Ross in charge at No10
DWAYNE PEEL admits that Ulster must up their game with a season-defining run of matches coming up.
After tomorrow’s clash with Dragons, they face Harlequins in back-to-back Champions Cup games, three inter-pros over the festive period and two more European clashes early in the New Year.
After all that, they will know what direction their season is heading and coach Peel (left) hopes recent displays against Southern Kings and Benetton Treviso will be a distant memory.
“It has not been good enough, we realise that as a group, it does not take a rocket scientist to see that,” he admitted. “It is just practice. There is no right or wrong.”
As well as a win, Ulster could do with a confidence-boosting performance. Peel said of Dragons: “Gavin Henson is giving them a bit of direction at 10 along with Sarel Pretorious at nine, those two in particular have led them around the park.
“They will be missing a number of Welsh internationals because Wales still have another game but they will be tough and be dogged, especially at home.” LEINSTER WITH all the focus on Johnny Sexton and Joey Carbery, another Leinster No10 has been playing himself into the Ireland picture in recent months.
Ross Byrne (above) has been in superb form for the province this season, his third in the blue jersey.
And with Carbery injured and Sexton probably kept in reserve, he is set to make his ninth start of this season against Treviso on Saturday.
“He’s a pretty cool character,” said team-mate Noel Reid. “A bit like myself, he’s just trying to look after his own shop, anytime he gets picked he’s just trying to do his best.
“In Leinster every position is so competitive, you put your best foot forward and it’s up to the coaches to pick you then.
“Going forward he’ll be really important for us.”
MUNSTER MUNSTER back row Jack O’donoghue is keen to become a first choice for every game now that a new coach has taken the reins.
Johann van Graan will pick his first Reds line-up this weekend as they host Ospreys. O’donoghue (inset) has been knocking on the door for the last couple of seasons but has found CJ Stander, Tommy O’donnell and Peter O’mahony all ahead of him.
The 23-year-old said: “It’s a fresh start for us, Johann made the point earlier we all start on zero. Everyone is on a level playing field and some players need that to get their season off and running again.
“There is great excitement around. Everyone is trying to put their best foot forward, showcase what they can do. There always is that excitement when a new face comes in, people are eager to impress.”