BACK TO BASICS

I don’t like to talk about losses, so I won’t dwell on last week. It was a poor result, and Ulster know that. But it’s time to move on – Zebre are coming to town and if Ulster don’t get back into the right frame of mind then they could end up being embarrassed.

Ignore the fact that Zebre haven’t won a game yet. They’ve come very close in a few of their matches (remember our game in Italy?) and last week they played some brilliant rugby against Glasgow, only to come up short. Their attack can be scintillating at times, but their defence always tends to be rather weak.

It could be closer than you think…

Home comforts

Ulster have only lost once at home to an Italian team – that was last season when Treviso left Belfast on the right end of a 23-12 scoreline. In that match, Ulster were slack, indecisive and looked like they didn’t want to be on the pitch. It’s an attribute that people have associated with Ulster – they don’t play well during international periods.

Last year’s Autumn Internationals would have suggested otherwise – Ulster won all of their games during that period. However, their start to the Six Nations period has been the opposite – played one, lost one.

It’s crucial for Ulster to get back into their winning mentality, and they should do against Zebre. However, as I’ve said, the Italians shouldn’t be underestimated as they have some quality players in their ranks – Daniel Halangahu is a brilliant overseas capture for them, and they have internationals in their ranks too, most notably Marco Bortolami and Mauro Bergamasco.

It’s a good thing that Ulster welcome back their big name stars too – they’ll need them to score the four tries that they could end up needing. Chris Henry’s work at the breakdown and Declan Fitzpatrick’s scrummaging ability could prove crucial in getting the upper hand needed to break down the Zebre defence.

The return of John Afoa from an extended break is also a welcome addition to the Ulster side. His absence last weekend was very apparent and his impact off the bench could prove vital if Ulster are chasing that fourth try near the end of the game. With Nick Williams and Stephen Ferris both injured, his ball carrying will be especially important.

I’m not looking any further than an Ulster win this week. Call it arrogance if you will but if we can’t win this game then we don’t deserve to be top of the league. Indeed, the same probably applies if we can’t put the four tries past them. Expect the Ulstermen to be going all out from the start of the game. Prediction – Ulster by 25 (BP)

Teams

Ulster welcome back Paddy Jackson, Declan Fitzpatrick, Iain Henderson and Chris Henry from Ireland call-ups – all four start. Darren Cave partners Luke Marshall at centre in the absence of Paddy Wallace and Chris Cochrane replaces Mike Allen at wing. Neil Walsh will make his debut if he comes on at some stage.

Zebre have Paolo Buso, Gonzalo Garcia and Andrea de Marchi back from Italian duty, and all three start in a side that has eight changes from their defeat to Glasgow last Sunday. Sarto, Benettin and Sinoti are all recalled in the backline after being rested last weekend. Redolfini is promoted to the front row alongside de Marchi and Manici, while Josh Sole comes in for van Schalkwyk at number 8.

Ulster Rugby vs. Zebre

Friday 15^th February, 19:05

RaboDirect PRO12, Round 15

Ravenhill

ULSTER

15. Ricky Andrew, 14. Andrew Trimble, 13. Darren Cave, 12. Luke Marshall, 11. Chris Cochrane, 10. Paddy Jackson, 9. Ruan Pienaar; 1. Tom Court, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Johann Muller (c), 5. Lewis Stevenson, 6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Robbie Diack.

16. Niall Annett, 17. Callum Black, 18. John Afoa, 19. Neil McComb, 20. Mike McComish, 21. Michael Heaney, 22. Stuart Olding, 23. Neil Walsh.

ZEBRE

15. Paolo Buso, 14. Leonardo Sarto, 13. Alberto Benettin, 12. Gonzalo Garcia, 11. Sinoti Sinoti, 10. Daniel Halangahu, 9. Alberto Chillon; 1. Andrea de Marchi, 2. Andrea Manici, 3. Luca Redolfini, 4. Michael van Vuuren, 5. Marco Bortolami (c), 6. Filippo Cristiano, 7. Mauro Bergamasco, 8. Josh Sole.

16. Carlo Festuccia, 17. Carlo Fazzari, 18. Matias Aguero, 19. Dries van Schalkwyk, 20. Nicola Belardo, 21. Alberto Chiesa, 22. Matteo Pratichetti, 23. David Odiete.

Referee: Neil Paterson (SRU, 47^th competition game)

Assistant Referees: Paul Haycock, Barry O’Keefe (both IRFU)

Citing Commissioner: John West (IRFU)

TMO: Peter Ferguson (IRFU)

Around the grounds

If Ulster can get their five points tomorrow, then the other games could be crucial…

Dragons v Glasgow – Away win

Edinburgh v Blues – Home win

Connacht v Ospreys – Away win

Leinster v Treviso – Home win (BP)

Scarlets v Munster – Home win