LOOKING FOR A LIFT

I hate being right.

Before the Champions’ Cup began, I boldly stated that both Ulster and Leinster would struggle in their respective pools, and lo and behold we sit here after week two (well, week one for Ulster) with both sides having not won a game yet. It’s not something I delight in, not at all, but it isn’t something I’m too surprised at.

In Ulster’s case a defeat to Saracens, who on current form are strong candidates to win the thing outright, is not something to be ashamed of, however the way in which they did so is something they will endeavour to change. Even though Saracens’ defence was superb, Ulster went through the same toothless attack formations that the “Wolfpack” repeatedly quelled with ease and it got them nowhere.

As a result, Saracens soaked up the “pressure” for most of the first half and then in the second they battered away at the tiring Ulster defence and eventually the cracks appeared. It was painstakingly brilliant and proves why they are one of the favourites to go all the way – they knew exactly how to defeat Les Kiss’ men and they played their game perfectly.

Leinster, for the second week in a row, were not Leinster.

It was better than the Wasps embarrassment, yes, but at the same time Leinster were unsettlingly poor for the amount of talent they have at their disposal, especially in the tight five. Their scrum was taken apart by Bath and given it was an all-Irish front row of Cian Healy, Sean Cronin and Mike Ross for Leinster, it is not exactly something Joe Schmidt will have enjoyed watching.

Being edged out by three points was the kicker for Leinster who looked to have saved at least a draw through Josh van der Flier’s try, but in the end they could not hold out Bath and the laser guided boot of George Ford. While there was a general consensus that they were thoroughly outplayed by Wasps, they were never out of contention at the Rec and probably did deserve some sort of result for holding on so well. That they didn’t will only hurt more.

Leo Cullen is finding out first hand just how difficult top level coaching can be, and while Leinster may not have the squad to win the Champions’ Cup outright you certainly would have expected them to be on at least five points after week two. Instead they return to domestic action with just one to their name and a points difference of -30.

It is rather fitting that the two sides meet this Friday.

Two sides united in their European disappointments will clash at the RDS Arena, nearly level on points in the PRO12, in an attempt to push themselves away from their opponents in the table as the push for the top four nears the halfway mark. It is strange to have an interpro at this stage of the season, but it is probably the perfect time for both Ulster and Leinster in that they know they cannot befall a European hangover lest they be hit with a double blow.

It is a chance to exonerate the demons of a week previous, especially for Ulster whose confidence will take a massive upturn with a win at the RDS, and as such there will probably be an abundance passion and pride on showcase in Dublin as not only do two sides go toe to toe in the league, but there will be a chance for several players to edge their way into Ireland reckoning with a good performance (Craig Gilroy and Rhys Ruddock are two that spring to mind).

Expect a bit more of an edge on Friday night. While both sides will look at it as just another league match with four points on offer, below the surface there is something more brewing in both camps and it is vital for both teams to emerge from the game victorious, both mentally and on the league table. While Leinster are more or less staring down the face of European elimination, Ulster are not yet and should they wish to reach the last eight then picking up a few wins will be vital.

Because sometimes rugby is more than just thirty men on a field.