REVENGE MISSION

I don’t know why I’m so excited.

Possibly because it’s the first game of the new season (albeit non-competitive). Possibly because I will take my place in the new Aquinas stand at Ravenhill for the first time this season and I will get to see the brand spanking new stadium being built. Possibly because I will get to see some great rugby once more after three months in the proverbial wilderness of the summer months also known as silly season.

Or possibly there is the motive of revenge.

Without sounding like a cheesy 1960’s murder mystery film, I would say there are still some long-lasting scars that are lingering from May’s final defeat. The pain of deservedly finishing top of the league, then coming agonisingly close to defeating Leinster in Dublin for the second time in less than two months, is a very difficult thing to digest. Luckily there is a chance to put it all right again this season.

That starts tomorrow, only to a much lesser extent than what it would do if it was later in the season. While tomorrow’s clash may only be a warm-up match for the upcoming season, it is a chance for Ulster to prove to the rugby community that they haven’t lost that hunger or belief that they showed throughout the 2012/13 season, from the first ever win in France last August to the final whistle at the RDS in May.

Obviously it won’t be two full strength teams on show at Ravenhill, but even so it will be an early chance for Ulster to get a (limited) one-up over their interprovincial rivals at the start of the season. However, don’t expect there to be much kicking at goal – rather it will be a game that will focus on the backs moves, where the coaches will look at what should be tried again, and what should never feature in a competitive match – ever.

Ulster supporters will recall the friendly at Ravenhill against Leicester last season where it ended in what was a thrilling 14-all draw as both sides went all out in attempt to score as many tries as possible, yet only managing two each. Despite the low score, it was an entertaining match in glorious Northern Irish sunshine, and if the attacking play was replicated in tomorrow’s match then I don’t think may fans will leave Ravenhill upset, regardless of the scoreline.

That is really what matters for the fans about friendlies in the end – they are the only games of the season where fans can show up and enjoy the game for the rugby on show, rather than worrying about the result as well. And usually the fans are not left wanting, as proved by Montpellier’s impressive 52-point haul against Leicester just less than two weeks ago.

So what will Mark Anscombe be looking for most? Well if, as predicted, he goes for two different XVs for each half then he will be expecting each player to impress  since tiredness should not be a factor. There are many players with a point to prove for several reasons, and they will all get their chances either tomorrow or next Saturday at Welford Road.

Players such as Chris Farrell and Sean Doyle are coming back from long-term injuries with a lot to prove, while James McKinney and David McIlwaine are returning to Ulster for their second spells with the club after years away in England playing for Championship clubs. New signing Bronson Ross will be hoping to impress at prop too since making his move from Coventry.

I will sit in my seat at the top of the Aquinas stand and I will thoroughly enjoy the first pre-season friendly of Ulster’s long season. We have nine long months of Pro12, Heineken Cup and international rugby ahead of us, so it’s time to strap in and prepare ourselves for the long haul – luckily our entertainment systems are working just fine!

Let’s just hope they put on a good show…

Ulster Rugby vs. Leinster Rugby

Friday 23^rd August, 19:30

Ravenhill

Pre-season friendly

ULSTER RUGBY

15. Peter Nelson, 14. Rory Scholes, 13. Jared Payne (captain), 12. Chris Farrell, 11. Michael Allen, 10. James McKinney, 9. Michael Heaney; 1. Kyle McCall, 2. Niall Annett, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick, 4. Lewis Stevenson, 5. Neil McComb, 6. Mike McComish, 7. Sean Doyle, 8. Nick Williams.

Subs: Callum Black, Jonny Murphy, Bronson Ross, Alan O’Connor, Dan Tuohy, Robbie Diack, Roger Wilson, Ian Porter, Chris Cochrane, Luke Marshall, David McIlwaine, Ricky Andrew.

LEINSTER RUGBY

15. Darren Hudson, 14. Darragh Fanning, 13. Brendan Macken, 12. Noel Reid, 11. Andrew Boyle, 10. Jimmy Gopperth, 9. John Cooney; 1. Jack O’Connell, 2. Aaron Dundon, 3. Martin Moore, 4. Tadhg Beirne, 5. Quinn Roux, 6. Rhys Ruddock (captain), 7. Dominic Ryan, 8. Leo Auva’a.

Subs: James Tracy, Jack McGrath, Michael Bent, Tadhg Furlong, Ben Marshall, Jordi Murphy, Dan Leavy, Luke McGrath, Colm O’Shea, Adam Byrne, Thomas Daly, Billy Dardis, Thomas Farrell, Cathal Marsh.