Ulster v Stormers: 'Would have bitten your hand off'
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fresh off a commanding Challenge Cup victory over Exeter Chiefs, Ulster return to Belfast knowing an entirely different test awaits on Friday night.
A 29-12 semifinal triumph has propelled Ulster to their first European Final in 20 years, where they will face French heavyweights Montpellier in Bilbao on May 22.
However, first they have two huge United Rugby Championship games at home against the high-flying Stormers and Glasgow Warriors as they look to secure a place in the play-offs. They currently lie in eighth spot, three points ahead of fellow Irish contenders Connacht, so the heat is on.
*READ: Trokkie on facing Stormers
Their recent URC form has been inconsistent. Back-to-back defeats to Leinster and Munster exposed vulnerabilities – something the squad were quick to acknowledge.
“We weren’t happy with what we put out on the pitch at home in our last two interpros,” said the 21-year-old Jack Murphy.
“We knew we needed to step up with a team like Exeter coming to town.
“It was a home semifinal, we hadn’t had one in 20 years, so we knew we had to make the most of it.
“We showed that when we get our stuff right, we can cause teams a lot of problems.”
Jack’s father, Richie Murphy, the Ulster head coach, took great heart from the display against the Chiefs, where his team pulled away after holding a narrow 10-7 interval lead.
Looking ahead to the URC run-in, Murphy said: “The focus will firmly switch now. We are back here on Friday night against the Stormers, which is never easy.
“They are another big, physical, fast team coming over to try and take us on.
“But if you had given us this at the start of the year, we would have bitten your hand off.”
*Additional source: URC
