scorers: Ulster – Luke Marshall 3. Saracens – Chris Ashton 7.
Odds: Ulster 8/13 Draw 20/1 Saracens 13/10. Handicap betting Ulster (-3) 10/11 Draw 18/1 Saracens (+3) 10/11.
Verdict: Ulster to win.
