Ulster ready to meet fire with fire

HOME VICTORIES represent essential currency for those banking on making the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup. Ulster’s appetite to emerge from the pool is especially keen having enjoyed last year’s aperitif.

The pressure therefore on the home side in Belfast this afternoon is appreciable as they entertain Clermont Auvergne, a club with arguably the best playing roster in the tournament and who have made no secret of their goal to prioritise the European competition in this, their centenary season.

Johann Muller, Tom Court and Stephen Ferris have recovered from a variety of ailments that beset them during the win over Connacht. Ulster need them, both from a physical perspective and for intelligent direction through shrewd game management.

There will be no frills to the contest up front. Clermont coach Vern Cotter said as much when musing “It will probably be necessary to play (expansive rugby) a little less and instead dominate territory.” He has set his team up to win the collisions and try and shade the set-piece battle.

He has restored French internationals Julien Pierre and Julien Bonnaire to a huge pack that includes Nathan Hines but not the human penalty machine Jamie Cudmore. The Canadian is an abrasive presence but Ravenhill is not the right environment for a hair-trigger temperament.

Morgan Parra plays in the more orthodox role of scrumhalf, partnering new recruit and fellow French international David Skrela. Regan King was once a superb centre; the question is whether injuries have slightly eroded that prowess. He lines up alongside Aurelien Rougerie.

Brian O’Driscoll’s six-month injury sabbatical has prompted a surge in print to swear-in a deputy. Natural outside centre Darren Cave should be on any list. Trying to handle Rougerie will be an instructive benchmarking process.

The big French pack will hope to force penalties. Cotter spoke of the intensity with which they have trained all week after last week’s thumping by Stade Français. The Ulster eight has plenty of experience and a “dogs-of-war” style backrow. Ian Humphreys has the ability to successfully manage the game and post his place-kicks.

If Ulster had a two-word mission statement this afternoon, they can look to their anthem for a clue. Stand up.

Verdict:Ulster.

Today, kick-off 3.40pm Ravenhill, Live on Sky Sports 1